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Chef Job Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Head Chef

Temecula, CA

$75K - $80K/yr

HEAD CHEF Temecula, California About the Opportunity A well regarded winery destination in Temecula is seeking a talented and hands on Head Chef to support the culinary operation of its Spanish ...

Executive Chef/Chef

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $104K/yr

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Chef who is passionate about seafood and dedicated to culinary excellence. For over 25 years, the Water Grill has sated the palates of seafood lovers in ...

Tandoori chef NOW HIRING - TANDOOR CHEF Tandoori House - San Diego, CA We are looking for an experienced Tandoor Chef to join our team! Looking for someone experienced in: Tandoori Chicken & Chicken ...

New

Chef

Culver City, CA

$90K - $115K/yr

The Executive Chef role offers an opportunity for a culinary leader to bring creativity, entrepreneurial thinking, and a passion for exceptional dining to the forefront of each resident's experience.

Executive Chef Compensation Management Training Program (First 30 Days) All Executive Chef candidates are required to successfully complete Shawarma Guys' mandatory 30-Day Management Training Program ...

Sous Chef

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

$75000 per year - $90000 per year The Sous Chef is responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in leading a team of culinary professionals that deliver high-quality, great tasting food; proper food ...

Portfolio Project Chef Salary: 135,000-150,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service!

Portfolio Project Chef Salary: 135,000-150,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service!

Executive Chef Compensation Management Training Program (First 30 Days) All Executive Chef candidates are required to successfully complete Shawarma Guys' mandatory 30-Day Management Training Program ...

Sous Chef

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

$75000 per year - $90000 per year The Sous Chef is responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in leading a team of culinary professionals that deliver high-quality, great tasting food; proper food ...

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

$75000 per year - $90000 per year The Sous Chef is responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in leading a team of culinary professionals that deliver high-quality, great-tasting food; proper food ...

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

$75000 per year - $90000 per year The Sous Chef is responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in leading a team of culinary professionals that deliver high-quality, great-tasting food; proper food ...

Portfolio Project Chef Salary: 135,000-150,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service!

Portfolio Project Chef Salary: 135,000-150,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service!

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Sous Chef Salt + Soil -- San Diego, CA Part-time, 24 hours per week to start with a path to full-time ยท $26.00-$30.00 per hour About Salt + Soil Salt + Soil is an organic, seed-oil-free meal ...

$75000 per year - $90000 per year The Sous Chef is responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in leading a team of culinary professionals that deliver high-quality, great-tasting food; proper food ...

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

$75000 per year - $90000 per year The Sous Chef is responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in leading a team of culinary professionals that deliver high-quality, great-tasting food; proper food ...

Sous Chef

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

$75000 per year - $90000 per year The Sous Chef is responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in leading a team of culinary professionals that deliver high-quality, great tasting food; proper food ...

SOUS CHEF

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

SOUS CHEF - EVENTS Reports To: Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef Supervises: Production Cooks, Prep Cooks, Event Chefs, Kitchen Assistants, Event Kitchen Staff (as assigned) About The Wild Thyme ...

Showing results 21-40

Chef Job information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do chef job jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef job in California is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 25 too late to become a chef?

Age is not a barrier to becoming a chef; many successful chefs start their careers in their late teens or later. Skills such as cooking techniques, time management, and gaining experience through culinary schools or apprenticeships are more important than age. People can pursue culinary training at any age and build a career in the culinary industry.

What is the difference between Chef Job vs Cook Job?

AspectChef JobCook Job
CredentialsOften requires culinary certifications or degreesMay not require formal certifications
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsVaries from restaurants to catering, sometimes more basic settings
ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, quality controlFood preparation, cooking, basic kitchen tasks
Industry UsageCommonly used in fine dining and upscale establishmentsUsed across a wide range of food service settings

The main difference between a Chef Job and a Cook Job lies in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment. Chefs typically hold formal training, oversee kitchen operations, and work in professional, often upscale, settings. Cooks focus on food preparation and cooking tasks, often with less formal training, working in various food service environments. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify roles that match their skills and career goals.

What jobs can you do as a chef?

As a chef, you can work in various roles such as executive chef, sous chef, pastry chef, line cook, or kitchen manager. These positions involve preparing food, managing kitchen staff, and overseeing culinary operations, often requiring culinary skills, certifications, and experience in different cuisines or kitchen environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef Job jobs in California? The most popular types of Chef Job jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Chef Job jobs? Cities in California with the most Chef Job job openings:
Infographic showing various Chef Job job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,554 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

HEAD CHEF

Temecula, California

About the Opportunity

A well regarded winery destination in Temecula is seeking a talented and hands on Head Chef to support the culinary operation of its Spanish fusion restaurant. This is a working chef position reporting directly to the Executive Chef and is ideal for a culinary leader who thrives in a polished yet approachable dining environment.

The restaurant delivers a Spanish inspired menu featuring flavorful classics, modern California fare with a twist, shareable plates, seasonal dishes, desserts, wine pairings, and craft beverages. The goal is to provide guests with a high quality food experience in an atmosphere of sophisticated comfort, hospitality, and consistency.

Position Summary

The Head Chef will play a key role in daily kitchen operations while working side by side with the team on the line and in prep. 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 restaurant setting.

This is a strong opportunity for a chef who is passionate about Spanish fusion cuisine, values teamwork, and takes pride in delivering a memorable guest experience through great food and strong kitchen leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in all back of house kitchen operations

• Work as a hands on culinary leader during prep and service

• Execute menu items consistently with attention to flavor, presentation, and quality

• Assist with ordering, inventory, prep systems, and product rotation

• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards throughout the kitchen

• Help train, coach, and motivate line cooks and prep team members

• Ensure efficient ticket times and proper execution during service

• Monitor quality and consistency of all dishes leaving the kitchen

• Assist with seasonal menu changes, specials, and recipe development

• Support labor and food cost control through proper prep, portioning, and waste management

• Maintain a positive and professional kitchen culture focused on teamwork and accountability

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or comparable culinary leadership role

• Strong working knowledge of kitchen operations in a full service restaurant environment

• Experience with Spanish, Mediterranean, California cuisine, or chef driven menus is highly preferred

• Ability to lead by example in a working chef capacity

• Strong communication, organization, and team development skills

• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen best practices

• Ability to perform well in a fast paced, guest focused environment

• Dependable, detail oriented, and passionate about hospitality and culinary excellence

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary up to $75,000 - 80000

• Medical and dental benefits available after 3 months

• Sick pay

• Vacation

Why This Role Stands Out

• Opportunity to work in a scenic winery setting in Temecula

• Chef driven restaurant with a Spanish fusion culinary identity

• Strong guest experience focus with restaurant and patio dining

• Live music and a vibrant hospitality atmosphere

• Opportunity to grow under the leadership of an Executive Chef in a respected culinary environment