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Culinary Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

Culinary Director - NVIDIA

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Short Description As Culinary Director, you will provide strategic culinary leadership for one of NVIDIA's premier dining programs, overseeing multiple culinary operations with a strong emphasis on ...

Bon Appetit

Culinary Director - NVIDIA

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Short Description As Culinary Director, you will provide strategic culinary leadership for one of NVIDIA's premier dining programs, overseeing multiple culinary operations with a strong emphasis on ...

Compass Group

Culinary Director - NVIDIA

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Short Description As Culinary Director, you will provide strategic culinary leadership for one of NVIDIA's premier dining programs, overseeing multiple culinary operations with a strong emphasis on ...

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 ...

Haliburton International

Culinary Chef

Ontario, CA · On-site

Summary Under the supervision of the Culinary Manager and in support of Haliburton's sales division, the Corporate Chef's primary role is to work with key food service account culinary/menu ...

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 creativity and encourage you to be the best. We invite you to join a friendly and innovative team of ...

Kinder's

Culinary Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA

$135K - $155K/yr

The Culinary Development Manager will be a critical leader in contributing to our culinary development engine. This is a high-impact role responsible for supporting innovation cycles and driving ...

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 creativity and encourage you to be the best. We invite you to join a friendly and innovative team of ...

Kinder's

Culinary Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

The Culinary Development Manager will be a critical leader in contributing to our culinary development engine. This is a high-impact role responsible for supporting innovation cycles and driving ...

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 creativity and encourage you to be the best? We invite you to join a friendly and innovative team of ...

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How much do culinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary in California is $18.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary professional?

A culinary professional is someone who works in the food service industry, typically preparing, cooking, and presenting food. This can include roles such as chefs, cooks, pastry chefs, and kitchen assistants. Culinary professionals work in various settings like restaurants, hotels, bakeries, and catering companies. They are skilled in food safety, recipe development, and often specialize in different cuisines or techniques. Training can include formal education at culinary schools or hands-on experience in kitchens.

Are jobs in the culinary industry in demand?

Anytime the economy is up, jobs in culinary industries are in higher demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts culinary jobs to grow by 10% by 2026, which is faster than the average career. There is a high rate of turnover in lower level culinary jobs like line and prep cooks, so those jobs almost always have a high demand, especially in areas where the restaurant and tourism industries are big. However, the same person usually holds head cook and chef jobs for quite some time, so they can be more difficult to attain.

What are the most common challenges faced by culinary professionals in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary professionals often encounter challenges such as managing time efficiently during busy service periods, maintaining high-quality standards under pressure, and coordinating effectively with team members. Adapting quickly to last-minute menu changes or special dietary requests is also common. Successful chefs and kitchen staff rely on strong communication skills and a collaborative attitude to overcome these hurdles and ensure smooth kitchen operations.

What are some culinary jobs?

Culinary jobs include roles such as chef, sous chef, pastry chef, line cook, kitchen manager, and food service supervisor. These positions typically require knowledge of food preparation, safety standards, and kitchen equipment, and may involve working in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or institutional settings.

What jobs can I get with culinary?

With a culinary background, you can pursue roles such as chef, sous chef, pastry chef, line cook, kitchen manager, or food service supervisor. These positions typically require cooking skills, knowledge of food safety, and sometimes certifications like ServSafe, and they are often found in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional food services.

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

Thriving in a culinary career requires strong cooking techniques, knowledge of food safety, and often a culinary degree or certification such as ServSafe. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and inventory software is also valuable. Creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and resilience under pressure set standout culinary professionals apart. These skills and qualities ensure consistent food quality, operational efficiency, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What culinary career pays the most?

Executive chefs and culinary directors typically earn the highest salaries in the culinary field, often exceeding six figures with experience and working in high-end restaurants or hotel chains. Specialized roles such as pastry chefs or food service managers can also have high earning potential, especially with advanced certifications and leadership responsibilities.

What is the difference between Culinary vs Chef?

