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Kitchen Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Highly Likely

Kitchen Manager / Chef

Ojai, CA · On-site

$60 - $95/hr

We are opening in OJAI and we are looking for an amazing Kitchen Manager/Chef to work directly with Our executive chef Kat Turner to execute our existing menu and bring creativity to this location ...

Scratch Bakery Cafe

Chef/Kitchen Manager

Laguna Hills, CA · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Paid time off Chef / Kitchen Manager - New Modern Mexican Concept (Laguna Hills, CA) Position: Chef / Kitchen Manager Location: Laguna Hills, CA Employment Type: Full-Time We're a new, modern Mexican ...

Benihana - San Mateo

Line Cook

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana - San Francisco

Line Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana - Temecula

Line Cook

Temecula, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Hotel Figueroa

Kitchen 1 Chef/Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$27/hr

Overview The Junior Sous Chef assists the Sous Chef and Executive Chef in the daily operation of ... This position plays a key leadership role in supervising cooks and kitchen staff, maintaining ...

Benihana - San Mateo

Line Cook

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana

Line Cook

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana - San Diego

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana

Line Cook

Temecula, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana - Temecula

Line Cook

Temecula, CA

$19/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

lelé kitchen

Sous Chef

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

lelé kitchen | Los Gatos, CA At lelé kitchen, we believe Eastern European cuisine deserves the ... We're looking for a Sous Chef who wants more than another kitchen job. We want someone who is ...

goop Kitchen

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

As Assistant Kitchen Manager (Assistant Chef de Cuisine) , you're the second culinary leader in the kitchen - the one running the line when the pace picks up, and the person the team looks to mid ...

Beer Baron Whiskey Bar & Kitchen

Head Chef

Livermore, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

HEAD CHEF We are looking for an experienced and motivated Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and help maintain high standards in our back-of-house operations. Responsibilities: * Oversee daily ...

Goop Kitchen

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

As Assistant Kitchen Manager (Assistant Chef de Cuisine) , you're the second culinary leader in the kitchen -- the one running the line when the pace picks up, and the person the team looks to mid ...

goop Kitchen

Assistant Kitchen Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

As Assistant Kitchen Manager (Assistant Chef de Cuisine) , you're the second culinary leader in the kitchen - the one running the line when the pace picks up, and the person the team looks to mid ...

Benihana - San Francisco

Dishwasher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Fills in as needed to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the restaurant as directed by the restaurant manager or kitchen chef. * Performs other duties as assigned by a supervisor. Job ...

the Chef Agency

Head Chef

Burlingame, CA

$90K - $95K/yr

Head Chef Location : Burlingame, CA (No Relo) Salary : Up to $95,000 + bonus up to $15,000 ... Hire, train, schedule, and supervise all kitchen personnel * Maintain food quality, presentation ...

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All JobsKitchen Chef JobsKitchen Chef Jobs in California

Kitchen Chef information

See California salary details

$22.2K

$51K

$74K

How much do kitchen chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for kitchen chef in California is $51,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $61,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen chef?

Kitchen chefs are culinary professionals responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They often oversee the kitchen staff, plan menus, manage food inventory, and ensure that meals are of high quality and prepared safely. Kitchen chefs may specialize in particular cuisines or types of dishes, and they play a crucial role in creating a memorable dining experience for guests.

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

To thrive as a Kitchen Chef, you need a strong background in culinary techniques, food safety knowledge, and often a culinary degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Leadership, teamwork, time management, and creativity are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality dishes, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges a kitchen chef faces when managing a team during busy service hours?

During peak service times, Kitchen Chefs often face the challenge of maintaining efficiency and high-quality output while managing a team under pressure. Effective communication, rapid problem-solving, and strong organizational skills are essential to coordinate multiple orders and ensure that each dish meets the restaurant’s standards. Additionally, Chefs must motivate their team, quickly address any issues that arise, and adapt to changing circumstances, such as unexpected menu changes or staff shortages. Successfully navigating these challenges is key to maintaining a smooth kitchen operation and achieving customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Kitchen Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchen ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceBasic culinary training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentOversees kitchen operations, manages staffPrepares specific dishes on the line during service
ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, quality control, staff supervisionCooking dishes according to recipes and standards

The Kitchen Chef typically holds a leadership role, overseeing kitchen operations and managing staff, while the Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes during service. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Kitchen Chef has broader responsibilities including menu planning and supervision.

How do you get hired as a kitchen chef?

To get hired as a kitchen chef, candidates typically need relevant culinary training or experience, a strong understanding of food safety standards, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Many employers also value certifications such as ServSafe and a good portfolio of culinary skills. Applying through restaurant or hotel job postings and demonstrating teamwork and adaptability are important steps in the hiring process.

Is 25 too late to become a kitchen chef?

There is no age limit to becoming a kitchen chef; many successful chefs start their careers later in life. Skills such as cooking techniques, time management, and gaining relevant certifications can be developed at any age, making 25 a perfectly suitable age to pursue a culinary career.

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

The most popular types of Kitchen Chef jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Chef jobs in California?

For Kitchen Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Chef jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Chef jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Kitchen Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Kitchen Chef job openings:

Kitchen Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $51,020 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Kitchen Manager / Chef

Highly Likely

Ojai, CA • On-site

$60 - $95/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Highly Likely is growing! We are opening in OJAI and we are looking for an amazing Kitchen Manager/Chef to work directly with Our executive chef Kat Turner to execute our existing menu and bring creativity to this location.

  • -We are looking for a skilled chef to supervise daily BOH operations at Highly Likely.
  • -Highly Likely is a fast paced all-day dining restaurant featuring a chef-driven menu.
  • -We are open 7 days a week from 8am-10pm

Kitchen Manager responsibilities include supervising the food prep and cooking, maintaining a fully-stocked kitchen inventory and complying with safety and cleanliness standards.

You may also work with the chef to develop and launch new recipes for the cafe.

To be successful in this role, you should be able to manage our kitchen staff and guide them to deliver quality food on time.

Ultimately, you will ensure all plates are properly cooked and served and our customers have a pleasant dining experience.

Responsibilities
  • -Manage kitchen staff and coordinate food orders
  • -Supervise food prep and cooking
  • -Check food plating and temperature
  • -Establish portion sizes
  • -Schedule kitchen staff shifts
  • -Price menu items in collaboration with the Restaurant Manager
  • -Order food supplies and kitchen equipment, as needed
  • -Train kitchen staff on prep work and food plating techniques
  • -Store food products in compliance with safety practices (e.g. in refrigerators)
  • -Keep weekly and monthly cost reports
  • -Weekly inventory
  • -Maintain sanitation and safety standards in the kitchen area
  • -Track and oversee kitchen repair and maintenance
  • -Oversee catering orders
Requirements and skills
  • -Proven work experience as a Kitchen Manager, Restaurant Manager or Head Chef
  • -Hands-on experience with planning menus and ordering ingredients
  • -Enthusiasm to learn the computer software that we use to run the restaurant
  • -Knowledge of a wide range of recipes
  • -Familiarity with kitchen sanitation and safety regulations
  • -Excellent organizational skills
  • -Conflict management abilities
  • -Ability to manage a team in a fast-paced work environment
  • -Flexibility to work during evenings and weekends
  • -Certification from a culinary school or degree in Restaurant Management is a plus, but not necessary!
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