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Chef Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Quince

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$58K - $79K/yr

The Sous Chef serves as a mentor, teacher, and culture carrier, helping translate the culinary vision into flawless daily execution while fostering a respectful, collaborative, and high-performing ...

Quince

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$95K/yr

The Sous Chef serves as a mentor, teacher, and culture carrier, helping translate the culinary vision into flawless daily execution while fostering a respectful, collaborative, and high-performing ...

FIRST LIGHT RESORTS LLC

Executive Chef

Groveland, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

We're looking for an Executive Chef who is excited about providing memorable cuisine and hospitality experiences and helping support a fun and rewarding work environment. WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE

Constellation Brands

Assistant, Sous Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

The Assistant Sous Chef actively supports efficient workflow and communication between stations, helping to coordinate service during busy periods and ensuring that dishes are delivered in a timely ...

Quince

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$58K - $79K/yr

The Sous Chef serves as a mentor, teacher, and culture carrier, helping translate the culinary vision into flawless daily execution while fostering a respectful, collaborative, and high-performing ...

Constellation Brands

Assistant, Sous Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

The Assistant Sous Chef actively supports efficient workflow and communication between stations, helping to coordinate service during busy periods and ensuring that dishes are delivered in a timely ...

A16 - Oakland

Sous Chef

Oakland, CA

$75K - $83K/yr

Chef de Cuisine & Corporate Executive Chef Status: Full-Time, ExemptPosition Summary The A16 ... Help develop scalable systems, checklists, and procedures as A16 Rockridge's events business grows.

New

Constellation Brands

Assistant, Sous Chef

Oakville, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

The Assistant Sous Chef actively supports efficient workflow and communication between stations, helping to coordinate service during busy periods and ensuring that dishes are delivered in a timely ...

FIRST LIGHT RESORTS LLC

Executive Chef

Groveland, CA

$85K/yr

We're looking for an Executive Chef who is excited about providing memorable cuisine and hospitality experiences and helping support a fun and rewarding work environment. WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE

SUSHI DADDY GROUP INC

Sushi Chef

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

We are currently hiring sushi chefs and sushi helpers to further expand our business. We are adding additional night shifts (5 PM-11:00 PM) Tuesday through Sunday! Contact us today and start right ...

SUSHI DADDY GROUP INC

Sushi Chef

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

We are currently hiring sushi chefs and sushi helpers to further expand our business. We are adding additional night shifts (5 PM-11:00 PM) Tuesday through Sunday! Contact us today and start right ...

A16 - Oakland

Sous Chef

Oakland, CA

$57K - $77K/yr

Chef de Cuisine & Corporate Executive Chef Status: Full-Time, ExemptPosition Summary The A16 ... Help develop scalable systems, checklists, and procedures as A16 Rockridge's events business grows.

Constellation Brands, Inc.

Assistant, Sous Chef

Oakville, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

The Assistant Sous Chef actively supports efficient workflow and communication between stations, helping to coordinate service during busy periods and ensuring that dishes are delivered in a timely ...

Fat of the Land - Irvine

Sous Chef

Irvine, CA

$53K - $72K/yr

Sous Chefs - Fat of the Land Location: Santa Ana, CA and Irvine, CA Position: Two separate ... Help train, mentor, and inspire the kitchen team. * Assist with ordering, inventory, food costing ...

Brigaid

Santa Maria Brigaid Chef

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Santa Maria Program Chef Location: Santa Maria, CA Compensation: $70,400 plus full benefits ... Our team brings the systems and solutions to help kitchens consistently and confidently prepare ...

Brigaid

Santa Maria Brigaid Chef

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Santa Maria Program Chef Location: Santa Maria, CA Compensation: $70,400 plus full benefits ... Our team brings the systems and solutions to help kitchens consistently and confidently prepare ...

Fat of the Land - Irvine

Sous Chef

Irvine, CA

$22 - $24/hr

Sous Chefs - Fat of the Land Location: Santa Ana, CA and Irvine, CA Position: Two separate ... Help train, mentor, and inspire the kitchen team. * Assist with ordering, inventory, food costing ...

