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Chef Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Role - Sushi Chef Helper A Sushi Chef Helper requires good communication and at least 1-2 years experience in a Sushi Cook position. Basic sushi preparation and recipe knowledge required.

New

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Sous Chef

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Help develop new dishes. You will have the freedom to create and execute. * Train and mentor other chefs while maintaining high culinary standards. * Manage prep, organization, and quality control in ...

New

Sous Chef

Los Gatos, CA

$58K - $78K/yr

Help develop new dishes. You will have the freedom to create and execute. * Train and mentor other chefs while maintaining high culinary standards. * Manage prep, organization, and quality control in ...

Head Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

The Opportunity The Head Chef plays a vital leadership role at SkyChefs, helping drive a culture built on teamwork, excellence, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to our airline ...

Head Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

The Opportunity The Head Chef plays a vital leadership role at SkyChefs, helping drive a culture built on teamwork, excellence, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to our airline ...

... 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 ...

Chef

Occidental, CA

$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

Head Chef

Temecula, CA

$75K - $80K/yr

This individual will help execute the culinary vision of the Executive Chef, maintain food quality and presentation standards, support team development, and ensure smooth service in a mid volume ...

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

SOUS CHEF

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

Help maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen. * Serve as kitchen leader in the absence of the Chef de Cuisine. Event Leadership * Lead assigned catered events from load-out through service ...

Sous Chef

Napa, CA

$56K - $76K/yr

Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, you will help lead daily kitchen operations, uphold exacting standards of quality and consistency, and mentor a talented culinary team. This role is ideal ...

Sous Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, you will help lead daily kitchen operations, uphold exacting standards of quality and consistency, and mentor a talented culinary team. This role is ideal ...

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Chef Helper information

See California salary details

$7

$16

$30

How much do chef helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 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, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic cooking or food handling skills. On-the-job training is common, and good communication, teamwork, and the ability to follow safety procedures are important for success in this role.

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 in a professional kitchen environment.

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 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 ingredients, assembling dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They support chefs and cooks by handling basic tasks, often working under supervision in a fast-paced environment, and may need to follow safety and hygiene standards.

How much is the salary for a kitchen helper?

The salary for a kitchen helper typically ranges from $10 to $15 per hour, depending on location, experience, and the establishment. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced helpers or those in high-cost areas can earn more. Overtime and tips may also contribute to overall compensation.
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:
Infographic showing various Chef Helper job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,681 per year, or $16.7 per hour.
Sushi Chef Helper

$28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 hours ago


Hyatt Hotels rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 255 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 108 rated hotels


Job description

Summary:
Find your place at Park Hyatt Aviara: Become part of one of San Diego's premiere destination locations, a AAA Five-Diamond luxury resort. Recently renovated with striking architecture, a beautiful spa, an 18-hole Arnold Palmer designed golf course, and a resort getaway that offers world-class recreation and relaxation amid 200 lush acres of natural beauty, Park Hyatt Aviara offers sophisticated, approachable luxury with distinct character highlighting our Carlsbad location.
About the Role - Sushi Chef Helper
A Sushi Chef Helper requires good communication and at least 1-2 years experience in a Sushi Cook position. Basic sushi preparation and recipe knowledge required. The desired cook candidate will have hotel cooking experience and a culinary degree. An intermediate cook should have a professional knowledge of cooking ingredients and procedures.
Wage Information
The hourly range for this position is $28.00.
Hyatt has a very competitive benefit package for colleagues, which may include:
  • Complimentary Employee Meal and Parking
  • Complimentary hotel nights and discounts at Hyatt properties around the world
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave
  • 401K with Matching
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Educational Reimbursement
  • And so much more!
Qualifications:
  • Requires good communication skills.
  • 3 years of previous line experience preferred.
  • Culinary degree or related hotel experience is preferred.
  • Candidates should be able to perform all basic and intermediate cooking skills.
  • Able to work multiple stations in the kitchen.
  • Requires moderate supervision and training.
All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran.

What Hyatt Hotels employees say

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Hyatt logo

About Hyatt

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Hyatt, we believe in the power of belonging and creating a culture of care, where our colleagues become family. Since 1957, our colleagues and our guests have been at the heart of our business and helped Hyatt become one of the best, and fastest-growing hospitality brands in the world. Our transformative growth and the addition of new hotels, brands, and business lines can open the door for exciting career and growth opportunities for our colleagues. As we continue to grow, we never lose sight of what's most important: People. We turn trips into journeys, encounters into experiences, and jobs into careers.

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1957