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Chef Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Mountain View, CA

$59K - $79K/yr

This role serves as the primary operational right hand to the Executive Chef, helping to execute culinary standards, manage kitchen workflow, and develop team members. Working as the Sous Chef, you ...

Bon Appetit

Sous Chef

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

This role serves as the primary operational right hand to the Executive Chef, helping to execute culinary standards, manage kitchen workflow, and develop team members. Working as the Sous Chef, you ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

This role serves as the primary operational right hand to the Executive Chef, helping to execute culinary standards, manage kitchen workflow, and develop team members. Working as the Sous Chef, you ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

This role serves as the primary operational right hand to the Executive Chef, helping to execute culinary standards, manage kitchen workflow, and develop team members. Working as the Sous Chef, you ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

... help lead the culinary team. Qualifications: * 2+ years in a Sous Chef or comparable leadership role in fine dining or upscale full-service kitchens * Solid technical skills with scratch cooking ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef- Carmel, CA

Carmel, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... help lead the culinary team. Qualifications: * 2+ years in a Sous Chef or comparable leadership role in fine dining or upscale full-service kitchens * Solid technical skills with scratch cooking ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef- Santa Clara

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... help lead the culinary team. Qualifications: * 2+ years in a Sous Chef or comparable leadership role in fine dining or upscale full-service kitchens * Solid technical skills with scratch cooking ...

the girl & the fig

Chef

Sonoma, CA

$80K - $95K/yr

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a new concept from the ground up--helping to shape ... Chef: $80k to $95k expected annual starting range * Compensation based on experience and ...

Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds

Chef

Occidental, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Commis Chef Our camp and conference grounds is seeking a dependable, team-oriented Commis Chef to ... Help receive and properly store deliveries * Follow food safety and health department guidelines

Alliance Redwoods

Chef

Occidental, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Commis Chef Our camp and conference grounds is seeking a dependable, team-oriented Commis Chef to ... Help receive and properly store deliveries * Follow food safety and health department guidelines

Alliance Redwoods

Chef

Occidental, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Commis Chef Our camp and conference grounds is seeking a dependable, team-oriented Commis Chef to ... Help receive and properly store deliveries * Follow food safety and health department guidelines

Sand & Sea

Sous Chef

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

The Sous Chef will help orchestrate the production of the menu to prepare and cook food for hotel guests and the public with the assistance of the culinary team. The Sous Chef is a part of the ...

Sand & Sea

Sous Chef

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

The Sous Chef will help orchestrate the production of the menu to prepare and cook food for hotel guests and the public with the assistance of the culinary team. The Sous Chef is a part of the ...

Gardenia los Gatos

Executive Chef

Los Gatos, CA

$83K - $115K/yr

We are seeking an Executive Chef to help shape the culinary identity of Gardenia as we build an upscale French-Asian fusion style that feels distinctive, refined, and deeply welcoming. This is an ...

the girl & the fig

Sous Chef

Sonoma, CA

$70K - $85K/yr

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a new concept from the ground up--helping to shape ... Chef: $80k to $95k expected annual starting range * Compensation based on experience and ...

Onsen

Executive Chef

San Francisco, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

We are seeking an Executive Chef to lead the culinary direction of the restaurant while helping shape the next chapter of Onsen's growth. This is a hands on leadership role for a chef who enjoys ...

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All JobsChef Helper JobsChef Helper Jobs in California

Chef Helper information

See California salary details

$7

$16

$30

How much do chef helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef helper in California is $16.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.95 and $17.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a kitchen helper?

To become a kitchen helper, no formal education is usually required, but basic cooking skills and knowledge of food safety are beneficial. Employers often look for reliability, ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. Gaining experience through entry-level positions or short training programs can improve job prospects.

What is a chef's helper called?

A chef's helper is commonly called a kitchen assistant or line cook assistant. They support chefs by preparing ingredients, cleaning workstations, and assisting with basic cooking tasks, often gaining experience for future culinary roles.

What are some typical daily tasks and challenges faced by a Chef Helper in a professional kitchen?

As a Chef Helper, your daily tasks typically include assisting with food preparation, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, organizing ingredients, and supporting chefs with basic cooking tasks. One common challenge is working efficiently in a fast-paced environment, especially during busy meal times. You'll also need to adapt quickly to changing priorities and follow strict food safety standards. Collaborating closely with chefs and other kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and timely meal preparation.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A chef helper typically does not earn $10,000 a month without significant experience or advancement. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree often include specialized trades like commercial pilot, real estate broker, or sales manager, which rely on skills, certifications, or commissions rather than formal education. Most jobs with such high earnings require experience, certifications, or entrepreneurial efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chef Helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chef Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen appliances, food safety standards, and sometimes certifications like a Food Handler's Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure kitchen operations run smoothly, food quality is maintained, and safety standards are upheld.

What is the difference between Chef Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectChef HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; basic culinary training often preferredHigh school diploma; may require food safety certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsCommercial kitchens, catering services, restaurants
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesUsed interchangeably with Chef Helper in many settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasksSupporting kitchen staff, prep work, cleaning

Both Chef Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles involve supporting kitchen operations with food prep and cleaning. While their responsibilities are similar, 'Chef Helper' is often used in more formal culinary settings, whereas 'Kitchen Assistant' may be more common in casual or institutional environments. Both positions typically require basic food safety knowledge and a high school diploma.

What does a chef helper do?

A chef helper assists in food preparation, such as chopping, measuring, and organizing ingredients, and supports the chef or kitchen staff with various tasks. They often work in fast-paced environments, follow safety and hygiene standards, and may need basic cooking skills or certifications. Their role helps ensure smooth kitchen operations and timely meal service.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in California? The most popular types of Chef jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Chef Helper jobs? Cities in California with the most Chef Helper job openings:
Chef Helper jobs near you

Sushi Chef/ Sushi Helper for KUSAKABE Fine Dining Japanese Restaurant

KUSAKABE

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Do you like Japanese cuisine? Do you have passion to make authentic sushi?

KUSAKABE is now hiring a Sushi chef/sushi helper.

We are a fine-dining Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, Financial District, with high ratings on Yelp and Google.

-Competitive Pay and Raise

-Great Benefits

-401K MATCH Retirement Plan

-Health Insurance and Support

-Commute fees coverage

-Employee Discount on Fish purchases

-Paid Time Off

-Friendly coworkers and management team

But most importantly, we provide very good working environment and career experiences. You will learn and earn.

THE FIRST STEP IS SEND US YOUR RESUME.

We are looking for professional, experienced, fast-paced, detail oriented Sushi chef / helper who can work long hours but also flexible with work schedule. You need to be a good listener, have good work ethics and do great teamwork.

Working Days: TBD. Full time.

Job responsibility:

-Learn and serve Sushi in Kyoto style

-Miscellaneous prep work for indoor dining and takeout orders

-Janitorial work

-Interact with guests while serving

Criteria:

-Preferably 3+ years of sushi chef/sushi helper experience

-Have a Food handler certificate or will have one

-Be able to understand English. If you understand Japanese language and culture, that's a plus

-Must have a working permit or is a U.S. Citizenship

Look forward to seeing you!

Thank you.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Paid sick time
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program

Experience level:

  • 3 years
  • 5 years

Restaurant type:

  • Fine dining restaurant

Shift:

  • 10 hour shift
  • Night shift

COVID-19 considerations:

All workers are vaccinated. Safety is number one priority for us.

Experience:

  • Sushi Chef/Hellper: 3 years (Required)

Company Description

Authentic Kyo-kaiseki style restaurant. Small and cozy space with friendly staff. We work with the team, and thrive together.