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Chef Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$58K - $79K/yr

The Sous Chef for The Mina Group plays a vital leadership role in daily kitchen operations ... Desire to teach and mentor both your staff and culinary interns * Basic Qualifications * minimum of ...

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

The Sous Chef for The Mina Group plays a vital leadership role in daily kitchen operations ... Desire to teach and mentor both your staff and culinary interns * Basic Qualifications * minimum of ...

Commis Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

Executive Chef Join Our Culinary Team Do you have a passion for food and a desire to learn from ... internships, or personal passion • Ability to work on your feet throughout the shift • Ability ...

Executive Chef Join Our Culinary Team Do you have a passion for food and a desire to learn from ... Some culinary experience through work, culinary school, internships, or personal passion * Ability ...

Executive Chef Join Our Culinary Team Do you have a passion for food and a desire to learn from ... internships, or personal passion • Ability to work on your feet throughout the shift • Ability ...

Support team members and interns while fostering a positive work environment * Work safely, address ... Prior Sous Chef experience; restaurant or hospitality preferred * Food Handler Certification or ...

PM Sous Chef

Groveland, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Support team members and interns while fostering a positive work environment * Work safely, address ... Prior Sous Chef experience; restaurant or hospitality preferred * Food Handler Certification or ...

Optical Engineer - Amplifiers

Fremont, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

... internship experience * 1 year experience in theory of Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA), Raman ... At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ...

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Chef Internship information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do chef internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef internship in California is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the chef internship position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chef Intern, you need basic culinary skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn, typically supported by enrollment in or completion of a culinary arts program. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety regulations, and basic knife handling techniques is often expected. Strong time management, teamwork, and communication skills help interns adapt to the fast-paced kitchen environment. These abilities ensure you can contribute effectively, follow instructions accurately, and develop professionally within a kitchen team.

What is a chef internship?

A Chef Internship is a hands-on learning experience where aspiring chefs work in a professional kitchen under the guidance of experienced chefs. Interns assist with food preparation, cooking, plating, and kitchen organization while developing essential culinary skills. This role provides valuable industry exposure, helping interns gain practical knowledge and improve their efficiency in a fast-paced environment. Chef internships are typically offered by restaurants, hotels, and catering companies, and may lead to full-time employment opportunities.

What kind of training and mentorship can I expect during a chef internship?

During a Chef Internship, you can expect hands-on training alongside experienced chefs and kitchen staff, often involving rotation through different kitchen stations to develop a well-rounded skill set. Interns typically receive direct mentorship from senior chefs who provide feedback on technique, timing, and kitchen best practices. You’ll have the opportunity to observe and participate in day-to-day kitchen operations, from preparing ingredients to plating dishes. This immersive experience helps build confidence and can be a strong stepping stone for advancing to higher-level culinary roles after the internship.

What do chef interns do?

Chef interns assist with food preparation, cooking, and kitchen cleanup under the supervision of professional chefs. They gain hands-on experience with kitchen tools, food safety practices, and culinary techniques while supporting daily kitchen operations.

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 Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Chef Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 65% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,523 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Sous Chef

MINA Group

San Francisco, CA

$58K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Mina Group is a industry leading hospitality group led by James Beard Award winning chef Michael Mina. We manage more than 30 concepts across the US, partnering with numerous industry leaders including the Four Seasons, MGM hotels, JW Marriott and Regent Hotels. Our goal is to elevate the craft of hospitality by delivering one-of-a-kind memories to our guests. We will recruit and develop leaders who share our obsession for hospitality and embrace our values of empathy, adaptability, and selflessness.

About the Role:

The Sous Chef for The Mina Group plays a vital leadership role in daily kitchen operations, supporting the Executive Chef and mentoring line cooks to deliver excellence at every service. With strong technical skills, a focus on organization, and a collaborative spirit, the Sous Chef ensures consistency in food quality, safety, and presentation while helping manage inventory, labor, and training. This role is hands-on in the kitchen, balancing execution with leadership to elevate both guest experiences and team performance.

What we offer:

  • Competitive salary and great benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage for eligible employees

  • 401K with 3% company match

  • Bonus programs

  • Cell phone reimbursement

  • Pre-tax commuter benefits

  • Delicious daily family meal

  • Up to 50% meal discount at Mina Group restaurants

  • Flexible schedules

  • Fun, dynamic, and innovative atmosphere

  • Career advancement opportunities and progressive development plans

Our Ideal candidate is:

A detail oriented culinary leader who will operate the kitchen on a daily basis with professionalism, respect, efficiency, knowledge and awareness. You will understand the philosophy of the Chef and adhere to all restaurant policies. You will mentor and lead junior staff members and uphold restaurant standards and cleanliness.

Our ideal candidate will supervise and coordinate the planning, training, and leadership necessary to achieve stated objectives in sales, costs, employee retention, guest service and satisfaction, food quality, cleanliness and sanitation. You will work with the Chef and HR to develop an atmosphere that embraces diversity, education, and discipline and lead execution of service and staff development using a variety of management tools, including line checks, mentorship, and performance management.

What you bring to the table:

  • Personal Attributes

    • Exceptional communication and organizational skills

    • Gracious spirit of hospitality

    • Intellectual curiosity and emotional maturity

    • Continually strive to develop staff in all areas of food education

    • Ability to work clean, organized, and lead a team

  • Professional Attributes

    • Advanced knowledge of kitchen fundamentals (knife skills, butchery, sauces, fabrication, all kitchen stations)

    • Knowledge of financial reporting and ability to analyze data

    • Have a strong eye towards development both personal and for your team

    • Desire to teach and mentor both your staff and culinary interns

  • Basic Qualifications

    • minimum of 2 years’ experience in a fine dining high volume kitchen, with at least 1 years in a leadership role

    • Knowledge of safety and hygiene protocols

    • Working knowledge of HR practices and labor laws

    • Ability to frequently lift up to 40 pounds

    • Have the stamina to work in excess of 50 hours per week

    • Spanish language skills a plus

Salary Range:

The Mina Group, LLC and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We welcome applicants from a wide variety of identities, ideas and experiences and, pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and other aspects of employment, please contact Mina Group Human Resources by emailing hrsupport@minagroup.net.