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Head Chef Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

About Chef Elliot and Charlie's: Elliot Bell, a 10-year veteran of Thomas Keller's world-renowned The French Laundry, is set to open a restaurant of his own named Charlie's after his four-year old ...

Bartender

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Guided by our Head Chef, our team honors Japanese tradition while embracing inventive techniques and unexpected flavors, crafting moments that linger long after the last bite is served. We are ...

New

Sous Chef

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Required Years of Experience 2 years Job Details Chef Christopher Kostow of The Restaurant at Meadowood and The Charter Oak is looking for a Sous Chef that is a passionate, experienced, and motivated ...

Sous Chef

Oakville, CA

$64K - $78K/yr

Description The Sous Chef is a key culinary leader responsible for delivering exceptional food experiences that reflect the Family of Silver Oak's commitment to hospitality, craftsmanship, and ...

Sous Chef

Oakville, CA · On-site

$64K - $78K/yr

The Sous Chef is a key culinary leader responsible for delivering exceptional food experiences that reflect the Family of Silver Oak's commitment to hospitality, craftsmanship, and quality. This ...

Sous Chef

Yountville, CA

$57K - $76K/yr

As Sous Chef, you will play a key role in supporting the Executive Chef and CDC in the day-to-day operations of the kitchen. This includes working on the line, assisting with expediting service ...

Sous Chef

Oakville, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description The Sous Chef is a key culinary leader responsible for delivering exceptional food experiences that reflect the Family of Silver Oak's commitment to hospitality ...

Commis Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Commis Chef / Prep Cook Reports To: Executive Chef Join Our Culinary Team Do you have a passion for food and a desire to learn from talented chefs? At Far Niente Wine Estates, you'll be part of a ...

Sous Chef

Yountville, CA · On-site

$75K - $87K/yr

As Sous Chef, you will play a key role in supporting the Executive Chef and CDC in the day-to-day operations of the kitchen. This includes working on the line, assisting with expediting service ...

Sous Chef

Saint Helena, CA

$36.06 - $40.87/hr

Required Years of Experience 2 years Job Details Chef Christopher Kostow of The Restaurant at Meadowood and The Charter Oak is looking for a Sous Chef that is a passionate, experienced, and motivated ...

Chef

Glen Ellen, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Glen Ellen Village Market is looking for Full Time Chef to join the team! Paid holidays! Paid Vacation after one year! Sick pay! Eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance! Plus 401K ...

Sous Chef

Rohnert Park, CA · On-site

$75K/yr

The Aya Sous Chef plays a vital supporting leadership role within Graton Resort & Casino's premier Rooftop Restaurant, contributing to an elevated dining experience that reflects the venue's refined ...

Sous Chef

Rohnert Park, CA

$55K - $74K/yr

The Aya Sous Chef plays a vital supporting leadership role within Graton Resort & Casino's premier Rooftop Restaurant, contributing to an elevated dining experience that reflects the venue's refined ...

Executive Chef

Novato, CA · On-site

$83K - $115K/yr

Executive Chef - Detox & Residential SUD Facility (6 Beds) Location: Novato, CA Employment Type: Full-Time Reports To: Director of Operations About Us We are a small, high-touch detox and residential ...

Sous Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$80K/yr

Collaborate with the Executive Chef to create and refine menus, incorporating seasonal ingredients, culinary trends, and guest preferences. * Oversee food preparation activities, ensuring dishes are ...

Sous Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$80K/yr

Collaborate with the Executive Chef to create and refine menus, incorporating seasonal ingredients, culinary trends, and guest preferences. * Oversee food preparation activities, ensuring dishes are ...

Sous Chef

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$80K/yr

We are seeking a passionate and driven Sous Chef to support the culinary leadership team in delivering a refined, high-quality dining experience. This role is ideal for a culinary professional who ...

Sous Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$65K - $87K/yr

A Sous Chef supervises kitchen operations in conjunction with, and in the absence of, the Executive Chef, and ensures that all food production workers are performing their duties as prescribed by the ...

Showing results 21-40

Head Chef information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$31.2K

$70K

$103.9K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Santa Rosa, CA is $69,967.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,700.00 and $82,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a head chef?

