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Live In Private Chef Family Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Must live within a commutable distance to Menlo Park * Strong longevity in current and past ... family offices across the United States. Built over more than a decade on referrals and repeat ...

Must live within a commutable distance to Menlo Park * Strong longevity in current and past ... family offices across the United States. Built over more than a decade on referrals and repeat ...

Private Chef

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Must live within a commutable distance to Menlo Park * Strong longevity in current and past ... family offices across the United States. Built over more than a decade on referrals and repeat ...

CA

$85 - $100/hr

A private family in the San Francisco Bay Area is seeking a seasoned, full-time Private Chef to prepare daily family meals rooted in fresh, organic, California-forward cuisine. This is a weekday ...

CA · On-site

$85 - $100/hr

A private family in the San Francisco Bay Area is seeking a seasoned, full-time Private Chef to prepare daily family meals rooted in fresh, organic, California-forward cuisine. This is a weekday ...

CA

$85 - $100/hr

A private family in the San Francisco Bay Area is seeking a seasoned, full-time Private Chef to prepare daily family meals rooted in fresh, organic, California-forward cuisine. This is a weekday ...

Private Chef

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

We are seeking a skilled and quick-thinking Private Chef to join a busy family household in Newport Beach. This role blends the fast-paced rhythm of a short order cook with the personal touch and ...

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Private Chef

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-Time Private Chef is desired at a Beachfront Residence overlooking the Pier in Santa Monica. Duties Include: Cooking for 1 Individual Proteins: Alligator, Bison, Elk, Octopus, Swordfish ...

$200K - $215K/yr

About the Role A busy, professional family based in San Francisco and Sonoma is seeking an exceptional full-time Private Chef to lead their household's culinary program, daily meals, children's meals ...

$200K - $215K/yr

About the Role A busy, professional family based in San Francisco and Sonoma is seeking an exceptional full-time Private Chef to lead their household's culinary program, daily meals, children's meals ...

$200K - $215K/yr

About the Role A busy, professional family based in San Francisco and Sonoma is seeking an exceptional full-time Private Chef to lead their household's culinary program, daily meals, children's meals ...

Overview Part-Time Personal Chef Los Altos, CA A family of three in Los Altos, California is ... A minimum of 3+ years of experience working as a Private Chef * Comfortable receiving general ...

New

Part-Time Personal Chef Los Altos, CA A family of three in Los Altos, California is looking for a ... A minimum of 3+ years of experience working as a Private Chef * Comfortable receiving general ...

New

Overview Part-Time Personal Chef Los Altos, CA A family of three in Los Altos, California is ... A minimum of 3+ years of experience working as a Private Chef * Comfortable receiving general ...

New

Live In Caregiver

Ojai, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Live In Caregiver Opportunity! Join Our Team and Enjoy Great Benefits! $1000 Hiring Bonus Offered ... You may also offer advice to residents and their families on nutrition, cleanliness, and household ...

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Live In Private Chef Family information

What is a live in private chef?

A Live In Private Chef for a family is a culinary professional who resides in the employer’s household and is responsible for preparing daily meals tailored to the family’s preferences and dietary needs. They often plan menus, shop for groceries, cook meals, and may also assist with special events or entertaining guests. This role requires flexibility, confidentiality, and the ability to adapt to the household’s routines. In addition to cooking, some private chefs may manage kitchen budgets and supervise other kitchen staff if needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a live in private chef?

To thrive as a Live In Private Chef for a family, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and usually a degree from a culinary school or equivalent professional experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and knowledge of dietary preferences or restrictions are typically required. Flexibility, discretion, and excellent communication skills help build trust and adapt to the family's lifestyle and needs. These skills ensure the chef consistently delivers high-quality, personalized meals while maintaining a harmonious household environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a live in private chef, and how can they be addressed?

Live In Private Chefs for families often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying dietary preferences, managing last-minute schedule changes, and maintaining professional boundaries while living in the employer's home. Building open communication with the family can help clarify expectations and preferences. Flexibility and proactive meal planning are essential to accommodate sudden changes. Establishing clear routines and boundaries ensures both the chef and the family enjoy a respectful and harmonious living and working environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Private Chef Family jobs in California?

The most popular types of Private Chef Family jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Live In Private Chef Family jobs?

Cities in California with the most Live In Private Chef Family job openings:

Infographic showing various Live In Private Chef Family job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Overview

Private Chef Job DescriptionFull-Time Private Chef | Menlo Park, California

Our client based in Menlo Park, California, is seeking a highly skilled, discreet Private Chef to join their household team. This role centers on dinner service and health-focused vegetarian cooking for a family who values genuine care in the kitchen as much as the food itself.

The ideal candidate is thoughtful and detail-oriented, someone who takes real pride and ownership in their workspace, keeping the kitchen clean and organized and personally seeing service through to clean-up. This is a wonderful opportunity for a Chef who finds meaning in cooking with intention and creating a warm, healthy rhythm within a family's home.

Schedule

  • Full-time, on-site 
  • Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Primary focus on dinner service, with lunches prepped in advance
  • Start date: as soon as possible
  • Local candidates only

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan and execute vegetarian menus across a range of cuisines, including Thai, Italian, Mediterranean, Indian, and Mexican
  • Prepare daily lunches and dinners, accommodating specific dietary  needs within the household
  • Source high-quality, seasonal ingredients and manage grocery shopping
  • Incorporate produce from the property's edible garden into daily cooking
  • Maintain a clean, organized kitchen, including personally handling clean-up after service
  • Support casual weekend hosting, comfortable with both plated and family-style meals
  • Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, presentation, and discretion at all times
  • Manage the edible garden in partnership with the gardeners and principal. 

Skills & Qualifications

  • Must be authorized to work legally in the United States
  • Must live within a commutable distance to Menlo Park
  • Strong longevity in current and past positions
  • 3-5 years of experience as a private chef in a UHNW home preferred
  • Strong vegetarian and plant-based cooking background, with comfort navigating dietary restrictions
  • Passion for farm-to-table cooking
  • Low-key, grounded personality; highly professional and discreet
  • Comfortable working independently in a home kitchen setting
  • Flexible to occasionally work holidays with advance notice
  • Must successfully complete an in-depth background investigation

Compensation & Benefits

  • $150,000-$175,000+ base salary | depending on experience 
  • Health, dental, and vision plan for employee
  • Retirement plan with match
  • 10 paid vacation days in the first year
  • Paid sick days
  • Paid holidays
  • Discretionary year-end bonus
  • Yearly wage review

DM Estate Staffing is a domestic staffing firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, dedicated to connecting exceptional Private Service Professionals with private clients and family offices across the United States. Built over more than a decade on referrals and repeat clients, we have grown thoughtfully by doing one thing well: finding the right person for the right home.

Every member of our recruiting team has worked personally in the homes of prominent private clients, as estate managers, private chefs, household leaders, and more. That lived experience is what sets us apart. We don't just understand private service in theory; we've navigated its nuances, its demands, and its deeply personal nature from the inside. That perspective shapes every search we conduct and every candidate we represent.

We encourage you to regularly explore our job board and apply for any roles that align with your experience and aspirations. When your background aligns with what our clients are looking for, we will be in touch. We hope to have the opportunity to work with you soon.

Job StatusCurrently Interviewing Qualified Applicants