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Chef Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Sausalito, CA ยท On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

Experienced Sous Chef - Scoma's Restaurant, Sausalito Scoma's Restaurant in Sausalito is seeking an ... Help maintain a positive, professional, and team-oriented kitchen environment

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

Lead and support the kitchen team every day,coaching, teaching, and helping everyone stay confident and on track * Assumes responsibilities of Executive Chef when he/she not available ie. Vacation ...

Lead and support the kitchen team every day,coaching, teaching, and helping everyone stay confident and on track * Assumes responsibilities of Executive Chef when he/she not available ie. Vacation ...

Experienced Sous Chef - Scoma's Restaurant, Sausalito Scoma's Restaurant in Sausalito is seeking an ... Help maintain a positive, professional, and team-oriented kitchen environment More detail about ...

Sous Chef

Encinitas, CA ยท On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

Train with the chef owner to confidently cook any item on the menu and operate all kitchen ... Label, date, and rotate all product to ensure freshness; track and help minimize food waste. Team ...

Train with the chef owner to confidently cook any item on the menu and operate all kitchen ... Help place orders, negotiate pricing, and source new products seasonally. Menu & Concept ...

Assistant Chef

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$26 - $33/hr

As we rebuild our San Francisco sushi program, we're looking for a Sushi 2nd Chef / Assistant Chef to support our sushi chef in day-to-day service and help maintain the standard that earned us ...

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

Lead and support the kitchen team every day,coaching, teaching, and helping everyone stay confident and on track * Assumes responsibilities of Executive Chef when he/she not available ie. Vacation ...

Assistant Chef

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$26 - $33/hr

As we rebuild our San Francisco sushi program, we're looking for a Sushi 2nd Chef / Assistant Chef to support our sushi chef in day-to-day service and help maintain the standard that earned us ...

SOUS CHEF

San Diego, CA ยท 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

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $75K/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 ...

Cafe Chef

Palos Verdes Estates, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Opportunity for advancement Cafe Chef At Lunada Market & Kitchen, we believe food creates ... Creative, collaborative, and excited to help grow an already successful concept * Someone who ...

Sous Chef

Manhattan Beach, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

We are a collection of eclectic, chef-driven restaurants renowned for our soulful food, engaging ... To seek assistance or opt-out of our SMS messages, you can reply with "HELP" or "STOP" at any time.

Sous Chef

Saint Helena, CA ยท On-site

$61K - $82K/yr

... and helping us build a restaurant that we hope will be a part of the St. Helena community for generations to come. About Chef Elliot and Charlie's: Elliot Bell, a 10-year veteran of Thomas Keller ...

... and helping us build a restaurant that we hope will be a part of the St. Helena community for generations to come. About Chef Elliot and Charlie's: Elliot Bell, a 10-year veteran of Thomas Keller ...

Head Chef

Livermore, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

HEAD CHEF We are looking for an experienced and motivated Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and help maintain high standards in our back-of-house operations. Responsibilities: * Oversee daily ...

Executive Chef Join Our Culinary Team Do you have a passion for food and a desire to learn from ... Help create memorable food and wine pairings for our guests. * Maintain an exceptionally clean ...

Showing results 21-40

Chef Helper information

See California salary details

$7

$16

$30

How much do chef helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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.

What are the typical daily tasks and challenges of a chef helper?

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?

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.

How to become a chef helper?

To become a chef helper, typically no formal education is required, but previous experience in food preparation or kitchen work can be beneficial. Employers often look for basic cooking skills, ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. Gaining experience through entry-level kitchen positions or culinary training programs can improve job prospects.

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 duties help 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:

Infographic showing various Chef Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,681 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

$56K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

 Experienced Sous Chef โ€“ Scoma's Restaurant, Sausalito
Scoma's Restaurant in Sausalito is seeking an experienced Sous Chef with strong leadership, organizational, and management skills to join our culinary team.
Qualifications:
Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Sous Chef in a high-volume restaurant
Previous seafood restaurant experience preferred
Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
Must be able to lift 40 lbs and stand for long periods of time.
Responsibilities:
Assist with purchasing, receiving, inventory, and quality control
Maintain prep systems, par levels, portion control, and sanitation standards
Ensure the highest quality in food preparation and presentation
Work closely with the Executive Chef and management team to develop and implement new menu items
Lead, train, coach, and supervise kitchen staff
Maintain compliance with all Health Department food safety and sanitation regulations
Fill in on any kitchen station as needed
Relieve chef and is responsible for kitchen team when chef is absent.
Help maintain a positive, professional, and team-oriented kitchen environment