A head chef oversees the kitchen of a restaurant or other dining facility. They are the top of the chef chain-of-command in most establishments; larger restaurants have an executive chef above the head chef. As head chef, you control inventory and order supplies to ensure they are replenished, develop menu items, and train and manage staff. While you may supervise the cooking and completion of dishes in the kitchen, the day-to-day operations are usually handled by someone lower down the chef hierarchy, such as the sous chef.

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

To thrive as a Head Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and several years of professional kitchen experience, often supported by a degree or certification in culinary arts. Familiarity with kitchen management systems, inventory software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong leadership, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing a team and fostering a positive kitchen environment. These competencies ensure consistent food quality, efficient operations, and a motivated staff, all critical for a successful kitchen.

What are some of the main challenges head chefs face in managing kitchen operations?

Head Chefs often face the challenge of balancing high-quality food preparation with efficient kitchen management, especially during busy service periods. They must coordinate and motivate a diverse team, ensure food safety standards are consistently met, and adapt quickly to supply chain or staffing issues. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential, as the Head Chef is responsible for both the culinary output and the smooth operation of the kitchen. Successfully overcoming these challenges can lead to greater leadership opportunities within the hospitality industry.

What is the difference between Head Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectHead ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degrees often preferredSimilar credentials, often with experience in kitchens
Work EnvironmentOversees entire kitchen, manages staffAssists Head Chef, manages specific sections
Industry UsageLeads kitchen operations in restaurants, hotelsSupports Head Chef, second-in-command
Search & ComparisonOften searched with Sous Chef for role distinctionsCommonly compared to Head Chef for hierarchy understanding

The Head Chef is responsible for the overall kitchen management, menu creation, and staff supervision, while the Sous Chef acts as the second-in-command, assisting the Head Chef and managing specific kitchen sections. Both roles require culinary expertise and certifications, but the Head Chef holds the primary leadership position.

How much do head chefs get paid?

Head chefs typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $80,000, depending on the location, restaurant size, and experience. Salaries can be higher in upscale establishments or in regions with a higher cost of living, and many head chefs also receive tips and bonuses.

What other jobs can a head chef do?

A head chef can transition into roles such as culinary director, food service manager, restaurant owner, or food consultant, leveraging skills in kitchen management, menu development, and leadership. They may also pursue positions in catering, hospitality management, or culinary education, often requiring certifications or experience in business and operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Head Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Head Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,967 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Sous Chef

Charlie's

Saint Helena, CA

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Charlie’s is expanding adding to our kitchen team
We are looking for strong leaders that love to educate, mentor, and inspire and who will join us in caring for our guests and soon-to-be regulars and helping us build a restaurant that we hope will be a part of the St. Helena community for generations to come.
About Chef Elliot and Charlie’s:
Elliot Bell, a 10-year veteran of Thomas Keller’s world-renowned The French Laundry, is set to open a restaurant of his own named Charlie’s after his four-year old son. The menu at Charlie’s will revolve around local purveyors and have seasonal offerings, featuring some of Chef’s favorite family recipes, and highlighting the diversity and quality of locally-sourced ingredients.
The Sous Chef Role:
We are looking for a Sous Chef who is excited, ambitious, and loves food and cooking deeply. The ideal candidate will be one who is equally passionate about teaching and supporting their team as they are about cooking beautiful food and working closely with purveyors and farmers. We are looking for a strong leader who can run a great service, maintain consistently excellent culinary execution, train and coach their staff, and work closely with dining room leadership to create a cohesive restaurant culture and a strong restaurant team.
The Sous Chef will be responsible for continually elevating our culinary standards, training, coaching and supporting the culinary team, and working closely with the dining room and private events teams. The Sous Chef will support daily service as well as oversee ordering, inventory, prep, and menu development, along with the Chef and other Sous Chefs.
We are looking first and foremost for candidates who are passionate and excited for this role and who are excited to grow with us as we open and evolve. As such, prior Sous Chef experience is a plus, however we will gladly accept applicants with a strong culinary background.
In addition to competitive pay, we offer:⁠
• Paid time off⁠
• Health, dental, and vision insurance⁠
• Fitness benefits⁠
• Free mental health resources⁠
• Financial education⁠
• Opportunities for career development⁠
• Regular field trips to the farms, ranches, vineyards, and other purveyors to understand where our food and beverages come from and meet the people who make them⁠

We highly encourage people of all backgrounds and with varied experience levels to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity.
More detail about Charlie's, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/544030-Charlie%2527s