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Personal Chef Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Commis Chef

Napa, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Executive Chef Join Our Culinary Team Do you have a passion for food and a desire to learn from ... Some culinary experience through work, culinary school, internships, or personal passion * Ability ...

Executive Chef

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$83K - $115K/yr

Executive Chef - Detox & Residential SUD Facility (6 Beds) Location: Novato, CA Employment Type ... Professional and personal reference checks What We Offer * Consistent schedule (no late-night ...

Chef de Partie

Healdsburg, CA ยท On-site

$21.75 - $27.50/hr

Assure all necessary items are in the restaurant at the start of the shift through personal ... Chefs, Chef de Cuisine, and Executive Chef/Owner. Assist in training and mentoring of your team ...

Chef

Occidental, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Commis Chef Our camp and conference grounds is seeking a dependable, team-oriented Commis Chef to join our kitchen staff in serving guests through food, hospitality, and community. This position ...

Chef

Occidental, CA

$20 - $30/hr

Commis Chef Our camp and conference grounds is seeking a dependable, team-oriented Commis Chef to join our kitchen staff in serving guests through food, hospitality, and community. This position ...

Sous Chef

Saint Helena, CA ยท On-site

$61K - $82K/yr

About Chef Elliot and Charlie's: Elliot Bell, a 10-year veteran of Thomas Keller's world-renowned The French Laundry, is set to open a restaurant of his own named Charlie's after his four-year old ...

About Chef Elliot and Charlie's: Elliot Bell, a 10-year veteran of Thomas Keller's world-renowned The French Laundry, is set to open a restaurant of his own named Charlie's after his four-year old ...

Chef de Partie

Healdsburg, CA ยท On-site

$16.50/hr

Assure all necessary items are in the restaurant at the start of the shift through personal ... Chefs, Chef de Cuisine, and Executive Chef/Owner. Assist in training and mentoring of your team ...

Sous Chef

Saint Helena, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Required Years of Experience 2 years Job Details Chef Christopher Kostow of The Restaurant at Meadowood and The Charter Oak is looking for a Sous Chef that is a passionate, experienced, and motivated ...

Sous Chef

Oakville, CA

$64K - $78K/yr

Description The Sous Chef is a key culinary leader responsible for delivering exceptional food experiences that reflect the Family of Silver Oak's commitment to hospitality, craftsmanship, and ...

Sous Chef

Oakville, CA ยท On-site

$64K - $78K/yr

The Sous Chef is a key culinary leader responsible for delivering exceptional food experiences that reflect the Family of Silver Oak's commitment to hospitality, craftsmanship, and quality. This ...

Sous Chef

Yountville, CA ยท On-site

$57K - $76K/yr

As Sous Chef, you will play a key role in supporting the Executive Chef and CDC in the day-to-day operations of the kitchen. This includes working on the line, assisting with expediting service ...

Sous Chef

Oakville, CA ยท On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description The Sous Chef is a key culinary leader responsible for delivering exceptional food experiences that reflect the Family of Silver Oak's commitment to hospitality ...

As Sous Chef, you will play a key role in supporting the Executive Chef and CDC in the day-to-day operations of the kitchen. This includes working on the line, assisting with expediting service ...

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Personal Chef information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$21.3K

$76.2K

$165.1K

How much do personal chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for personal chef in Santa Rosa, CA is $76,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $98,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a personal chef?

Personal Chefs plan and prepare meals for their clients. Some cook in their clients' homes or offices, while others work in a professional kitchen or their own kitchen and transport the meals to their clients. In this role, you may work for just one client or have several clients at the same time. Your job duties include discussing meal preferences and dietary restrictions with your client, shopping for ingredients, and preparing the meals. If you cook in your client's home, you are also responsible for cleaning up and putting away kitchen tools. Personal Chefs may cook meals a few times a week or every day, depending on their client's contract expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a personal chef?

To thrive as a Personal Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and relevant food safety certifications such as ServSafe. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory management software, and dietary tracking tools is often required. Strong communication, adaptability, and discretion help build client trust and accommodate diverse preferences. These skills ensure personalized, high-quality service and client satisfaction in a highly customized culinary environment.

What are some common challenges personal chefs face when managing multiple clients?

Personal Chefs often juggle varying dietary preferences, schedules, and kitchen environments across different clients. One of the main challenges is efficiently planning menus and grocery shopping to accommodate unique tastes, allergies, and nutritional needs. Additionally, adapting quickly to unfamiliar kitchens and maintaining high food quality under time constraints requires strong organizational skills. Building clear communication with clients helps set expectations and ensures satisfaction.

What is the difference between Personal Chef vs Private Chef?

AspectPersonal ChefPrivate Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree or certification often preferredSimilar credentials, often with additional experience in luxury settings
Work EnvironmentPrepares meals in clients' homes or for eventsWorks exclusively in private households or estates
Employer & IndustryServes individual clients, families, or small groupsEmployed by wealthy individuals or families for ongoing service
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for personal meal services or custom meal prepOften searched for exclusive household or estate dining services

Both Personal Chefs and Private Chefs prepare customized meals for clients, often in private settings. The main difference lies in the scope: Personal Chefs typically serve multiple clients or families, while Private Chefs work exclusively for a single household or estate. Credentials and work environments are similar, but the Private Chef role is more specialized for high-end, long-term household employment.

How much do personal chefs get paid?

Personal chefs typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and client base. Many work on an hourly rate, which can range from $25 to $75 per hour, and may include additional fees for special services or travel.

How much does a personal chef earn?

