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Part Time Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Primary Purpose and Function The Weekend Chef is responsible for all weekend kitchen operations at Residential, including all daily meals, cleaning and storage, purchasing, inventory, and maintaining ...

Private Chef

Newport Beach, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Newport Coast Drive, CA Pay: $30-35/hr Hours: (Part-Time, Can eventually go to full-time) About the Role: We are seeking a skilled and quick-thinking Private Chef to join a busy family household in ...

Sous Chef

Mill Valley, CA ยท On-site

$78K - $82K/yr

Sous Chef - Piatti Mill ValleyCompensation: $78,000-$82,000 annuallyPiatti Mill Valley is looking ... Retirement: 401(k) Retirement savings program available for all full- and part-time employees over ...

EVENT CHEF

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

EVENT CHEF About Us Would you like to work with a fun, food-driven family? At The Wild Thyme ... Flexible scheduling * Part-time roles with potential for full-time growth * A supportive, team ...

We are hiring immediately for a Sous Chef * Location : Mountain View, CA * Schedule : Monday ... Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan ...

Sous Chef

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

Flexible scheduling options with full-time and part-time hours * Paid time off and Holidays ... Provide supervision to dietary/kitchen team and supporting the Executive Chef * Assist in ...

Sous Chef

San Jose, CA

$28.16 - $31.69/hr

Flexible scheduling options with full-time and part-time hours * Paid time off and Holidays ... Provide supervision to dietary/kitchen team and supporting the Executive Chef * Assist in ...

Sous Chef

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$76K - $78K/yr

We are hiring immediately for a Sous Chef * Location : Mountain View, CA * Schedule : Monday ... Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan ...

Showing results 21-40

Part Time Chef information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do part time chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time 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 is a part time chef?

Part time chefs are culinary professionals who work fewer hours than a standard full-time schedule, often in restaurants, catering companies, hotels, or private homes. They prepare meals, assist with menu planning, and ensure food safety and quality, but may work on specific shifts, weekends, or during peak business periods. Part time chefs can also be hired for special events or to provide private cooking services. This role offers flexibility in scheduling and can be ideal for those balancing other commitments or pursuing culinary experience without a full-time commitment.

How does working as a part time chef typically influence your schedule and work-life balance?

As a part-time chef, your schedule often includes evenings, weekends, or holidays, depending on the establishment's peak hours. This flexibility can be beneficial for those balancing other commitments, such as education or family, but it may also require adaptability when covering shifts or accommodating last-minute changes. Effective communication with management and colleagues is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Many part-time chefs find that the role offers valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to develop culinary skills in a professional setting.

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

To thrive as a Part Time Chef, you need a solid background in culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations, often paired with a culinary certificate or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and adherence to food hygiene standards are typically required. Strong time management, creativity, and teamwork skills set exceptional chefs apart in busy environments. These abilities ensure high-quality dishes, efficient kitchen flow, and customer satisfaction, even during limited working hours.

What is the difference between Part Time Chef vs Full Time Chef?

AspectPart Time ChefFull Time Chef
Work HoursFewer hours, typically less than 30 hours/weekFull shifts, usually 40+ hours/week
CredentialsBasic culinary skills, certifications optionalSame culinary certifications, often more experience required
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, events, flexible schedulingEstablished kitchens, consistent schedule
Employer UsagePart-time positions, seasonal workPermanent, full-time employment

Part Time Chefs work fewer hours and often in flexible settings, ideal for those seeking part-time employment or supplementary income. Full Time Chefs have consistent schedules and more responsibilities, suitable for those pursuing a career in professional kitchens. Both roles require culinary skills, but full-time positions may demand more experience and certifications.

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 Part Time Chef jobs in California?

For Part Time Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Part Time Chef jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Part Time Chef jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Part Time Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Part Time Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Part Time Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,554 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Weekend Chef - Part Time

Casa Career Page Private

Santa Barbara, CA โ€ข On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description:

Casa Serena is a residential substance use, mental health, trauma and eating disorder treatment center for women only. We are currently looking to add a creative, compassionate and innovative individual to the team in the position of Weekend Chef!


Primary Purpose and Function

The Weekend Chef is responsible for all weekend kitchen operations at Residential, including all daily meals, cleaning and storage, purchasing, inventory, and maintaining the kitchen according to county health codes and ServSafe standards.


Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Preparing all weekend meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner) for clients, according to appropriate guidelines of nutrition, food safety, and cleanliness
  • Meal prepping, as needed
  • Preparing a menu appropriate for all current client dietary needs
  • Maintaining shopping list and submitting supply purchase requests, as needed
  • Independently conducting grocery shopping trips as needed
  • Operating within and tracking budget, as indicated by census
  • Overseeing ingredient inventory, monitoring to ensure continuity of staple items, and optimizing use of resources
  • Monitoring costs and proactively seeking opportunities to better budget health while maintaining expected standards
  • Responsible for safe food standards including sanitation, food temperatures, refrigerator temperatures, food and equipment handling, and proper food storage and labelling
  • Responsible for maintaining an impeccably clean kitchen environment, bussing and washing all dishes, deep-cleaning kitchen and equipment
  • Providing food for holidays and special events as needed
  • Other duties as assigned
Requirements:

Core Competency (minimum skills, knowledge and experience needed to perform essential functions and responsibilities)

  1. ServeSafe standards
  2. Menu creation
  3. Food preparation
  4. Census & inventory
  5. Ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally
  6. Possess a professional demeanor and a collaborative spirit
  7. Cultural competency and client-centered care approach

Preferred Qualifications

  • One year of chef / cooking experience
  • Food Handler's Certification (servsafe certified) preferred or willing to obtain upon hire
  • Current CPR & First Aid Certification and TB/Health Screen within 60 days of employment (or willing to obtain upon 7 days of hire)
  • Basic computer skills, experience in MS Office or Google Suite preferred
  • Experience in a behavioral health treatment facility preferred
  • Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and insurable by our insurance carrier

Physical Demands / Work Environment

  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, and respond quickly to emergencies
  • Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs
  • Exposure to clients in emotional distress or crisis situations
  • Work performed in office, residential, or detox environment


*Those who do not meet all preferred qualifications are still encouraged to apply if they believe they can meet the essential duties as outlined.