1

Kitchen Master Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cook (Grill Master)

Covina, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Cook (Grill Master) Company & Culture For over 35 years El Pollo Loco continues to dominate the ... Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred * Food Handler Card: A food ...

Cook (Grill Master)

Covina, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Cook (Grill Master)Company & CultureFor over 35 years El Pollo Loco continues to dominate the ... Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferredFood Handler Card: A food ...

Cook (Grill Master)

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$21 - $21.50/hr

Cook (Grill Master) Company & Culture For over 35 years El Pollo Loco continues to dominate the ... Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred * Food Handler Card: A food ...

Cook (Grill Master)

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$21 - $21.50/hr

Cook (Grill Master)Company & CultureFor over 35 years El Pollo Loco continues to dominate the ... Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferredFood Handler Card: A food ...

Cook (Grill Master)

Escondido, CA · On-site

$20 - $20.25/hr

Cook (Grill Master) Company & Culture For over 35 years El Pollo Loco continues to dominate the ... Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred * Food Handler Card: A food ...

Back Server

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

At The Kitchen Restaurant, a proud beacon of Michelin-starred culinary artistry in Sacramento, is ... Rather than managing basic transactions, you will master the seamless mechanics of our dining room ...

Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred. We are a licensed El Pollo Loco Franchisee company with 29 restaurants ( and many more in the pipeline ) over 500 team members ...

Grill Master

Hayward, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred. We are a licensed El Pollo Loco Franchisee company with 29 restaurants ( and many more in the pipeline ) over 500 team members ...

Grill Master

Concord, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred. We are a licensed El Pollo Loco Franchisee company with 29 restaurants ( and many more in the pipeline ) over 500 team members ...

Grill Master

Dublin, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred. We are a licensed El Pollo Loco Franchisee company with 29 restaurants ( and many more in the pipeline ) over 500 team members ...

Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred. We are a licensed El Pollo Loco Franchisee company with 29 restaurants ( and many more in the pipeline ) over 500 team members ...

Grill Master

Oakland, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred. We are a licensed El Pollo Loco Franchisee company with 29 restaurants ( and many more in the pipeline ) over 500 team members ...

Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred. We are a licensed El Pollo Loco Franchisee company with 29 restaurants ( and many more in the pipeline ) over 500 team members ...

Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred. We are a licensed El Pollo Loco Franchisee company with 29 restaurants ( and many more in the pipeline ) over 500 team members ...

Grill Master

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred. We are a licensed El Pollo Loco Franchisee company with 29 restaurants ( and many more in the pipeline ) over 500 team members ...

Grill Master

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred. We are a licensed El Pollo Loco Franchisee company with 29 restaurants ( and many more in the pipeline ) over 500 team members ...

Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred. We are a licensed El Pollo Loco Franchisee company with 29 restaurants ( and many more in the pipeline ) over 500 team members ...

Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred. We are a licensed El Pollo Loco Franchisee company with 29 restaurants ( and many more in the pipeline ) over 500 team members ...

Grill Master

Folsom, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred. We are a licensed El Pollo Loco Franchisee company with 29 restaurants ( and many more in the pipeline ) over 500 team members ...

Showing results 41-60

Kitchen Master information

See California salary details

$12

$57

$80

How much do kitchen master jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen master in California is $57.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.89 and $65.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen master?

Kitchen Masters are highly skilled culinary professionals who oversee and manage all aspects of a kitchen's operations. They are responsible for menu planning, supervising staff, ensuring food quality and safety, and maintaining inventory and budgets. Kitchen Masters often work in restaurants, hotels, or catering companies, and must possess strong leadership, organizational, and cooking abilities. Their expertise ensures the smooth and efficient running of the kitchen, resulting in an excellent dining experience for customers.

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

To thrive as a Kitchen Master, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and comprehensive knowledge of food safety regulations, often supported by a culinary arts degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Leadership, time management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help manage kitchen staff and maintain a positive work environment. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure efficient kitchen operations, exceptional food quality, and compliance with health standards.

What are some common challenges faced by a kitchen master when managing a busy kitchen?

As a Kitchen Master, one of the main challenges is ensuring smooth coordination among kitchen staff during peak hours while maintaining high standards of food quality and safety. You'll often need to troubleshoot equipment issues, manage inventory efficiently, and adapt quickly to last-minute menu changes or special requests. Effective communication and leadership are crucial, as you'll be responsible for training junior staff and resolving conflicts to keep operations running seamlessly.

What is the difference between Kitchen Master vs Sous Chef?

AspectKitchen MasterSous Chef
CertificationsFood Safety, Culinary CertificationsFood Safety, Culinary Certifications
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering
Role FocusOversees kitchen operations, manages staffAssists head chef, supervises kitchen staff
Search IntentManagement, kitchen leadershipCooking, kitchen support

The Kitchen Master typically oversees kitchen operations and manages staff, focusing on leadership and efficiency. The Sous Chef supports the head chef, handling daily cooking tasks and supervising kitchen staff. Both roles require culinary certifications and work in similar environments, but the Kitchen Master has a broader managerial focus, while the Sous Chef is more hands-on with food preparation.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Kitchen Master jobs?

Cities in California with the most Kitchen Master job openings:

Infographic showing various Kitchen Master job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,107 per year, or $57.3 per hour.

Cook (Grill Master)

El Pollo Loco

Covina, CA • On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Cook (Grill Master)
Company & Culture
For over 35 years El Pollo Loco continues to dominate the market in delivering the best citrus-marinated fire-grilled chicken. We opened our first restaurant in 1980 in Los Angeles, and today we are over 450 restaurants strong and still growing! From our products to our people, we're truly amazing!
Our Crew Members are the heart and soul of our restaurants. Each and every one of our Crew Member careers plays a meaningful and critical role in the El Pollo Loco familia.
What's in it for you!
We offer eligible Employees the following Benefits/Perks:
  • Sick Pay up to 40 hours per year
  • Opportunity for Advancement/Internal Promotions
  • FREE shoes twice a year for zero accidents*
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Competitive Pay
  • Employee Reviews once a year and merit increase when applicable
  • Continues Training and Development

Cook Job Summary:
If you're interested in firing up the grills, we'll provide the hands-on training to help you succeed! This is a job you can take pride in and gain the grilling expertise which put El Pollo Loco on the map more than 30 years ago.
Requirements:
  • Experience: No prior experience is required, but one or more years of restaurant cooking experience is preferred.
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) is preferred.
  • Communication: Ability to speak and read English is preferred (second language is a plus). Ability to communicate effectively with external customers required.
  • Competencies: Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred
  • Food Handler Card: A food handler card required where applicable
  • Physical Demands: The Cook regularly stands, talks, hears, uses close and distance vision, tastes or smells and repetitively uses their hands to reach/handle/feel/grasp objects. The position occasionally stoops/kneels/crouches/crawls and may lift objects up to 40 lbs.

Job Details:
  • Work Hours: Full-Time or Part-Time hours available.
  • Career Advancement/Career Plan: We promote heavily from within, so from a Crew Member you can develop to become a Shift Leader, Assistant Manager, General Manager, and beyond!
  • Work Attire: EPL logo'd shirt will be provided, black pants or jeans and no-slip shoes required