ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Prep Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Highly Likely

Prep Cook

Ojai, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

About the Prep Chef position We are seeking an experienced Prep Chef to join our company. You will be required to assist in making the preparation of food easier by following the prep list. You will ...

Highly Likely

Prep Cook

Ojai, CA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

About the Prep Chef position We are seeking an experienced Prep Chef to join our company. You will be required to assist in making the preparation of food easier by following the prep list. You will ...

Highly Likely

Prep Cook

Ojai, CA · On-site

About the Prep Chef position We are seeking an experienced Prep Chef to join our company. You will be required to assist in making the preparation of food easier by following the prep list. You will ...

Destroyer

Prep Cook

Culver City, CA

$18.47/hr

Destroyer in Culver City is looking for a prep chef to join our team. Our ideal candidate has at least 2 years of prior experience in a high volume restaurant. This is a full time AM shift position.

Destroyer

Prep Cook

Culver City, CA

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Destroyer in Culver City is looking for a prep chef to join our team. Our ideal candidate has at least 2 years of prior experience in a high volume restaurant. This is a full time AM shift position.

Akua Behavioral Health Inc

Chef.

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Position: Chef Type: Hourly, Full-Time, Non-Exempt Compensation: $25-$27 per hour Shift: Monday ... Develop and follow detailed prep instructions and portioning guidelines to support multiple dietary ...

Akua Mental Health

Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Position: Chef Type: Hourly, Full-Time, Non-Exempt Compensation: $25-$27 per hour Shift: Monday ... Develop and follow detailed prep instructions and portioning guidelines to support multiple dietary ...

AKUA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INC

Chef

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Position: Chef Type: Hourly, Full-Time, Non-Exempt Compensation: $25-$27 per hour Shift: Monday ... Develop and follow detailed prep instructions and portioning guidelines to support multiple dietary ...

New

AKUA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INC

Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Chef Type: Hourly, Full-Time, Non-Exempt Compensation: $25-$27 per hour Shift: Monday-Friday 8:30am ... Develop and follow detailed prep instructions and portioning guidelines to support multiple dietary ...

TG SOLUTIONS INC

Be Seen First

Event Servers (8/15 - Wedding)

Angwin, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Luxury Wedding Event Team - Servers & Prep Chefs $24.00/hour | One-Day Event Event Details Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026 Servers Shift: 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM Prep Chef Shift: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM ...

New

TG SOLUTIONS INC

Be Seen First

Event Servers (8/15 - Wedding)

Angwin, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Luxury Wedding Event Team - Servers & Prep Chefs $24.00/hour | One-Day Event Event Details Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026 Servers Shift: 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM Prep Chef Shift: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM ...

New

Atelier Crenn

Pastry Chef de Partie

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Main Role The Pastry Prep Chef will be responsible for maintaining cleanliness and organization standards within the pastry department and overall restaurant. They will learn, executive and maintain ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrep Chef JobsPrep Chef Jobs in California

Prep Chef information

See California salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do prep chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep chef in California is $15.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do prep chefs make good money?

Prep chefs typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location and experience, with median pay around minimum wage to slightly above. Experienced prep chefs working in busy kitchens or high-end establishments can earn higher wages, and some may receive benefits or tips. Overall, the role provides a starting point in culinary careers but is generally not considered highly lucrative.

What is a prep chef?

Prep chefs, also known as preparation cooks or prep cooks, are culinary professionals responsible for preparing ingredients and basic components of dishes before they are finished by line cooks or chefs. Their duties often include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, preparing sauces, and ensuring that the kitchen is organized and stocked for service. Prep chefs play a crucial role in keeping a restaurant kitchen running smoothly and efficiently by ensuring that everything is ready to go during busy meal periods.

How much do prep chefs get paid?

Prep chefs typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $12 to $20, depending on experience, location, and establishment. Entry-level prep cooks may start at the lower end, while those with more skills or working in high-cost areas can earn higher wages. Many prep chefs work part-time or full-time shifts in restaurant kitchens, often requiring basic culinary skills and food safety knowledge.

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

To thrive as a Prep Chef, you need strong knife skills, food safety knowledge, and experience with basic culinary techniques, often gained through culinary school or on-the-job training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and adherence to sanitation standards like ServSafe certification are typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are essential soft skills that help maintain kitchen efficiency. These abilities ensure the kitchen runs smoothly, ingredients are prepped accurately, and food quality and safety standards are consistently met.

What is the difference between Prep Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectPrep ChefLine Cook
Primary ResponsibilitiesPreparing ingredients, chopping, measuring, and setting up stationsCooking dishes during service, following recipes and timing
Work EnvironmentPre-shift prep areas, back of house kitchensHot line during service, fast-paced kitchen environment
CredentialsBasic culinary training, food safety certifications often requiredSimilar credentials, often with more experience in cooking techniques

Prep Chefs focus on preparing ingredients and setting up stations before service, while Line Cooks execute the cooking during service. Both roles require culinary training and food safety knowledge, but Prep Chefs typically work in prep areas, whereas Line Cooks work on the hot line during busy hours.

What are some common challenges faced by prep chefs, and how can they be managed?

Prep chefs often work in fast-paced environments, managing large volumes of food preparation while meeting strict quality and safety standards. One common challenge is balancing speed with accuracy, as mistakes can impact the entire kitchen's workflow. Effective time management, strong organizational skills, and clear communication with other kitchen staff help prep chefs stay on track and support smooth kitchen operations. Embracing these practices can also pave the way for advancement to more senior kitchen roles.
Prep Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,201 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Prep Cook

Highly Likely

Ojai, CA • On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

About the Prep Chef position

We are seeking an experienced Prep Chef to join our company. You will be required to assist in making the preparation of food easier by following the prep list. You will set out neccessary ingredients needed by chefs and also ensure that they are of the exact measurement. You should be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Prep Chef responsibilities are:

  • Following the assigned prep list by chefs

  • Preparing the necessary ingredients needed by chefs

  • Accurately measuring ingredients

  • Doing minor prepping of foods

  • Making basic dishes

  • Ensuring that work area is clean and properly sanitized

  • Following the health standards of the company

Prep Chef requirements are:

  • Experience as a Prep Chef

  • Familiar with the health and safety regulations

  • Good Physical condition

  • Excellent team player

  • Working well in a fast-paced environment

  • High school diploma or relevant certificate