ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kitchen Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Gold Ridge Kitchen & Bar

Executive Chef

Sebastopol, CA

$79K - $109K/yr

About Us Gold Ridge Kitchen is the newest project coming to The Barlow in the heart of Sebastopol ... Overview The Executive Chef of Gold Ridge Kitchen will be tasked with early menu development and ...

Gold Ridge Kitchen & Bar

Executive Chef

Sebastopol, CA

$79K - $109K/yr

About Us Gold Ridge Kitchen is the newest project coming to The Barlow in the heart of Sebastopol ... Overview The Executive Chef of Gold Ridge Kitchen will be tasked with early menu development and ...

Gold Ridge Kitchen & Bar

Executive Chef

Sebastopol, CA

$105K - $115K/yr

About Us Gold Ridge Kitchen is the newest project coming to The Barlow in the heart of Sebastopol ... Overview The Executive Chef of Gold Ridge Kitchen will be tasked with early menu development and ...

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 ...

Eataly

Sous Chef Manager - Central Kitchen

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$58K - $79K/yr

Reports to the Chef de Cuisine and manages the kitchen staff. * Supports the Sous Chefs in all day-to-day operational needs to deliver Eataly's business, employee, menu and guest service strategies

Benihana - San Francisco

Dishwasher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/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 ...

Benihana - Puente Hills

Dishwasher

Rowland Heights, CA

$12.75 - $16.50/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 ...

Benihana - Monterey

Utility

Monterey, CA

$19 - $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 ...

Blue Nami Group

Kitchen Prep Cook

Roseville, CA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Basic Functions Assists Head chef and kitchen chefs in the production of food required for lunch, dinner and/or possibly late night shifts Responsible for the daily operations of the kitchen Ensures ...

Blue Nami Group

Kitchen Prep Cook

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Basic Functions Assists Head chef and kitchen chefs in the production of food required for lunch, dinner and/or possibly late night shifts Responsible for the daily operations of the kitchen Ensures ...

Blue Nami Group

Kitchen Prep Cook

Orangevale, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Basic Functions Assists Head chef and kitchen chefs in the production of food required for lunch, dinner and/or possibly late night shifts Responsible for the daily operations of the kitchen Ensures ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 16, 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 63% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $51,020 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Assistant Kitchen Manager

goop Kitchen

San Diego, CA • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description

goop kitchen is on a mission to to build the most trusted and exceptional, clean food and hospitality company for the world. Every meal we serve reflects our commitment to quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and genuine hospitality. We envision a world where clean eating is just eating-where food that's good for you is also vibrant, satisfying, and deeply enjoyable.


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-shift. You'll partner closely with the Chef de Cuisine to run daily operations, and you'll own execution shift by shift: recipe adherence, portion control, food safety, and the timing that gets clean, thoughtfully sourced food out the door exactly as intended.

This is a hands-on leadership role built for someone who wants to grow. You'll coach Shift Leads, Utility Chefs, and Line Chefs in real time, step in to lead the kitchen when the CDC is off-site, and develop the skills that make you our next Chef de Cuisine.


What You'll Do:

  • Lead the shift. Run assigned shifts as the senior culinary leader on the floor - directing stations, setting the pace, and moving the team as volume shifts.
  • Hold the standard. Enforce recipe adherence, portion control, and plating specifications station by station, correcting course in real time before food leaves the kitchen.
  • Coach and develop. Train Shift Leads, Utility Chefs, and Line Chefs on station standards, prep procedures, and new menu items, with feedback in the moment.
  • Plan prep and production. Build and adjust daily prep and production lists against forecasted volume to protect quality and limit waste.
  • Own food safety. Complete and verify temperature checks, cooling reports, and digital food safety logs; lead sanitation walks and hold the team to allergen-handling and HACCP protocols.
  • Support inventory and ordering. Run counts, receive and verify deliveries against invoices, flag variances, and place orders as directed by the CDC.
  • Watch the numbers. Apply portioning, yield, and waste controls that support food and labor cost targets, and surface what's driving them.
  • Open and close. Lead opening line checks and closing procedures - checklists complete, equipment shut down properly, facility secured.
  • Step in. Take day-to-day leadership of the kitchen when the CDC is not present

Requirements

What You'll Bring

  • At least 2 years in a supporting kitchen leadership role (e.g., Assistant Kitchen Manager, Kitchen Lead, Sous Chef) in a high-volume or made-to-order kitchen
  • Demonstrated ability to run a station and direct others through a full-volume shift
  • Experience training or onboarding hourly kitchen team members
  • ServSafe Food Handler certification, or the ability to obtain one 
  • Working knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP, and Health Department compliance
  • Familiarity with clean eating principles, dietary restrictions, and allergen-friendly cooking techniques
  • Comfort with kitchen systems - POS, inventory platforms, online ordering, and digital food safety logs
  • Organizational skills to prioritize prep, production, and cleaning in a fast-paced environment
  • Clear communication with leadership, your kitchen team, and vendors
  • A commitment to sustainability, ingredient integrity, and high standards of kitchen cleanliness
  • Background in health-forward, clean-ingredient, made-to-order kitchen concepts and/or experience with delivery-first or digital food concepts preferred
  • Bilingual - Spanish/English a plus

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance 
  • Paid time off
  • 401k match
  • Annual cell phone reimbursement 
  • Employee discount.
  • Opportunity to build and work in a dynamic and innovative environment.
  • A chance to make a meaningful impact on a rapidly growing brand.


About goop kitchen

goop kitchen is an upscale fast-casual concept, founded by Gwyneth Paltrow in 2021, serving real, clean, and delicious food made-to-order. The brand focuses on thoughtfully sourced ingredients and chef-driven menus designed primarily for delivery and takeout.

Apply