The average annual salary for a personal chef ranges from $40,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and client base. Personal chefs often charge hourly rates between $25 and $100, and income can increase with specialized skills or working for high-net-worth clients.

Is there a demand for personal chefs?

Yes, there is ongoing demand for personal chefs as more individuals seek customized, in-home dining experiences. The profession is growing due to increased interest in healthy, specialized, and convenient meal preparation, often requiring culinary skills and client-specific dietary knowledge.

What are popular job titles related to Personal Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Personal Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Personal Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Personal Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Personal Chef jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Personal Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Personal Chef job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,176 per year, or $36.6 per hour.

Commis Chef

Far Niente Winery

Napa, CA โ€ข On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist chefs with food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation.

  • Prepare fresh ingredients for daily menus, tastings, and special events.

  • Help set up and break down culinary experiences, tastings, and private events.


Job description

Commis Chef / Prep Cook
Reports To: Executive Chef
Join Our Culinary Team
Do you have a passion for food and a desire to learn from talented chefs? At Far Niente Wine Estates, you'll be part of a collaborative culinary team creating memorable food and wine experiences for guests from around the world.
Whether you're a recent culinary school graduate or someone eager to begin a culinary career, this is an opportunity to develop your skills in a luxury winery environment where quality, creativity, and hospitality come together.
Working alongside our Executive Chef, you'll gain hands-on experience in food preparation, plating, seasonal menus, private events, and daily culinary operations while learning the techniques and standards that define exceptional hospitality.
What You'll Do
As a Commis Chef, you'll play an important role in preparing the beautiful culinary offerings that accompany our world-class wines.
You'll have the opportunity to:
•    Prepare fresh ingredients for daily menus, tastings, and special events. 
•    Assist chefs with food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation. 
•    Learn proper knife skills, cooking techniques, and professional kitchen practices. 
•    Help create memorable food and wine pairings for our guests. 
•    Maintain an exceptionally clean, organized, and safe kitchen. 
•    Properly label, rotate, and store food following food safety standards. 
•    Set up and break down culinary experiences, tastings, and private events. 
•    Help care for kitchen equipment and workspaces. 
•    Support inventory organization and restocking. 
•    Assist with seasonal menu changes and culinary projects. 
•    Contribute ideas that improve efficiency and reduce waste. 
•    Help harvest and utilize ingredients from our culinary gardens when in season. 
•    Be an active, supportive member of a collaborative culinary team. 
We're Looking For Someone Who
•    Loves food and wants to build a culinary career. 
•    Enjoys working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. 
•    Takes pride in preparing beautiful, high-quality food. 
•    Is eager to learn new techniques and receive coaching. 
•    Pays attention to detail and strives for excellence. 
•    Brings a positive attitude and strong work ethic every day. 
•    Values cleanliness, organization, and food safety. 
•    Wants to create exceptional experiences for every guest. 
Qualifications
Minimum
•    High school diploma or equivalent 
•    Some culinary experience through work, culinary school, internships, or personal passion 
•    Ability to work on your feet throughout the shift 
•    Ability to lift up to 30 pounds 
•    Flexible schedule including weekends and holidays 
Preferred
•    Culinary school coursework or certificate 
•    Previous experience in a restaurant, winery, hotel, or catering environment 
•    Knowledge of basic knife skills and food safety practices 
Why You'll Love Working Here
At Far Niente Wine Estates, you'll do more than prepare food—you'll help create unforgettable experiences.
You'll have the opportunity to:
•    Learn from experienced culinary professionals 
•    Work with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from Napa Valley 
•    Be part of a luxury hospitality team known for excellence 
•    Build your culinary skills in a supportive environment 
•    Participate in creating wine and food pairings that delight guests 
•    Grow your career within one of Napa Valley's premier wine estates
About Far Niente Wine Estates 
Far Niente Wine Estates represents a legacy of excellence and stewardship that spans over 135 years, uniting the wines and vineyards under a single vision of artistry, integrity, and community. Founded in 1885 by John Benson with the construction of the iconic Far Niente stone winery in the heart of Napa Valley, the estate has expanded over the years, preserving its heritage while advancing the craft of winemaking through the vision and dedication of the dreamers and doers who have shaped the luxury wine industry.
In 1979, the Nickel family revitalized Far Niente, restoring its original grandeur and elevating it to an internationally renowned winery celebrated for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in the heart of Oakville, California. Today, as stewards of more than 400 acres of premier Napa and Russian River Valley vineyards, Far Niente Wine Estates’ commitment to quality and sustainability has guided its careful expansion, bringing together a collection of world-class wineries that reflect the diversity of Napa Valley and the Russian River Valley terroirs. The portfolio includes single vineyard, single varietal pioneer Nickel & Nickel; Bella Union, dedicated to showcasing diverse expressions of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends; Post & Beam, centered on time-honored techniques used to craft its contemporary style; EnRoute, devoted to world-class Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley; and Dolce, America’s leading late-harvest wine. 
At the heart of Far Niente Wine Estates is a dedication to preserving the Napa legacy while exceeding expectations. This ensures that the estates’ wines remain a beloved symbol of craftsmanship, care for the land, and an enduring commitment to quality. The estates minimize their environmental footprint by committing to responsible and sustainable winemaking practices while fostering enduring value for all its stakeholders. Far Niente Wine Estates also embraces a culture of inclusion and authenticity, celebrating the unique contributions of its team and fostering a sense of belonging. To learn more, visit the Far Niente Wine Estates website.  
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion. We work to create an environment of fair opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. More detail about Far Niente Winery part of Far Niente Wine Estates , please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/18015-Far-Niente-Winery