1

Live In Chef Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Be Seen First

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 · 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 (Angel Stadium)

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

LEGENDS GLOBAL Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues ... Support the Executive Chef in achieving and sustaining the highest possible Health Department ...

LEGENDS GLOBAL Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues ... Support the Executive Chef in achieving and sustaining the highest possible Health Department ...

Live Your Passion. Add Your Magic. At Montage International, we are doing something different ... Execute all productions and plating in a timely manner * Assist in maintaining the overall food and ...

Sous Chef

Laguna Beach, CA · On-site

$72K - $86K/yr

Live Your Passion. Add Your Magic. At Montage International, we are doing something different ... Execute all productions and plating in a timely manner * Assist in maintaining the overall food and ...

Summary Under the supervision of the Culinary Manager and in support of Haliburton's sales division ... live customer cooking presentations and demonstrations. Haliburton Corporate Chef's must be ...

Live Your Passion. Add Your Magic. At Montage International, we are doing something different ... Managing, in conjunction with the Executive Steward, the inventory, control of all equipment and ...

Chef de Cuisine

Laguna Beach, CA

$74K - $101K/yr

Live Your Passion. Add Your Magic. At Montage International, we are doing something different ... Managing, in conjunction with the Executive Steward, the inventory, control and breakage/loss ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Live In Chef information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$10

$26

$47

How much do live in chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in chef in Irvine, CA is $26.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $33.27 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 is a live in chef?

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 Irvine, CA? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Live In Chef jobs in Irvine, CA? For Live In Chef jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Live In Chef jobs in Irvine, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Live In Chef jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Live In Chef jobs? Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Live In Chef job openings:

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Description:

Position: Chef

Type: Hourly, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $25-$27 per hour

Shift: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm (with potential for overtime as needed)

Key Responsibilities and Duties

  • Plan and submit weekly lunch and dinner menus (covering all 7 days) for approval by the Culinary Director, ensuring variety, nutrition, and program alignment.
  • Maintain strict adherence to a per-client food budget while placing orders and managing food costs.
  • Develop and follow detailed prep instructions and portioning guidelines to support multiple dietary programs.
  • Oversee and execute weekend meal preparations, including clear re-heating instructions to ensure meal quality and consistency.
  • Submit accurate and timely expense reports through the Brex platform for all food and kitchen-related purchases.
  • Complete and maintain daily temperature logs for all refrigeration and freezer units, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
  • Coordinate and deliver meals for satellite programs as needed, ensuring timely service and adherence to quality standards.
  • Prepare, cook, and serve lunch and dinner for up to 90 clients in a residential behavioral healthcare environment.
  • Order all necessary food and kitchen supplies from approved vendors in alignment with the approved menu and budget constraints.
  • Set up and serve meals during lunch and dinner service, ensuring proper food handling, temperature control, and client satisfaction.
  • Manage food and supply inventory with a focus on rotation, labeling, proper storage, and minimizing waste.
  • Ensure the kitchen remains clean, organized, and in compliance with all local health and safety regulations.
  • Safely deliver meals using a company vehicle when required, maintaining food integrity during transport.
Requirements:

Qualifications

  • Valid Food Handler’s Certification
  • Current CPR and First Aid Certification
  • Recent TB Test Screening
  • Successful completion of Live Scan Fingerprinting or Background check
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs
  • Valid CA Driver’s License
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in a professional kitchen setting (prep chef, line cook, catering, or personal/private chef)

Desired Skills and Experience

  • Demonstrated experience in catering services and custom menu development
  • Proficiency in preparing a wide range of cuisines and accommodating special dietary needs, including but not limited to:
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
    • Pescatarian
    • Gluten-free
    • Low sodium
    • Diabetic-friendly meals
  • Familiarity with kitchen operations in residential healthcare or similar environments
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining clear and effective communication
  • High level of reliability, with a strong commitment to weekend availability (mandatory)
  • Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and manage a fast-paced kitchen environment

Company Description:

Akua Behavioral Health is California’s leading mental health and substance abuse treatment center. We provide our clients with individualized, compassionate treatment from Master’s and Doctorate level clinicians across various levels of care at fully licensed and accredited facilities throughout Northern and Southern California. To give our clients the best chance at lasting recovery, we pioneered an integrative East-meets-West approach that combines Western evidence-based treatment with holistic Eastern traditions to treat the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to create an environment of healing and transformation for each client seeking change.