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Entry Level Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Panda Inn

Sushi Chef

Glendale, CA · On-site

Panda offers competitive benefits and rewarding opportunities, from entry-level positions to ... Panda Inn is looking for experienced Sushi Chefs! Glendale Panda Inn is a proud member of Panda ...

Panda Inn

Sushi Chef (P1-1457111-1)

Glendale, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Panda offers competitive benefits and rewarding opportunities, from entry-level positions to ... Panda Inn is looking for experienced Sushi Chefs! Glendale Panda Inn is a proud member of Panda ...

Chefs' Warehouse

Sales Associate

San Jose, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand ... Career opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals. * Opportunity to be part of ...

urbanplates

Line - Jr. Sous

Dublin, CA

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

Position Summary The Jr. Sous position is an entry level leadership development position for Team ... Ensure kitchen equipment is properly cleaned, maintained and functioning. * Assist the Chef and the ...

urbanplates

Line - Jr. Sous

Dublin, CA

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

Position Summary The Jr. Sous position is an entry level leadership development position for Team ... Ensure kitchen equipment is properly cleaned, maintained and functioning. * Assist the Chef and the ...

The Party Staff

San Jose - Cook

San Jose, CA

$24 - $27/hr

Work with our chefs to complete assigned dishes * Maintain a clean & organized workspace * Must be ... We welcome entry-level, intermediate & experienced cooks! College students highly encouraged to ...

The Party Staff

San Francisco - Cook

San Francisco, CA

$21 - $23/hr

Work with our chefs to complete assigned dishes * Maintain a clean & organized workspace * Must be ... We welcome entry-level, intermediate & experienced cooks! College students highly encouraged to ...

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Entry Level Chef information

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How much do entry level chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level 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 most entry level chef position?

The most entry-level chef position is typically a line cook or prep cook, responsible for basic food preparation and assisting more experienced chefs. These roles often require minimal experience, focus on learning kitchen skills, and may involve working under supervision in a restaurant or culinary setting.

What is an Entry Level Chef job?

An Entry Level Chef, often called a Commis Chef, is a beginner role in a professional kitchen. They assist senior chefs with food preparation, basic cooking tasks, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Responsibilities may include chopping ingredients, plating dishes, and learning cooking techniques. This role is a stepping stone for gaining hands-on experience and advancing in the culinary industry. Many Entry Level Chefs work in restaurants, hotels, or catering services while developing their skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Chef, you need basic culinary skills, a strong understanding of food safety, and often a high school diploma or culinary certification. Experience with kitchen tools, food preparation equipment, and safe handling procedures is typically required. Attention to detail, the ability to work well under pressure, and strong teamwork are vital soft skills that help you succeed. These skills ensure you can prepare dishes efficiently, contribute positively to kitchen operations, and maintain high standards of cleanliness and cooperation.

How to become an entry level chef?

To become an entry level chef, individuals typically complete a culinary arts program or gain hands-on experience through apprenticeships or entry-level kitchen positions. Developing cooking skills, understanding food safety standards, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects in this field.

What is an entry level chef position?

An entry level chef position is a beginner role in a kitchen, often involving basic food preparation, cooking, and cleaning tasks. It typically requires little prior experience and may involve working under the supervision of more experienced chefs, with opportunities to learn culinary skills and gain certifications like food safety training.

What are the typical career growth opportunities for an Entry Level Chef?

As an Entry Level Chef, you typically start by assisting with food preparation and basic cooking tasks, but there are many opportunities for advancement. With experience and continued training, you can progress to more senior kitchen roles such as Line Cook, Sous Chef, or even Head Chef over time. Many kitchens and restaurants offer on-the-job training, mentorship, and sometimes tuition assistance for further culinary education. Demonstrating strong work ethic, creativity, and a willingness to learn can significantly enhance your advancement prospects within the culinary field.

How to get a chef job with no experience?

Entry level chef positions often do not require prior experience and focus on basic cooking skills, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude. Gaining experience through volunteering, completing culinary courses, or working in entry-level food service roles can improve chances of securing a chef job. Demonstrating reliability and a strong work ethic is also important in the hiring process.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in California? The most popular types of Chef jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chef jobs in California? For Entry Level Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chef jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chef jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Chef jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Chef job openings:
Entry Level Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chef job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 9% Full Time, 87% Part Time, 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.
Commis Chef (Entry-Level)

Commis Chef (Entry-Level)

1440 Multiversity

Scotts Valley, CA

$20.75 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Commis Chef (Entry-Level) | Kitchen Table

1440 Multiversity | Santa Cruz Mountains, CA

Join Our Team at 1440 Multiversity

1440 Multiversity is a nonprofit philanthropic learning destination nestled in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Every booking serves our community and advances our mission of creating hope for living well. We offer programing that inspire people to Live, Lead, Love, Work, and Wonder more fully.

At 1440, hospitality is more than service - it's Deep Hospitality: an authentic and genuine love for others. Every team member plays a role in shaping meaningful guest experiences while contributing to a mission-driven culture of care, learning, and transformation.

Why Work Here

  • Mission-aligned nonprofit culture

  • Competitive wages and robust benefits

  • Health, dental, vision, life insurance, PTO, paid holidays, and retirement

  • Growth, mentorship, and continuous learning

  • 75-acre redwood campus with wellness classes and trails

  • Strong community and team recognition

Your Role

As a Commis Chef, you are an essential junior member of our French brigade-style kitchen, learning professional culinary foundations while supporting daily production and service. You will work closely with Sous Chefs and Chef de Partie to execute prep and service at the highest standard while developing your technical skills in a fast-paced, supportive environment.

This role is ideal for a motivated, early-career cook who wants to build a long-term culinary career in a mission-driven setting.

Key Responsibilities

  • Execute daily mise en place for all kitchen stations

  • Wash, cut, and prepare vegetables and ingredients using proper knife techniques

  • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of work areas and equipment

  • Follow recipes, prep lists, FIFO, labeling, and SOPs

  • Assist with inventory, storage, and stock rotation

  • Support station cooks and culinary leadership during service

  • Operate kitchen equipment safely and responsibly

  • Maintain food quality, freshness, and proper temperatures

  • Work collaboratively in a high-volume, team-based environment

  • Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene standards

What We're Looking For

  • 1-3 years of experience as a prep cook or junior line cook

  • Culinary school preferred but not required

  • Current California Food Handler's Card

  • Basic knowledge of professional kitchen operations and food safety

  • Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and eagerness to learn

  • Collaborative, positive, and dependable team member

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods

  • Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays

Why This Role Matters

This is the foundation level of our brigade system - the first step in a clear growth pathway toward Chef de Partie and beyond. You will learn directly from experienced chefs while contributing meaningfully to guest experience and mission impact.

Apply