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Live In Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Nevada City, CA

$53K - $72K/yr

We are seeking a talented Sous Chef to join a tight-knit kitchen family in beautiful, historic ... live entertainment and is excited to be a visible, respected leader in our community. The Perks;

$85K - $90K/yr

Sous Chef - Commercial Production Job Location: San Francisco-USA-94128 Work Location Type: On-Site ... Make the company's values and management principles live in the department(s) * Implement and ...

At My Father's Barbeque Smokehouse, we live where Southern tradition meets California soul. Our ... Located in the center of Carson Ca. Newly expanded and remodeled. We specialize in great food and ...

Live Nation Concerts is the largest provider of live entertainment in the world promoting more than ... Proven work experience as a Chef or Cook Hands-on experience with various kitchen equipment ...

Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Prepare, cook, and serve lunch and dinner for up to 90 clients in a residential behavioral health ... Successful completion of Live Scan Fingerprinting or Background check * Ability to lift and carry ...

Chef

Costa Mesa, CA

$25 - $27/hr

Prepare, cook, and serve lunch and dinner for up to 90 clients in a residential behavioral health ... Successful completion of Live Scan Fingerprinting or Background check * Ability to lift and carry ...

... in its ethos and cuisine, Chefs will work with and become familiar with many ingredients and preparations that my have previously been foreign to them. - Live fire cooking is a cornerstone of the ...

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Chef.

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Prepare, cook, and serve lunch and dinner for up to 90 clients in a residential behavioral health ... Successful completion of Live Scan Fingerprinting or Background check * Ability to lift and carry ...

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Known for exceptional service, elegant interiors, and live music in select locations, Mastro's blends classic fine dining with a modern luxury feel. As a Sous Chef, you will support the Executive ...

Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Prepare, cook, and serve lunch and dinner for up to 90 clients in a residential behavioral health ... Successful completion of Live Scan Fingerprinting or Background check * Ability to lift and carry ...

Sous Chef

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

$72K - $80K/yr

Known for exceptional service, elegant interiors, and live music in select locations, Mastro's blends classic fine dining with a modern luxury feel. As a Sous Chef, you will support the Executive ...

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Known for exceptional service, elegant interiors, and live music in select locations, Mastro's blends classic fine dining with a modern luxury feel. As a Sous Chef, you will support the Executive ...

Known for exceptional service, elegant interiors, and live music in select locations, Mastro's blends classic fine dining with a modern luxury feel. As a Sous Chef, you will support the Executive ...

Known for exceptional service, elegant interiors, and live music in select locations, Mastro's blends classic fine dining with a modern luxury feel. As a Sous Chef, you will support the Executive ...

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Known for exceptional service, elegant interiors, and live music in select locations, Mastro's blends classic fine dining with a modern luxury feel. As a Sous Chef, you will support the Executive ...

Sous Chef

Universal City, CA · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

... in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a ... The Sous Chef - Margaritaville, will be responsible for directing, managing and successfully ...

Sous Chef

Universal City, CA

$52K - $70K/yr

... in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a ... The Sous Chef - Margaritaville, will be responsible for directing, managing and successfully ...

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Live In Chef information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do live in chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in chef in California is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Live In Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Live In Chef, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and a background in food safety, often supported by culinary school training or chef certifications. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, dietary management software, and inventory systems is typically required. Excellent organizational abilities, discretion, and the capacity to adapt to clients' preferences are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality meals, maintaining a harmonious household, and meeting the specific needs of clients in a private setting.

What are live-in chefs?

Live-in chefs are professional cooks who reside at their employer's residence to prepare meals on a full-time basis. They are responsible for planning menus, shopping for ingredients, and cooking daily meals tailored to the household's preferences and dietary requirements. In addition to meal preparation, live-in chefs may also handle kitchen organization, staff management, and special event catering. This arrangement offers families the convenience of personalized, high-quality meals without needing to dine out or cook themselves. Live-in chefs often work for private households, estates, or high-profile individuals.

What are some unique challenges a Live In Chef may face compared to traditional restaurant chefs?

A Live In Chef often navigates the balance between privacy and professionalism, as they work within a client's home and may have to adjust to the household's routines and preferences. Unlike restaurant chefs, they typically manage all aspects of the kitchen, including meal planning, grocery shopping, and maintaining the kitchen's cleanliness. Flexibility is crucial, as schedules can change and dietary needs may shift quickly. Building strong communication and trust with the household is essential for success and long-term satisfaction in this role.

What is the difference between Live In Chef vs Personal Chef?

AspectLive In ChefPersonal Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, certifications often preferredCulinary training, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentResides on client’s property, works full-timePrepares meals at client’s home, flexible hours
Employer & IndustryLuxury households, private estatesIndividuals, families, small groups
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for full-time, on-site culinary staffSeeking personalized, on-demand meal services

Live In Chefs typically reside on the client’s property, working full-time and providing daily meal preparation. Personal Chefs usually work on a part-time basis, preparing meals in the client’s home without residing there. Both roles require culinary skills, but Live In Chefs often need additional certifications and experience for full-time residence and duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in California? The most popular types of Chef jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Live In Chef jobs in California? For Live In Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Live In Chef jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Live In Chef jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Live In Chef jobs? Cities in California with the most Live In Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Live In Chef job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,554 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Sous Chef

$53K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Are you a passionate, high-energy culinary professional looking to make your mark in a legendary local establishment? We are seeking a talented Sous Chef to join a tight-knit kitchen family in beautiful, historic Nevada City.

Known for our exceptional steaks, fresh seafood, and a lively atmosphere featuring nightly live music from local musicians, we pride ourselves on being a cornerstone of the community. If you thrive in a high-volume, dynamic environment where teamwork and culinary excellence take center stage, then you should be in this kitchen!

The Role

As the Sous Chef, you will be a vital pillar of our kitchen family. You will work side by side with the Executive Chef to lead, inspire, and manage our culinary team, ensuring every plate that leaves the kitchen meets our legendary standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Team Leadership: Actively manage, mentor, and motivate the kitchen crew, fostering a positive, collaborative, and family-oriented work culture.

  • Culinary Excellence: Uphold the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency for our premium steak and seafood menus.

  • Kitchen Operations: Assist the Executive Chef in daily operations, including inventory control, prep management, ordering, and maintaining strict safety and sanitation standards.

  • Line Management: Lead by example on the line during busy dinner rushes, maintaining a cool head and high energy while the restaurant rocks to live nightly music.

What We Are Looking For

  • Experience: Proven experience as a Sous Chef or strong Lead Cook in a high-volume, full-service restaurant. Experience in executing fine steaks and fresh seafood is highly preferred.

  • Leadership Style: A natural leader who prioritizes teamwork, clear communication, and accountability—someone who treats the kitchen staff like family.

  • Skills: Strong knife skills, expert line cooking abilities, and a deep understanding of kitchen financials (food cost, labor control) and safety protocols.

  • Vibe: Someone who loves the unique energy of a bustling restaurant paired with live entertainment and is excited to be a visible, respected leader in our community.

The Perks;

  • Competitive hourly rate based on experience.

  • A supportive, family-centric ownership and management team.

  • The chance to work in a vibrant, music-filled environment in the heart of Nevada City.