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Knife Making Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Chef

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

... and excellent knife skills Prepares salad bar items for salad buffet Prepares desserts Assists chef with line work including serving, prepping plates for large parties, making omelettes and other ...

Posted today

I can train but prefer to have knife skills and knowledgeable of making sushi. Part time. By applying to this job, you agree to receive periodic text messages from this employer and Homebase about ...

Sushi Chef

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

REQUIREMENTS : - Culinary arts education and training (preferred). - Cooking and sushi-making experience. - Must have knife skills. - Must be 18+ years of age. - Must be authorized to work in the ...

Sushi Chef

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

REQUIREMENTS : - Culinary arts education and training (preferred). - Cooking and sushi-making experience. - Must have knife skills. - Must be 18+ years of age. - Must be authorized to work in the ...

$22 - $28/hr

Knife Skills * Plate Presentation * Scratch Cooking * Portion Control Nice to Have Skills: Pasta Making, Broiling, Sautéing, Soup Making, Sauce Making Salary and Benefits: This position offers a ...

Delivery Driver07727 Dennery

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

... knife or any weapon while working Driver vehicles are to be neat and clean and in positive image ... making products Only proper procedure for products is allowed Every driver must have done Safe ...

2024 Line Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Solid foundation in culinary skills, including knife/prep work, flat-top cooking, and more ... We focus on making better-for-you cuisine accessible while offering clean-label, plant-driven, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Knife Making information

See California salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do knife making jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for knife making in California is $15.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is knife making?

A knife making job involves designing, crafting, and finishing knives using various materials like steel, wood, and composites. Knife makers use techniques such as forging, grinding, and heat-treating to create functional and artistic blades. This profession requires skills in metallurgy, woodworking, and tool handling. Some knife makers work independently, while others are employed by manufacturers or custom blade shops.

What does a typical workday look like for a knife maker?

A typical workday for a knife maker involves designing blade patterns, selecting and preparing raw materials, forging and shaping blades, applying heat treatment processes, and finishing with grinding, polishing, and handle assembly. Most knife makers work independently or in small workshop teams, and may balance custom orders with regular production tasks. Collaboration with suppliers, fellow artisans, or clients is also common, especially when sourcing materials or refining designs. The workday often alternates between hands-on crafting and administrative tasks such as order management, customer communication, or product marketing. Over time, experienced knife makers may expand their role to include teaching, product line development, or managing a larger workshop.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in knife making, and why are they important?

To thrive in knife making, you need expertise in metalworking, heat treatment, forging, grinding, and blade assembly, often gained through apprenticeships, vocational training, or hands-on experience. Familiarity with tools like anvils, grinders, forges, and occasionally CNC or CAD software is essential, and some makers pursue certifications from blacksmithing or bladesmithing guilds. Creativity, precision, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills help a knife maker produce high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing products. These competencies ensure both the safety and satisfaction of customers while maintaining the maker's reputation for craftsmanship.

How much money can I make making knives?

Knife making as a profession can yield varying income levels depending on skill, experience, and market demand. Skilled custom knife makers can earn from a few thousand to over fifty thousand dollars annually, especially when selling high-end or unique pieces. Income often depends on craftsmanship, branding, and sales channels such as craft fairs or online stores.

What are the most commonly searched types of Knife Making jobs in California?

The most popular types of Knife Making jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Knife Making jobs in California?

For Knife Making jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Knife Making jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Knife Making jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Knife Making job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,810 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST

Knife River Corporation

Chico, CA • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Knife River rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

293rd of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Ready for a challenging, fast-paced career where you are literally laying the groundwork that builds communities. Knife River is a construction materials & contracting company that believes in building things that last, and you can be a big part of our future.
Knife River is a PEOPLE-First company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and go home safely each day. We believe in building strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are committed to making a difference. Join our growing team today!
As a Human Resources (HR) Generalist for Knife River's California operations, you will be responsible for leading or assisting a wide variety of HR activities including benefits, staffing, employee relations, policies and compensation. You will also be responsible for maintaining confidential and sensitive information and working directly with employees on a daily basis. You will champion a People-First culture, supporting HR programs that drive engagement, operational excellence, and business success.
Wage: $75,000 - $85,000/year plus bonus and competitive benefits
Minimum Requirements:
  • Associate degree may be considered with documentation of work experience in an HR field.
  • 5 years of experience in an HR related field.
  • Knowledge of California HR best practices, employment law, and compliance regulations.
  • Exercise initiative, judgement and confidence as well as exhibit a strong desire to acquire knowledge of company practices, policies and procedures.
  • Experience in a unionized construction materials supply industry environment with a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and complete projects on schedule.
  • Ability to contribute to a team-oriented work environment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage at all levels.
  • Demonstrated commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information responsibly and professionally.
  • Strong working knowledge of MS Office Suite products and proficient math skills.

Preferred Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration or related field or equivalent experience.
  • 5-8 years' experience in Human Resources.
  • Professional HR certification(s) (e.g. SHRM-CP, PHR, SHRM-SCP, SPHR).
  • Professional in Human Resources - California accreditation (PHRca).
  • Experience with ERP systems (e.g., JD Edwards), HRIS (e.g., UKG), or other HR systems.
  • Experience working with SmartSheets.
  • Experience implementing employee engagement strategies, training and development programs, and employee surveys.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish, with the ability to effectively communicate with a diverse workforce and ensure compliance with employment regulations.

Duties and/or Responsibilities:
  • Drive a People-First Culture-Champion Knife River's Core Values (People, Safety, Quality, and Environment), fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes employee engagement, well-being, and performance.
  • General Support - Provide general support in the human resources department including, but not limited to, maintaining employee files, coordinating the annual review process, employee survey, assisting with job descriptions and salary administration.
  • HR Compliance & Labor Relations Excellence - Assist with compliance, reporting (i.e. VETS 100, EEO-1, etc.) and labor relations, maintain adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws while mitigating risk and protecting company interests.
  • Talent Acquisition - Responsible for job posting/recruitment, interviewing process, pre-employment screenings, new employee orientation, exit interviews and supporting the employee life cycle.
  • Champion Safety and Compliance - Lead by example in promoting a safety-first culture, actively driving and supporting corporate and local safety initiatives while ensuring all HR programs align with safety objectives.
  • Provide HR Guidance - Assist employees and supervisors with basic policy and benefit questions, sensitive HR matters, ensuring legal compliance and ethical decision making consistent with company philosophy and standards.
  • Foster Culture & Organizational Development - Assess company culture, identify opportunities for improvement, and support initiatives to reinforce values, increase engagement, and support building a high-performing organization that supports business success.
  • Support Mergers, Acquisitions, & Integration - Assist with integration efforts for acquisitions and business expansions.
  • Support HR Best Practices & Performance Metrics - Assist in driving HR operational excellence by supporting process improvements and implementing industry best practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Perform Additional Duties as Assigned - Take on special projects and support initiatives that enhance the company's people strategy and organizational effectiveness.

How To Apply:
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.
If unable to apply online, please mail completed application to:
Knife River Corporation
Box 6099
Stockton, CA 95206
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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