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Cooking Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$60K - $70K/yr

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 ...

CA Lasa

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Cook/chef

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

We are seeking a skilled Cook/Chef specializing in Philippine cuisine to independently manage our ... utilizing traditional cooking equipment to deliver high-quality culinary experiences.

My Father's Barbeque

Kitchen Chef

Carson, CA

$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 ...

Slough House Kitchen Restaurant

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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 ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

Temecula, CA

$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 ...

P.F. Chang's

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 ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

Sherman Oaks, CA

$21 - $25/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 ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

Cerritos, CA

$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 ...

P.F. Chang's

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 ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

Newport Beach, CA

$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 ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

Newport Beach, CA

$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 ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

Palo Alto, CA

$22 - $26/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 ...

P.F. Chang's

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 ...

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All JobsCooking Chef JobsCooking Chef Jobs in California

Cooking Chef information

See California salary details

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$44

How much do cooking chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 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 is the highest paying type of chef?

Executive chefs and head chefs typically earn the highest salaries among cooking chefs, especially in fine dining restaurants, hotels, and resort settings. Their compensation can include high base pay, bonuses, and profit sharing, often reflecting their leadership, experience, and culinary skills.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying roles for cooks include executive chefs and head chefs in fine dining restaurants or luxury hotels, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary certifications, and may involve managing large teams and complex menus.

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 highest paid chef job?

The highest paid chef roles are executive chefs, head chefs, or culinary directors in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, or private estates, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced culinary certifications. Salaries can vary based on location, reputation, and the size of the establishment.

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.

Is 35 too late to become a chef?

Cooking chefs can start their careers at any age, and many successful chefs begin later in life. Gaining culinary skills through training or apprenticeships is essential, and age does not typically limit entry into the profession. Experience, passion, and dedication are often more important than age in becoming a chef.

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.

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.
Cooking Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Chef job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,554 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Sous Chef

Waterbar

San Francisco, CA

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Our busy, tight-knit kitchen is looking to add a Sous Chef to our talented team. We are a high end seafood restaurant serving meticulously sourced, sustainably caught and harvested seafood, as well as all the other many bounties from amazing Bay Area farms, foragers and artisans.
Qualified applicants should possess at least 5 year fine dining kitchen experience, a true passion for kitchen life and a real desire to learn, grow and be part of a team. Strong leadership skills and excellent communication skills are a must! Working knowledge of Excel, and a basic understanding of recipe writing, menu creation, food costing, and scheduling are all a big plus. This is a salaried position with terms to be negotiated based on experience.
We offer medical and dental benefits, 401K enrollment, paid time off, very competitive salary, quarterly bonus based on financial review, dining expense account and opportunity for career growth. Lots of educational opportunities (field trips, rooftop beehive, wine seminars and more). Please have a resume ready when you respond.
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 departments such as prep, dishwasher,
Detailed prep work
Ordering
Prep lists
Scheduling
Collaboration with rest of chef team on menu and recipe creation.
Execution of off sight events
Upholding standards set forth by the chef and rest of leadership team.

Special Instructions

Please do not send any emails, resumes, or call.
We are making it really easy to apply for this position.
Simply submit a ZippyApp application package which may include the Common Employment Application, Resume, and a Cover Letter. In your Cover Letter, please write a short paragraph describing yourself and why you would make a great addition to our team.

ZippyApp is the Common Employment Application for online and mobile that allows you to apply for jobs with one click, and is being accepted at a growing number of businesses each day.