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Chefs Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

This role also serves as the primary leader for Sous Chefs, providing coaching, guidance, and support while fostering a collaborative workplace where employees can grow and succeed. For someone ...

New

Join Our Team as a Line Cook/Chef at Our Full-Service Comfort Food Restaurant! Are you passionate about cooking and ready to bring your skills to a welcoming, full-service restaurant? We specialize ...

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand building with broadline food service distribution for more than 40 years. With Protein, Specialty ...

New

Production Cutter

Richmond, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand building with broadline food service distribution for more than 35 years. With Protein, Specialty ...

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand building with broadline food service distribution for more than 40 years. With Protein, Specialty ...

Sales Associate

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand building with broadline food service distribution for more than 40 years. With Protein, Specialty ...

Production Cutter

Union City, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand building with broadline food service distribution for more than 35 years. With Protein, Specialty ...

Production Cutter

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand building with broadline food service distribution for more than 35 years. With Protein, Specialty ...

Production Cutter

Richmond, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand building with broadline food service distribution for more than 35 years. With Protein, Specialty ...

Outside sale rep

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand building with broadline food service distribution for more than 40 years. With Protein, Specialty ...

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand building with broadline food service distribution for more than 40 years. With Protein, Specialty ...

New

Chefs' Toys (a TriMark Company) Since our founding in 1988, great people have proven to be a fundamental ingredient in the recipe for our success. Our business philosophy is to treat everyone with ...

Executive Chef Location: Palm Springs/Palm Desert area Salary: $125,000 - $135,000 Base Salary + Bonus Benefits: MDV, PTO, 401(k), relocation assistance Property Description: Upscale resort ...

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand building with broadline food service distribution for more than 40 years. With Protein, Specialty ...

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Chefs information

See California salary details

$9

$20

$38

How much do chefs jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for chefs in California is $20.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chefs vs Cooks?

AspectChefsCooks
CredentialsFormal culinary training, certifications often preferredLess formal training, on-the-job experience common
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsVaried settings including restaurants, cafeterias, catering
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu creation, kitchen management, high-level cookingFood preparation, basic cooking tasks
Industry UsageLeadership roles in culinary establishmentsSupport roles, assisting Chefs

Chefs typically have formal training and oversee kitchen operations, while Cooks focus on food preparation and support the culinary team. Both roles are essential in the food service industry, but Chefs usually hold higher responsibilities and require more credentials.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chefs jobs in California?

The most popular types of Chefs jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Chefs jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Chefs jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Chefs jobs?

Cities in California with the most Chefs job openings:

Infographic showing various Chefs job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,756 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Executive Chef

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site


LSG Sky Chefs
Food Services and Drinking Places • 10K+ employees

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

334th of 366 rated logistics

People enjoy working here

Recommended by parents


$86K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Posting Start Date: 7/15/26
Job Title: Executive Chef
Job Location: Santa Ana-USA-92626
Work Location Type: On-Site
Salary Range: $86,417.73 - 108,021.41
About us
Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation's leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job - it's an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America's first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.
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 customers. Working closely with the Executive Chef, the Head Chef helps lead daily kitchen operations, supports and develops culinary teams, and ensures the highest standards of food quality, safety, and consistency. When the Executive Chef is away, the Head Chef seamlessly steps in to lead the operation, ensuring business continuity and a positive team environment. This role also serves as the primary leader for Sous Chefs, providing coaching, guidance, and support while fostering a collaborative workplace where employees can grow and succeed. For someone passionate about food, people, and operational excellence, the Head Chef role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.
Why You'll Love Working Here
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starting Day 1
• Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free meals and parking
• Career growth opportunities with a global organization
How You'll Make a Difference
In this role, you will:
  • Lead and support hot and cold food production teams in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
  • Ensure recipes, food quality standards, and presentation expectations are consistently met.
  • Monitor production levels, inventory, and food supplies to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently.
  • Partner with culinary leaders to develop new menu items and bring fresh ideas and food trends into the operation.
  • Help resolve customer concerns by identifying solutions and driving continuous improvement.
  • Coach, train, and develop kitchen team members to build skills, confidence, and career growth.
  • Support menu tastings, presentations, and special events for internal and customer audiences.
  • Maintain organized food storage areas and ensure proper product rotation to minimize waste.
  • Champion food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards at all times.
  • Verify the quality of ingredients and products received from suppliers.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture that reflects Sky Chefs' values.
  • Help manage labor, food, and operational costs while supporting efficiency and productivity goals.
  • Encourage innovation and continuous improvement by identifying new ideas, best practices, and opportunities to enhance the guest experience.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support quality initiatives, employee engagement, and operational excellence.

What You Bring to the Table
  • Five years of experience in commercial cooking.
  • Apprenticeship or Graduation from an accredited culinary school
  • Additional certifications (e.g. diet chef, industrial chef, design chef,) or equivalent professional experience preferred
  • Certification with the American Culinary Federation a plus
  • Knowledge of food and hygiene regulations (example: HACCP)
  • Good communication and organizational skills
  • Service orientation
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer applications

SkyChefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.


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