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Cooking Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

P.F. Chang's

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 ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

Mission Viejo, 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

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

Irvine, 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 ...

Benihana - Downey

Teppan Chef

Downey, CA

$17/hr

Primarily works in front of restaurant while cooking and preparing hot meals on hibachi tables ... Reports any kitchen equipment or maintenance issues to the chief chef or manager on duty (MOD)

PF Changs

Line Cook

Pleasanton, CA

$20.50 - $24.50/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

Woodland Hills, 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 ...

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

Long 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 · On-site

$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 ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

Woodland Hills, 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

Chino Hills, 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

San Diego, CA

$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 ...

P.F. Chang's

Line Cook

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$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 ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

Woodland Hills, 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 ...

Range Kitchen & Tap

Line cooks/chefs

Roseville, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... 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 in serving delicious comfort ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCooking Chef JobsCooking Chef Jobs in California

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.
Cooking Chef jobs near you
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.

Line Cook

PF Changs

Palo Alto, CA

$22 - $26/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

P.F. Chang's rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

P.F. Chang's Pay Range (based on experience): $22.00 - $26.00 / hour

Benefits we offer for this position:

All team members:

  • Competitive pay

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Paid on the job training

  • Opportunities for advancement – we promote from within

  • Discounted meals

  • Employee referral program

  • Exclusive team member discounts

  • Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas at most locations

For qualifying team members:

  • 401(k) retirement plan (based on hours worked)

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance (based on hours worked)

  • Paid sick leave (in qualifying jurisdictions).

Hiring immediately for full-time and part-time hourly Line Cooks, Wok Cooks, Cooks, Chef De Parties, or Station Chefs.

Job Summary:

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 guidelines.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and cook all food items to company specifications

  • Plates prepared foods based on chef’s guidance

  • Responsible for the setup, operation, break down, and cleaning of all kitchen equipment

  • May need to assist with washing dishes, sweeping/mopping floors, cleaning and maintaining equipment, sanitizing utensils, etc.

  • Uphold our high restaurant kitchen sanitation and food service safety standards

Job Requirements:

  • Previous experience is not required – we will train you!

  • Have a current Food Handler’s Card where applicable, or we will help you obtain.

  • A love for food and an eye for detail with cooking; knowing weights, measurements, and volumes.

  • Ability to learn restaurant menu and recipes.

  • Knowledge of all chemicals used in the building.

  • Excellent customer service skills and etiquette.

  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced teamwork environment.

  • Flexibility to work a variety of shifts.

  • Comfortable standing for extended periods of time, able to lift up to 30 lbs. and continuously bend, reach and twist.

  • Must be at least 18 years old.

Why work for us?

Because it’s more than a job.  We are passionate people doing meaningful work, motivated by our purpose:  To Celebrate Life. Family. Food.

Apply Now

  • Search for jobs by keyword or location.

  • Gather your work history, and if applicable, prepare your resume for submission. 

  • Click “Apply Now” to submit your application. 

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