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Culinary Professional Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chick-fil-A

Back of House: Culinary Professional

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $22.50/hr

Culinary Professional role is more than just a job; it's an opportunity. In addition to working directly for an independent Owner/Operator, Back of House Team Members gain life experience that goes ...

Kinder's

Culinary Experience Specialist

Walnut Creek, CA

$38K - $52K/yr

This role is designed for a culinary professional who wants to grow inside an ambitious, fast-growing organization while representing Kinder's through exceptional food execution, recipe development ...

Kinder's

Culinary Experience Specialist

Walnut Creek, CA

$38K - $52K/yr

This role is designed for a culinary professional who wants to grow inside an ambitious, fast-growing organization while representing Kinder's through exceptional food execution, recipe development ...

Kinder's

Culinary Experience Specialist

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

This role is designed for a culinary professional who wants to grow inside an ambitious, fast-growing organization while representing Kinder's through exceptional food execution, recipe development ...

Passport Resorts

Culinary Extern

Big Sur, CA · On-site

$18 - $18.50/hr

Are you interested in working as a Culinary Extern with an Executive Chef who will push your ... We invite you to join a friendly and innovative team of dedicated hospitality professionals to ...

Post Ranch Inn

Culinary Extern

Big Sur, CA

$18 - $18.50/hr

Are you interested in working as a Culinary Extern with an Executive Chef who will push your ... We invite you to join a friendly and innovative team of dedicated hospitality professionals to ...

Post Ranch Inn

Culinary Extern

Big Sur, CA

$18 - $18.50/hr

Are you interested in working as a Culinary Extern with an Executive Chef who will push your ... We invite you to join a friendly and innovative team of dedicated hospitality professionals to ...

Kinder's

Culinary Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

Kinder's is seeking an experienced and creatively driven Culinary Development Manager to join our team of passionate culinary professionals working hard to bring the future of flavor to consumers ...

Kinder's

Culinary Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

Kinder's is seeking an experienced and creatively driven Culinary Development Manager to join our team of passionate culinary professionals working hard to bring the future of flavor to consumers ...

Kinder's

Culinary Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA

$135K - $155K/yr

Kinder's is seeking an experienced and creatively driven Culinary Development Manager to join our team of passionate culinary professionals working hard to bring the future of flavor to consumers ...

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Culinary Professional information

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How much do culinary professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary professional in California is $17.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary professional?

A culinary professional is an individual trained in the art and science of preparing, cooking, and presenting food. This can include chefs, cooks, bakers, and others working in restaurants, hotels, catering, or other food service establishments. Culinary professionals are skilled in a variety of cooking techniques, food safety, kitchen management, and menu planning. They often work in fast-paced environments, requiring creativity, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. Many pursue formal education at culinary schools, while others gain experience through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

What are some common challenges culinary professionals face in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary professionals often navigate challenges such as time management, maintaining consistency under pressure, and adapting to last-minute menu changes. Working in a bustling kitchen requires effective communication with team members and the ability to multitask without compromising food quality or safety standards. Additionally, long hours and physically demanding tasks are common, so resilience and a passion for the craft are essential for success and growth in this field.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Professional, you need a solid foundation in cooking techniques, food safety, and menu planning, typically supported by a culinary arts degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are commonly required. Creativity, teamwork, and attention to detail are vital soft skills that distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies ensure consistently high food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and exceptional dining experiences for guests.

What is the difference between Culinary Professional vs Chef?

AspectCulinary ProfessionalChef
CredentialsOften includes culinary certifications, food safety, and hospitality trainingTypically requires culinary school, apprenticeships, and culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, food service, hospitality industryProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotels, culinary establishments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly for food service roles in hospitality and cateringSpecific to kitchen leadership and culinary arts

The term "Culinary Professional" encompasses a wide range of food service roles, including cooks, food prep staff, and kitchen assistants, often with various certifications. A "Chef" is a specialized culinary professional who typically has formal culinary training and leads kitchen operations. While all chefs are culinary professionals, not all culinary professionals are chefs. The main difference lies in the scope of responsibilities and level of specialization.

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

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Culinary Professional jobs?

Cities in California with the most Culinary Professional job openings:

Culinary Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Professional job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,010 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Culinary Professional [Back of House]

Chick-fil-A Mile of Cars DTO and Chula Vista West FSR

Chula Vista, CA

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

At Chick-fil-A, the Culinary Professional role is more than just a job; it's an opportunity. In addition to working directly for an independent Owner/Operator, Culinary Professional gain life experience that goes far beyond serving a great product in a friendly environment. They are responsible for providing an exceptional dining experience for everyone they serve each day and for ensuring all guests receive signature Chick-fil-A service and food.

Position Type:

  • Full-time and Part-time available

Our Benefits Include:

  • A fun work environment where you can positively influence others
  • Closed on Sundays
  • Learning first-hand from an experienced Operator and Restaurant Leaders
  • Intentional growth and development to help you reach your professional goals
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Competitive pay

Food Service Professional Responsibilities:

  • Prepare, cook, assemble, and present food safely, quickly and efficiently, meeting Chick-fil-A standards
  • Be knowledgeable of the assignments for all kitchen stations, including fries, breading, assembling, boards, and food prep
  • Stock kitchen inventory as needed
  • Keep the kitchen neat, clean and orderly at all times
  • Keep up-to-date with new products rolled out by Chick-fil-A
  • Honor and encourage others to follow the vision, mission, and values of the Restaurant
  • Work safely around kitchen equipment and report any maintenance issues to Leadership
  • Maintain personal knowledge by completing in-house training and stay up-to-date on any changes
  • Complete all opening or closing tasks as assigned
  • Adhere to Chick-fil-A rules and dress code at all times
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • Consistent and reliable
  • Loves serving and helping others
  • Pursuit of excellence
  • Willingness to grow
  • Team oriented
  • Fun and joyful spirit
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Detail-oriented
  • Able to multi-task
  • Be willing and able to work a flexible schedule
  • Have the ability to stand for long periods of time