New School Hospitality

Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$70K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef Location: Pacific Palisades, CA Restaurant: Spacca Tutto Spacca Tutto is a bold new ... Help junior culinary leaders develop their management and leadership skills. Food Safety ...

Songbird Parlour

Sous Chef

Glen Ellen, CA

$36.06 - $38.46/hr

Working closely with our Executive Chef, this role is the backbone of daily kitchen operations ... Provide ongoing feedback and support to help the team consistently meet kitchen standards. Schedule ...

Bubba Gump

Chef

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$72K - $82K/yr

We're seeking a Chef who can support daily kitchen operations, maintain consistency and quality, and help lead a strong, motivated team. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, take pride in ...

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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 Aug 16, 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.

How to become a chef helper?

To become a chef helper, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in food preparation or kitchen work. On-the-job training is common, and strong organizational skills, ability to follow instructions, and teamwork are important. Some positions may require basic food safety certifications or knowledge of kitchen equipment.

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.

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:

Chef Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% 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.

Sous Chef

Quince

San Francisco, CA

$58K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Quince – Sous Chef About Quince

Quince is a three-Michelin-star restaurant located in San Francisco’s historic Jackson Square neighborhood, offering contemporary California cuisine grounded in Italian and French culinary traditions. Our menus are driven by seasonality and craftsmanship, sourcing the finest ingredients from local farmers, fishermen, and purveyors to create a dining experience defined by precision, restraint, and beauty.

Led by Executive Chef Michael Tusk, Quince is internationally recognized for its commitment to culinary excellence, sustainability, and genuine hospitality. As part of Quince & Co., we are dedicated to mentorship, professional growth, and building thoughtful, long-term careers in hospitality.

Position Summary

The Sous Chef is a key member of the kitchen leadership team, responsible for supporting the Chef de Cuisine in all back-of-house operations and daily execution. This role blends hands-on cooking with team leadership, ensuring consistent quality, disciplined organization, and adherence to Quince’s exacting standards.

The Sous Chef serves as a mentor, teacher, and culture carrier, helping translate the culinary vision into flawless daily execution while fostering a respectful, collaborative, and high-performing kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities Kitchen Leadership & Operations

  • Support the Chef de Cuisine in all BOH operations, including service execution, prep, and production

  • Execute and oversee daily prep lists according to established pars and timelines

  • Train, guide, and mentor cooks and prep staff on proper techniques, station organization, and pacing

  • Maintain accurate and reasonable production schedules and labor flow for the BOH team

  • Step into cooking stations as needed to support service, coverage, or emergencies

  • Ensure team members receive mandated meal and rest breaks

Standards, Safety & Compliance

  • Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards across the kitchen and storage areas

  • Oversee proper storage, labeling, rotation, and organization of all food items in walk-ins and dry storage

  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements for food handling and sanitation

Inventory & Cost Control

  • Conduct monthly inventory in collaboration with kitchen leadership

  • Partner with Chefs to manage food costs and maintain inventory aligned with Quince COGS goals

Culinary Development

  • Participate in menu development, tastings, and recipe refinement under the direction of the Chef de Cuisine

  • Support the execution of seasonal menu changes and special tastings

Team Culture & Development

  • Foster a positive, respectful, and disciplined kitchen culture rooted in mentorship and accountability

  • Communicate clearly and effectively with BOH and cross-functional leadership

  • Model professionalism, curiosity, and continuous improvement

Qualifications Required

  • Previous fine-dining restaurant experience required; Michelin-star experience strongly preferred

  • Demonstrated leadership experience in a professional kitchen environment

  • Strong organizational, communication, and teaching skills

  • Advanced knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards

  • Food Handler’s Certification (or ability to obtain prior to start)

Preferred

  • Experience in tasting-menu or high-execution fine-dining environments

  • Strong inventory management and cost-control skills

  • Passion for seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine and craft

Why Quince

Quince offers a rare opportunity to lead within one of the most respected kitchens in the country, where discipline, creativity, and hospitality coexist. This is a role for a chef who seeks mastery, mentorship, and long-term growth within a culture that values craft, integrity, and excellence.
Relocation and housing support available. 

Apply