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Full Time Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Epicurean Group

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$35/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time SOUS CHEF position. * Location : Archbishop Mitty High School - 5000 Mitty Way, San Jose, CA 95129. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

Bon Appetit

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$34/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time SOUS CHEF positions. * Location : Adobe - 345 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time; Monday through ...

Bon Appetit

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Malibu, CA · On-site

$58K - $78K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for full time SOUS CHEF positions. * Location : Pepperdine University - 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90263. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

Bon Appetit

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Malibu, CA · On-site

$58K - $78K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time SOUS CHEF position. * Location : Pepperdine University - 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90263. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

Epicurean Group

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$32/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time SOUS CHEF position. * Location : Crystal Springs Uplands - 400 Upland Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

Tandoori house

Tandoori chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

Tandoori chef NOW HIRING - TANDOOR CHEF Tandoori House - San Diego, CA We are looking for an ... cleanliness Full-Time Position Competitive Pay - Based on Experience San Diego, California ...

SAAM

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$70K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef SAAM is seeking an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to join our culinary team in San ... Availability to work full-time, including evenings, weekends, and holidays Location: 415 Brannan St ...

SAAM

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$58K - $79K/yr

Sous Chef SAAM is seeking an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to join our culinary team in San ... to work full-time, including evenings, weekends, and holidays Location: 415 Brannan St, San ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$53K - $71K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time SOUS CHEF position. * Location : 9520 Towne Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92121. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time; Monday ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

San Diego, CA

$53K - $71K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time SOUS CHEF position. * Location : 9520 Towne Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92121. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time; Monday ...

Wolfgang Puck Catering

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$53K - $71K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time SOUS CHEF position. * Location : 9520 Towne Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92121. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time; Monday ...

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Full Time Chef information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do full time chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time 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 a full time chef?

Full time chefs are professional cooks who work in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or other food establishments on a consistent, usually 40-hour-per-week basis. They are responsible for planning menus, preparing and cooking meals, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring high standards of food quality and safety. Full time chefs may specialize in specific cuisines or types of dishes, and often oversee inventory, budgeting, and compliance with health regulations. Their role is essential to the daily operations of any food service establishment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time chef?

To thrive as a Full Time Chef, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and a relevant culinary degree or apprenticeship. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and inventory management systems is typically required. Leadership, creativity, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for consistently delivering high-quality dishes, maintaining kitchen efficiency, and leading a cohesive team in a demanding environment.

What are some common challenges faced by full time chefs in a professional kitchen?

Full-time chefs often encounter challenges such as managing high-pressure environments, maintaining consistency in food quality during busy service hours, and efficiently coordinating with kitchen staff. Balancing creativity with menu demands and dietary restrictions can also be demanding. Additionally, chefs must stay updated with food safety standards and often work long or irregular hours, especially during weekends and holidays. However, overcoming these challenges fosters strong teamwork, skill development, and career advancement opportunities.

What is the difference between Full Time Chef vs Part Time Chef?

AspectFull Time ChefPart Time Chef
Work HoursTypically 35-40 hours per weekFewer hours, often less than 20 hours per week
Employment StatusFull-time employment with benefitsPart-time employment, usually no benefits
CertificationsOften requires culinary certifications or experienceSimilar certifications, but less emphasis on experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesSame as full-time, but with flexible scheduling

Full Time Chefs work regular, full-week hours with benefits, while Part Time Chefs have flexible, fewer hours without benefits. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but the employment structure and hours differ significantly.

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

The most popular types of Chef jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Full Time Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Full Time Chef job openings:

Full Time Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,554 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Epicurean Group

San Jose, CA • On-site

$35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for a full time SOUS CHEF position.
  • Location: Archbishop Mitty High School - 5000 Mitty Way, San Jose, CA 95129. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time schedule. Monday through Friday, hours may vary. Further details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Previous production experience preferred. 
    *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available
  • Pay Rate:$28.00 per hour to $35.00 per hour.

Free meals, uniforms and laundering service available at select locations.

We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number ​ 1554086.

​

The advertised program is an AI recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg

Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!

What makes Epicurean click? Our people. The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients every day. We know how to pick them and we know how to grow them. It starts with hiring people who share our passion for food and hospitality. Once we find the right talent, we encourage, value and recognize their contributions.

We keep our people renewed, excited and engaged by providing hands-on training and educating them about the latest trends. We give them a stake in successfully raising the bar. Our people love what they do and they love sharing their passion. Join our team and see the Epicurean difference. Where a job isn’t merely a job but the start of a career where you can flourish.

Job Summary


Summary: Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service associates. Assumes responsibility for kitchen and food-service associates in the absence of Executive Chef.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Cooks and prepares food following approved recipes and production standards. Ensures all deadlines are met based on production orders.
  • Supervises hourly food service associates. Includes interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training, counseling, participating in reviews and recommending disciplinary action, as appropriate.
  • Stores food in designated areas following all corporate, state and federal food safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Ensures proper food handling, presentation, portion control and maintenance of appropriate serving temperatures.
  • Maintains sanitation of equipment, supplies and utensils. Cleans workstation thoroughly before leaving area. Keeps display equipment clean and free of debris during meal service to comply with all sanitation, safety, production and merchandising requirements.
  • Interacts with customers to resolve complaints in a friendly, service-oriented manner. Relays relevant information directly to supervisor.
  • Demonstrates complete understanding of daily menu items and accurately explains them to associates and customers.
  • Keeps up with peak production and service hours.
  • Monitors inventory and deliveries of product and supplies. Tracks product production, consumption and waste. Informs supervisor when supplies or product are low.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

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. 

Associates at Epicurean are offered many fantastic benefits.

Both full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

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_FlikHospitality.pdf

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry

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.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Epicurean maintains a drug-free workplace.