AspectCulinaryChef
CredentialsOften no formal certification required; culinary training or courses commonFormal culinary education or apprenticeship typically required
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, food service, culinary schoolsRestaurants, hotels, private kitchens, culinary competitions
Industry UsageBroad term for food preparation skills and knowledgeSpecific role as a professional responsible for kitchen operations
Search & Comparison IntentPeople exploring culinary skills or careers in food serviceIndividuals seeking chef roles or culinary leadership positions

While 'Culinary' refers broadly to the skills, knowledge, and industry related to food preparation, a 'Chef' is a specific professional role within that industry, often with formal training and leadership responsibilities. Understanding this difference helps job seekers and employers clarify roles and expectations in the food service industry.

More about Culinary jobs

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

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Culinary jobs in California?

For Culinary jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Culinary jobs?

Cities in California with the most Culinary job openings:

Culinary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,904 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Culinary Director - NVIDIA

Compass Group

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,088 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 492 rated business services

Job description

Salary: $150,000 - $170,000 / year
Our Passion is Food!
At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries, instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translates into exciting opportunities for our people!
Short Description
As Culinary Director, you will provide strategic culinary leadership for one of NVIDIA's premier dining programs, overseeing multiple culinary operations with a strong emphasis on innovation, hospitality, and operational excellence. This role is ideal for an accomplished Executive Chef who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences across cafés, executive dining, catering, and special events.
This highly visible, hands-on leadership role requires a chef who can inspire teams, build strong client relationships, and successfully lead both established operations and new concept openings as NVIDIA continues to expand its campus dining program.
Job Summary
Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide overall culinary leadership for multiple dining venues, executive dining, catering, and special events
  • Develop innovative, seasonal menus that showcase fresh, high-quality ingredients while meeting diverse dietary, wellness, and sustainability initiatives
  • Lead, mentor, and develop Executive Chefs, Sous Chefs, and culinary teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and culinary excellence
  • Build and elevate high-performing teams through coaching, training, succession planning, and talent development
  • Oversee all aspects of food production, ensuring exceptional quality, consistency, presentation, and execution across all culinary operations
  • Drive financial performance through effective food costing, purchasing, inventory management, labor planning, and waste reduction initiatives
  • Partner closely with operational leaders and clients to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences and ensure seamless execution across cafés, executive dining, and catering
  • Lead culinary planning and execution for new building openings and food concepts, including menu development, operational readiness, training, and launch support
  • Champion sustainability initiatives, local sourcing, seasonality, and responsible purchasing practices
  • Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, HACCP compliance, and workplace safety
  • Analyze operational performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement best practices that enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction
  • Serve as a visible, hands-on leader, actively engaging in all areas of the operation to support the team and ensure execution at the highest level

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Culinary degree or formal culinary training preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Food Service Management, or a related field preferred
  • 15+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience across diverse kitchen environments
  • Extensive experience in high-volume food production combined with fine dining culinary execution required
  • Corporate dining experience required; luxury hotel or upscale hospitality food & beverage leadership experience is highly desirable
  • Demonstrated success leading pre-opening projects, including launching new facilities, dining venues, or food concepts
  • Proven experience overseeing executive dining, retail dining, and large-scale catering operations
  • Strong expertise in menu development, food costing, purchasing, inventory management, labor planning, and financial performance
  • Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills with a track record of building, mentoring, and inspiring high-performing culinary teams
  • Creative, innovative culinary approach with a willingness to remain exceptionally hands-on in daily operations
  • Experience partnering directly with clients and senior stakeholders is a plus
  • Comprehensive knowledge of current culinary trends, global cuisines, wellness-focused dining, sustainability, and premium hospitality standards
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and foodservice management systems
  • ServSafe® Certification

This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished culinary leader to shape the future of dining at NVIDIA by delivering exceptional hospitality, developing world-class culinary talent, and leading innovative food programs across a growing campus.
Apply to Bon Appetit today!
Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA.
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.
Req ID: 1549137
Bon Appetit
BRYAN GONI

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