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Entry Level Chef Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Urban Plates

Line - Jr. Sous

Dublin, CA · On-site

$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 ...

urbanplates

Line - Jr. Sous

Dublin, CA · On-site

$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 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 ...

Sysco

Sales Consultant - San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$79K - $99K/yr

... Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Freshpoint's World Class Sales Team and ... Career pathing opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals * Opportunity to be ...

Sysco

Sales Representative - Tri Valley

San Francisco, CA

$79K - $99K/yr

... Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Freshpoint's World Class Sales Team and ... Career pathing opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals * Opportunity to be ...

Boudin Bakery

Cook and Kitchen Position

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.61 - $20/hr

Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Cooks to prepare meals during our dining hours * Maintain ... Previous experience in a restaurant/bakery (entry level employees also welcome) * Strong knowledge ...

Boudin Bakery

Cook

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $17.25/hr

Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Cooks to prepare meals during our dining hours * Maintain ... Previous experience in a restaurant/bakery (entry level employees also welcome) * Strong knowledge ...

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All JobsChef JobsEntry Level Chef JobsEntry Level Chef Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Entry Level Chef information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$12

$30

$54

How much do entry level chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level chef in Berkeley, CA is $30.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level chef?

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 much do entry level chefs earn?

Entry level chefs typically earn between $20,000 and $30,000 annually, depending on location, establishment, and experience. Starting salaries may be lower in smaller or less upscale venues and can increase with skills, certifications, and experience in the kitchen environment.

How to get an entry level chef job with no experience?

To secure an entry-level chef position with no experience, focus on gaining basic culinary skills through cooking classes or volunteering in food service settings. Building a strong work ethic, demonstrating a willingness to learn, and obtaining relevant certifications like food safety can improve your chances; some employers also value a positive attitude and reliability over experience.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Berkeley, CA? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chef jobs in Berkeley, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chef jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Entry Level Chef jobs? Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Entry Level Chef job openings:
Entry Level Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chef job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,722 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Line - Jr. Sous

Urban Plates

Dublin, CA • On-site

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Urban Plates rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Our Purpose is to change the way the world eats and to deliver on that purpose Our Goal is to be a great place to work where you can learn, grow, and develop both personally and professionally.
Jr. Sous
Position Description
Department: Operations
Reports To: General Manager
Location: Restaurant
Classification: Non-exempt
Pay Rate: $16.50 - $18.50 per hour PLUS average tips per hour of $5.36 - $5.85.
Position Summary
The Jr. Sous position is an entry level leadership development position for Team Members seeking to grow into a management position. This position is responsible for assisting the Management team in providing excellent food quality and presentation to guests. In addition, this position is responsible for receiving food and packaging orders, opening, and closing the kitchen, expediting, and assembling take-out orders and maintaining organization, cleanliness and sanitation of all food related work areas and equipment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Apply thorough knowledge, understanding and application of culinary techniques to consistently execute menu items.
  • Monitor all meals being served for appearance, quality standards, portion control and temperature standards in accordance with the established policies and procedures.
  • Ensure all stations are properly set prior to service and ensure sufficient supply of high-quality mis-en-place (term for items prepared before final cooking or assembly) is set for the next shift.
  • Supports a culture of safety by upholding our safety standards and reporting injuries on time to Medcor. Safely uses all kitchen equipment and apply advanced knife skills. Ensure kitchen equipment is properly cleaned, maintained and functioning.
  • Assist the Chef and the Sous Chef in controlling food and labor costs for the restaurant as well as purchasing, receiving, purveyor lists and inventory of all kitchen items.
  • Ensure meal and rest breaks are made available to Team Members. You must accurately record the actual time you begin and end each meal period using the time clock. You must ensure that all meal breaks, and rest periods are duty free and are taken away from the regular work area.
  • Assist in establishing proper par levels of finished products and ingredients and conduct inventories to assure proper quantities are ordered and on hand.
  • Properly label, date, rotate and store all products to ensure proper food handling, maximum shelf life and sanitation compliance.
  • Ensure production and merchandising area is clean, safe, and presentable always.
  • Effectively communicate with management and assists with and responds to Guests' and Team Members' needs and inquiries to satisfaction. Promptly address issues and problem solve.
  • Utilizes the point-of-sale (POS) system to accurately enter guest's information, take-out order and completing the sale.
  • Bags orders efficiently and neatly, preserving the integrity of the items, ensuring items are of the highest quality and presentation.
  • Sets the tone for the shift and assumes responsibility for the results of their shift.
  • Secures the building, especially at closing, ensuring the safe is locked, all doors are locked, and the alarm is set.
  • Perform other job-related duties as necessary

Non-Essential Job Duties
May perform similar and incidental duties as required.
Job Qualifications
Education: High School diploma or equivalent preferred
Experience: At least 21 years of age. 1-2 years of food service or hospitality industry experience preferred.
Knowledge: Basic math skills required.
Language Skills: Excellent communication skills required. Ability to read, write and communicate verbally in English required. Bilingual Spanish a plus. Ability to communicate effectively with Guests and Team Members.
Other Skills: Excellent guest service and interpersonal skills. Commitment to Urban Plates' Core Values and the Five Promises of a Great Team Member.
Other Abilities: Ability to manage stress and perform in a high-volume environment, with a smile and willingness to connect with every Guest and Team Member. Ability to problem solve. Ability to work well under time constraints and prioritize multiple work responsibilities and tasks to meet Guests' needs. Ability to demonstrate a high level of self-motivation and drive. Ability to uphold and manage standards, procedures, and processes. Ability to operate and maintain kitchen equipment. Ability to work collaboratively with others. Ability to consistently maintain a clean and professional appearance and demeanor. Passionate about training and supporting all Team Members with validations and training exercises.
Major Business/Professional Contacts
Routine contact with restaurant Team Members, Guests, and 3rd party delivery personnel. Occasional contact with vendors and Support Center Team Members.
Working and Environmental Conditions
Typically functions in a restaurant environment, both indoors and outdoors, during all seasons and under all weather conditions. Requires working in confined spaces for extended periods of time, where temperatures may fluctuate from hot to cold. Requires working safely around hot ovens and stove tops.
Physical Demands
Requires standing and mobility for extended periods. Requires regular reaching, bending, squatting, and stooping. Requires regular lifting of plates, utensils, pans, and boxes that may weigh up to 50 lbs. Requires finger and hand dexterity for using small tools and equipment. Requires frequent handwashing using soap and hot water.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the Fair Chance ordinance and the Fair Chance Act.
Urban Plates LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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