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Head Butcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Otohime

Head Chef

La Jolla, CA · On-site

... and fish butchery to service ● Build, train, and lead a small, highly skilled kitchen team ● ... Head Chef or Executive Chef in a fine-dining or omakase setting -- ready to lead a kitchen from ...

MEZZE CULVER CITY LLC

Head Chef

Culver City, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Description Head Chef Lead and manage all restaurant operations in partnership with the General ... Extensive knowledge of culinary fundamentals (knife skills, butchery, sauces, all kitchen stations ...

Urban Roots Brewery LP

Line Cook

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

... head chef. Desired Attributes * Enthused to be a part of a team, as well as the ability to work ... A growing knowledge of butchery/cooking * Works with speed and efficiency, while maintaining ...

Urban Roots Brewery LP

Line Cook

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

... head chef. Desired Attributes * Enthused to be a part of a team, as well as the ability to work ... A growing knowledge of butchery/cooking * Works with speed and efficiency, while maintaining ...

Urban Roots Brewery

Line Cook

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

... head chef. Desired Attributes * Enthused to be a part of a team, as well as the ability to work ... A growing knowledge of butchery/cooking * Works with speed and efficiency, while maintaining ...

Bear Flag Fish Company

Executive Chef

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$76K - $105K/yr

... butchery, shellfish preparation, and coastal cuisine. This individual will be responsible for ... Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume dining establishment * Strong ...

Bear Flag Fish Co.

Executive Chef

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... butchery, shellfish preparation, and coastal cuisine. This individual will be responsible for ... Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume dining establishment * Strong ...

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All JobsHead Butcher JobsHead Butcher Jobs in California

Head Butcher information

See California salary details

$14

$23

$31

How much do head butcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for head butcher in California is $23.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $26.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the responsibilities of a head butcher?

A Head Butcher is responsible for overseeing all aspects of meat preparation and butchery within a store, supermarket, or meat processing facility. This includes managing a team of butchers, ensuring high standards of food safety and hygiene, ordering and maintaining inventory, and cutting, trimming, and preparing various types of meat for sale. The Head Butcher also trains staff, develops new meat products, and may interact with customers to provide expert advice or fulfill special requests.

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

To thrive as a Head Butcher, you need expert knowledge of meat cuts, food safety standards, and butchery techniques, often supported by formal culinary or meat-cutting training. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, inventory management systems, and HACCP certification is typically required. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing staff and ensuring quality. These skills ensure operational efficiency, product quality, and compliance with health regulations, which are vital for success in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by a head butcher, and how can they be effectively managed?

As a Head Butcher, common challenges include managing inventory to minimize waste, maintaining consistent quality standards, and ensuring strict food safety compliance. Balancing customer demands with available stock and training junior staff in proper cutting techniques are also key responsibilities. Effective management involves clear communication with team members, staying updated on industry best practices, and leveraging technology for inventory and order tracking. These actions help maintain efficiency and uphold the reputation of the butcher shop or department.

What is the difference between Head Butcher vs Butcher?

AspectHead ButcherButcher
CredentialsTypically requires formal culinary or meat-cutting certifications, extensive experienceOften entry-level or apprenticeship, may have basic meat-cutting skills
Work EnvironmentSupervises meat department, manages staff, oversees quality controlPerforms meat cutting, packaging, and customer service in retail or wholesale settings
Industry UsageCommonly found in supermarkets, butcher shops, and meat processing plantsFound in similar environments, often as a frontline worker

The Head Butcher oversees the meat department, manages staff, and ensures quality standards, requiring more experience and leadership skills. The Butcher focuses on meat cutting and customer service, often with less managerial responsibility. Both roles are essential in meat retail and processing industries, but the Head Butcher holds a supervisory position with broader responsibilities.

Do head butchers make a lot of money?

Head butchers typically earn a competitive salary that varies by location, experience, and employer. They often receive benefits such as health insurance and may have opportunities for overtime or supervisory roles, which can increase earnings. Overall, their income is generally above average for retail or food service positions but depends on regional market conditions.

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

The most popular types of Butcher jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Head Butcher jobs?

Cities in California with the most Head Butcher job openings:

Head Butcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Butcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,263 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Head Chef

Otohime

La Jolla, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Wellness resources
  • Competitive salary

Otohime, a new and intimate Japanese omakase restaurant opening within Roseacre in La Jolla, is seeking an experienced Head Chef ready to lead the kitchen from day one. Brought to life by Scratch Restaurants Group, this is a rare opportunity to lead a modern, chef-driven dining concept in one of San Diego's most sought-after coastal communities.

About Otohime
Tucked within Roseacre, Otohime offers a hidden, intimate counter experience that reinterprets omakase through a modern lens — precise, creative, and confidently its own, while honoring the discipline at the heart of the craft. Every course is considered, every guest is known, in a small-format kitchen where craftsmanship comes before volume.

The Role
 As Head Chef, you will:
●     Lead nightly counter service, executing a seasonal omakase menu with precision and consistency
●     Oversee all kitchen operations, from procurement and fish butchery to service
●     Build, train, and lead a small, highly skilled kitchen team
●     Manage food cost, quality control, and vendor relationships, including direct sourcing partnerships
●     Collaborate closely with Scratch Restaurants Group leadership to uphold a consistent, elevated guest experience
●     Maintain the highest standards of freshness, sanitation, and presentation

What We're Looking For

●     Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a fine-dining or omakase setting — ready to lead a kitchen from opening day
●     Strong knife skills and fish butchery experience, with a modern sensibility grounded in traditional technique
●     A refined palate and sharp attention to detail, seasonality, and presentation
●     Leadership experience running a tight-knit kitchen team
●     A genuine passion for hospitality and guest connection — this is an intimate room where the chef is part of the experience

Compensation
 $95,000–$115,000, commensurate with experience

What We Offer

●     The opportunity to lead a new concept from the ground up, backed by the reputation and resources of Scratch Restaurants Group
●     A collaborative, craft-focused culture within the Roseacre property
●     One of San Diego's most desirable coastal settings