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Cooking Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cook | Chef

Fallbrook, CA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Cook/Chef Job Duties: The Cook/Chef shall possess the skills and experience necessary to stock, prepare, and serve food to appropriate number of clients and staff. The Cook/Chef shall interact at all ...

Happy cooking Chef Requirements/Responsibilities Our sous chef team oversees the following responsibilities Heading and running services (lunch, dinner, private dining etc.) Oversight of different ...

Happy cooking Chef Requirements/Responsibilities Our sous chef team oversees the following responsibilities Heading and running services (lunch, dinner, private dining etc.) Oversight of different ...

Cook | Chef

Fallbrook, CA · On-site

$23.39 - $24.58/hr

Cook/Chef Job Duties: The Cook/Chef shall possess the skills and experience necessary to stock, prepare, and serve food to appropriate number of clients and staff. The Cook/Chef shall interact at all ...

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Cook/Chef

Folsom, CA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Folsom Tasting Room Kitchen We're looking for a reliable, motivated Cook/Chef to join our tasting ... Previous kitchen or cooking experience preferred * Strong work ethic and dependable attendance

New

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Cook/Chef

Folsom, CA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Folsom Tasting Room Kitchen We're looking for a reliable, motivated Cook/Chef to join our tasting ... Previous kitchen or cooking experience preferred * Strong work ethic and dependable attendance

New

Cook / Chef at Rehab

Acton, CA · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

The Chef maintains safety and sanitation and communication with the Program Director of the ... Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces and utensils. * Prepare and cook meals that are ...

Kitchen Chef

Carson, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Cook and plate dishes that meet the high standards of our smokehouse Master the craft of BBQ: brisket, ribs, smoked chicken, and scratch-made sides Work closely with the Head Chef to bring recipes ...

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

Line Cook

Temecula, CA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

Line Cook

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

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Line Cooks

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Cook / Chef / Line Cook / Dishwasher The Slough House Kitchen Restaurant | A Farm-to-Table Family Dining Experience About Us: The Slough House Kitchen Restaurant is a warm, welcoming family ...

Line Cook

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

Line Cook

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cooking Chef information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do cooking chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking chef 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.

What does a cooking chef do?

A Cooking Chef is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting meals in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. They often design menus, select ingredients, and ensure food quality and safety standards are met. Chefs may also supervise kitchen staff, manage inventory, and maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment. Their role is essential in delivering delicious, visually appealing dishes that satisfy customers. Cooking Chefs often work in fast-paced settings and need strong culinary skills, creativity, and attention to detail.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Chef, you need strong culinary skills, a deep understanding of food safety, and often a culinary arts degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and inventory software is typically required. Creativity, leadership, and the ability to work under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality food preparation, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges cooking chefs face when managing a busy kitchen, and how can they overcome them?

Cooking Chefs often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple orders during peak hours, maintaining food quality under pressure, and managing a diverse kitchen team. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential for overcoming these challenges. Many chefs implement systems for prep work, delegate tasks efficiently, and foster a collaborative environment to ensure smooth kitchen operations and consistent quality.

What is the difference between Cooking Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectCooking ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCooking certification or culinary degree often preferredBasic culinary training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentKitchen, often overseeing kitchen operationsKitchen station, focused on specific dishes
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, food service establishments
Job FocusMenu planning, supervising staff, quality controlPreparing dishes according to recipes and standards

The Cooking Chef typically has more responsibilities, including supervising kitchen staff and managing menus, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing specific dishes. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, but the Cooking Chef often requires more experience and culinary education.

Can I be a cooking chef with no experience?

Becoming a cooking chef typically requires some culinary skills and knowledge, but many entry-level positions are available for those without formal experience. Gaining basic cooking skills, completing culinary courses, or starting as a kitchen assistant can help build the necessary experience to advance in a chef role.

Is 25 too late to become a cooking chef?

Becoming a cooking chef at 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success in the culinary field depends on skills, training, and experience, which can be gained through culinary schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training at any age.

What type of cooking chef gets paid the most?

Executive chefs and head chefs typically earn the highest salaries among cooking chefs, especially in fine dining restaurants or luxury hotels. Their compensation reflects leadership responsibilities, extensive experience, and specialized skills, often supplemented by bonuses and profit sharing.
Infographic showing various Cooking Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $50,554 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Crestwood Behavioral Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Title: Cook/Chef

Job Duties: The Cook/Chef shall possess the skills and experience necessary to stock, prepare, and serve food to appropriate number of clients and staff.  The Cook/Chef shall interact at all times with clients and facility staff in a caring and professional manner.

Schedule:

  • Full-Time: 5:30AM-2:00PM

Qualifications:

  • A high school diploma desired.
  • Previous experience as an institutional Cook/Chef desired. Other institutional food service experience helpful.
  • Understand the basic principles of all common facility therapeutic and texture modified diets and properly serve foods designated for these diets.
  • Experience in supervising food service staff desired.
  • Must know proper health code sanitary techniques in all food service areas, including safe temperatures.

Crestwood Offers Comprehensive Benefits Packages to Full-Time Employees Including:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Sick Leave Buy Back
  • 401(k) Retirement
  • Scholarship Program
  • Competitive Pay
  • Paid Holidays
  • Service Awards
  • Jury Duty Pay

About the Campus: Crestwood Fallbrook Healing Center is a Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC) located in Northern San Diego County, in the beautiful city of Fallbrook, the "Avocado Capital of the World." We accomplish successful reintegration through various modalities including classes, therapy, community service, and peer mentorship.

To learn more about B Certified Corporations, visit www.bcorp.com


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About Crestwood Behavioral Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc., based in Sacramento, CA, US, is a recognized leader in the field of Behavioral Health. The company’s main offering includes a broad spectrum of services for adults with mental health needs, including campus-based services, day treatment programs, and community integration services. Established more than 50 years ago, Crestwood has a rich history grounded in a relentless pursuit of optimism, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to creating recovery-focused programs that uphold the rights and dignity of individuals living with mental health issues. Their mission is to provide a continuum of services that empower individuals living with mental health issues to realize recovery.

Industry

Offices of mental health practitioners

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sacramento, CA, US

Year founded

1968

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