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Chefs Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Chefs and Sous Chefs

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$72K - $88K/yr

Currently interviewing and hiring Chefs, Sous Chefs and Line Cooks for Reposado in Palo Alto and San Mateo. Our mission statement is "Simple food done well." We are known for serving some of the best ...

Head 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 ...

Head 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 ...

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Sous Chef Job Location: San Francisco-USA-94128 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $85,000.00 - 90,000.00 About us Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a ...

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Luxury Wedding Event Team - Servers & Prep Chefs $24.00/hour | One-Day Event Event Details Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026 Shift: 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM Location: Angwin, CA Parking: Available at the ...

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Luxury Wedding Event Team - Servers & Prep Chefs $24.00/hour | One-Day Event Event Details Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026 Shift: 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM Location: Angwin, CA Parking: Available at the ...

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 ...

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 ...

Outside Sales Representative

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$75K - $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 ...

Sales Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/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 ...

Sales Associate East Bay

Dublin, 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 ...

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Chefs information

See California salary details

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How much do chefs jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 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 jobs can you get 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 training and certifications. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional kitchens.

What's the highest paying chef job?

Executive chefs, head chefs, or culinary directors typically earn the highest salaries among chef roles, especially in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private clubs. They often have extensive experience, leadership skills, and may oversee large teams and complex operations, which contribute to higher compensation.

What are some common challenges chefs face when working in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Chefs often encounter challenges such as managing time effectively during busy service periods, coordinating with kitchen staff to ensure dishes are prepared correctly and on schedule, and maintaining high standards of quality and consistency under pressure. Additionally, chefs must adapt quickly to unexpected situations, like last-minute menu changes or equipment issues. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential to navigate these challenges and keep the kitchen running smoothly.

What jobs do chefs do?

Chefs prepare, cook, and present food in restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments. They plan menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure food safety standards, and often specialize in specific cuisines or techniques. Strong cooking skills, creativity, and knowledge of food safety are essential for this role.

What is the highest paying type of chef?

Executive chefs, also known as head chefs, tend to be the highest paid among culinary professionals, often earning six-figure salaries in upscale restaurants, hotels, or private clubs. Specialized roles such as pastry chefs or culinary directors can also command high wages, especially with extensive experience and management responsibilities.

What are chefs and what do they do?

Chefs are culinary professionals who are responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. They often design menus, select ingredients, and oversee kitchen staff to ensure the quality and consistency of dishes. Chefs may specialize in certain cuisines or techniques, and they must maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety. In addition to cooking, chefs often manage budgets, order supplies, and train junior staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chef, you need strong culinary skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of food safety and kitchen operations, often supported by formal culinary training or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and inventory software is typically required. Excellent teamwork, leadership, and time management abilities set standout chefs apart. These skills ensure consistently high-quality dishes, efficient kitchen workflows, and a positive dining experience for guests.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chefs jobs in California? The most popular types of Chefs jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Chefs jobs in California? For Chefs jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,756 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Chefs and Sous Chefs

Chefs and Sous Chefs

Reposado

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$72K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

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Job description

Currently interviewing and hiring Chefs, Sous Chefs and Line Cooks for Reposado in Palo Alto and San Mateo.


Our mission statement is "Simple food done well."


We are known for serving some of the best food and service on the Peninsula. We have achieved this by hiring hard-working talent who share our commitment to excellence. We encourage individual growth and challenge ourselves to always improve ourselves.


In particular we are searching for working Chefs with a passion for what they do and opportunity to grow.

Respond by email or apply in person between 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm at 236 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301


SOUS CHEF RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Overseeing the daily operation of the kitchen
  • Menu/event planning including recipe and product development
  • Hiring/staffing
  • Scheduling
  • Staff training including support documentation
  • Control profit and loss, food and labor costs
  • Ensure safety and sanitation, and general maintenance of facilities.

Candidates should have:

  • Chef de Cuisine, minimum of 2 years supervisory experience
  • Sous Chef minimum 1 year supervisory experience
  • Certification, AOS or equivalent in culinary a plus
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Proficient in Word and Excel
  • Reliable transportation to and from work
  • Authorized to work in the United States
  • Ability to maneuver around all areas of the kitchen, stand for periods for up to 10 hours, work in close quarters, bend, scoop, reach, push and pull, and lift trays up to 25 lbs., and lift other food products and boxes up to 50 lbs


www.reposadorestaurant.com (links to all our restaurants)

Company Description

Reposado is a fun eating house serving amazing, delicious Mexican food.
We don't think of ourselves as fine dining, even if our food is truly exceptionally fine and represents the diversity and culture of Mexican Cuisine. So, please come join us deliver a fun and deeply satisfying experience to our guests. We look forward to you being part of the Reposado experience.