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Kitchen Sous Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ovisllc93023

Kitchen - Sous Chef

Ojai, CA · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

As the key leader in the kitchen, the Sous Chef supports the Chef de Cuidine in managing all kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and team performance.

ovisllc93023

Kitchen - Sous Chef

Ojai, CA · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

As the key leader in the kitchen, the Sous Chef supports the Chef de Cuidine in managing all kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and team performance.

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

Kitchen - Sous Chef

Ojai, CA · On-site

$81K/yr

As the key leader in the kitchen, the Sous Chef supports the Chef de Cuidine in managing all kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and team performance.

The Bungalow Kitchen

Sous Chef

Belvedere Tiburon, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

Tiburon, California Pay : $80K - $85k per year Position Overview The Sous Chef is a key leader within the kitchen, responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in executing the culinary vision while ...

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Sous Chef

Carmel, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Manage hourly kitchen employees through scheduling, payroll, training, coaching, evaluating and ... Sous Chefs report directly to the Executive Sous Chef and/or Executive Chef. Hyatt Hotels & Resorts ...

Hyatt

Sous Chef

Carmel, CA

$75K - $80K/yr

Manage hourly kitchen employees through scheduling, payroll, training, coaching, evaluating and ... Sous Chefs report directly to the Executive Sous Chef and/or Executive Chef. Hyatt Hotels & Resorts ...

SAAM

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$58K - $79K/yr

Key Responsibilities • Support the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations • Lead ... Sous Chef, or in a similar kitchen leadership role • Extensive knowledge of and hands-on ...

SAAM

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef SAAM is seeking an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to join our culinary team in San ... Support the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations * Lead, train, and supervise the ...

Eddie V's

Sous Chef

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Requirements Proven success as an Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager in a high- volume upscale restaurant or high end resort restaurant Strong passion for culinary excellence, wine ...

Carmel Valley Ranch

Sous Chef

Carmel, CA · On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

Manage hourly kitchen employees through scheduling, payroll, training, coaching, evaluating and ... senior Sous Chefs * Lead and coach the team towards achieving exceptional guest service and ...

The Capital Grille

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proven success as a Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager in a high-volume upscale restaurant or high-end resort restaurant * Strong passion for culinary excellence, wine knowledge, and ...

The Capital Grille

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Requirements Proven success as a Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager in a high-volume upscale restaurant or high-end resort restaurant Strong passion for culinary excellence, wine ...

Eddie V's

Sous Chef

El Segundo, CA

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proven success as an Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager in a high- volume upscale restaurant or high end resort restaurant * Strong passion for culinary excellence, wine knowledge and ...

The Capital Grille

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proven success as a Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager in a high-volume upscale restaurant or high-end resort restaurant * Strong passion for culinary excellence, wine knowledge, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsKitchen Sous Chef JobsKitchen Sous Chef Jobs in California

Kitchen Sous Chef information

See California salary details

$30.1K

$58.2K

$76.5K

How much do kitchen sous chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for kitchen sous chef in California is $58,226.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $66,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen sous chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kitchen Sous Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, experience in food preparation and kitchen operations, and typically a degree or certification from a culinary school. Familiarity with kitchen management systems, inventory software, and food safety certifications (like ServSafe) is highly valued. Leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and strong communication are crucial soft skills for managing staff and ensuring smooth service. These qualifications are essential for maintaining high food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive work environment.

How much is a kitchen sous chef paid?

A kitchen sous chef's salary typically ranges from $35,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. They often work full-time hours, including evenings and weekends, and may receive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

Is a kitchen sous chef a good career?

A kitchen sous chef is a valuable role in professional kitchens, responsible for assisting the head chef, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring food quality. It offers opportunities for skill development, leadership, and advancement to executive chef positions, but often involves long hours and high-pressure environments.

Can I be a kitchen sous chef with no experience?

Becoming a kitchen sous chef typically requires prior experience in a professional kitchen, such as working as a line cook or cook. While some entry-level positions may offer training, most employers prefer candidates with culinary skills, knowledge of kitchen operations, and familiarity with food safety standards.

What are some common challenges a kitchen sous chef faces, and how can they be addressed?

A Kitchen Sous Chef often faces challenges such as managing high-pressure situations during peak service hours, coordinating between kitchen staff, and ensuring consistent food quality. To address these, strong organizational skills, clear communication, and the ability to multitask are essential. Building a collaborative relationship with both the head chef and team members can help streamline operations, while continuous learning and adaptability are key to overcoming unexpected issues in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

What is a kitchen sous chef?

A Kitchen Sous Chef is the second-in-command in a kitchen, working directly under the Head Chef (or Executive Chef). They help oversee kitchen operations, manage and train staff, ensure food quality and consistency, and assist in menu planning and inventory control. The Sous Chef often steps in to lead the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence, making the role critical for maintaining smooth kitchen workflow. This position typically requires strong culinary skills, leadership abilities, and experience in a professional kitchen environment.

What is the difference between Kitchen Sous Chef vs Kitchen Chef?

AspectKitchen Sous ChefKitchen Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceCulinary degree or extensive experience
Work EnvironmentAssists head chef in daily operations, supervises kitchen staffLeads kitchen, plans menus, manages overall kitchen activities
ResponsibilitiesSupports head chef, manages kitchen staff, ensures qualityCreates menus, oversees food prep, manages kitchen workflow

The Kitchen Sous Chef acts as the second-in-command in the kitchen, supporting the Kitchen Chef in daily operations and staff supervision. The Kitchen Chef is responsible for overall kitchen management, menu creation, and leadership. While both roles require culinary credentials and experience, the Sous Chef focuses on assisting and supervising, whereas the Kitchen Chef leads and makes strategic decisions.

What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Sous Chef jobs in California? For Kitchen Sous Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Sous Chef jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Sous Chef jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Kitchen Sous Chef jobs? Cities in California with the most Kitchen Sous Chef job openings:
Kitchen Sous Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Sous Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $58,226 per year, or $28 per hour.

Kitchen - Sous Chef

ovisllc93023

Ojai, CA • On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Sous Chef to join our culinary team. As the key leader in the kitchen, the Sous Chef supports the Chef de Cuidine in managing all kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and team performance. This role requires strong leadership, creativity, and organizational skills in a fast-paced restaurant environment

Responsibilities

  • Assist the Chef de cuisine in all aspects of kitchen operations, including menu planning, inventory, food preparation, and service.
  • Supervise and lead kitchen staff, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance with recipes and standards.
  • Train, mentor, and schedule kitchen team members to maximize productivity and maintain morale.
  • Monitor food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness according to health regulations and company policies.
  • Ensure timely and efficient execution of dishes during service, maintaining exceptional presentation and taste.
  • Help manage inventory levels, ordering, and cost control to minimize waste and support profitability.
  • Step in and lead the kitchen in the absence of the Chef de Cuisine

Skills and Abilities

  • Able to work flexible hours and days including holidays.

  • Knowledge of current and updated culinary trends.

  • Ability to lead and mentor a large team of culinary professionals.

  • Able to plan and execute multiple events at the same time and cook in remote locations.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of two years experience in a high volume production kitchen or restaurant, and a minimum of two years experience as a Sous Chef or above.
  • AOS or higher degree from an accredited university in Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or related major.  Very good knowledge of food safety, sanitation, food preparation techniques.

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