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Prep Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Gecko Hospitality

Head Chef

Temecula, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

HEAD CHEF Temecula, California About the Opportunity A well regarded winery destination in Temecula ... Work as a hands on culinary leader during prep and service * Execute menu items consistently with ...

Songbird Parlour

Sous Chef

Glen Ellen, CA

$36.06 - $38.46/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

This person makes real-time decisions on prep, following directives from the Executive Chef as they pertain to food cost, labor cost, and team performance, and is a key driver of our offsite dinner ...

Songbird Parlour

Sous Chef

Glen Ellen, CA

$75K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

This person makes real-time decisions on prep, following directives from the Executive Chef as they pertain to food cost, labor cost, and team performance, and is a key driver of our offsite dinner ...

Provision Table

Private Dining Chef

Menlo Park, CA

  • Retirement

Private Chef FT with benefits/401k, Provision Table We are seeking a Private Chef to join our food ... You will primarily prep and cook from our central kitchen, then finish and serve meals at client ...

Provision Table

Private Dining Chef

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

  • Retirement

Private Chef FT with benefits/401k, Provision Table We are seeking a Private Chef to join our food ... You will primarily prep and cook from our central kitchen, then finish and serve meals at client ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef- Carmel, CA

Carmel, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Qualifications: * 2+ years in a Sous Chef or comparable leadership role in fine dining or upscale ... Lead daily prep and service alongside BOH team; ensure product quality and execution standards

The Wild Thyme Company

SOUS CHEF

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

Production Cooks, Prep Cooks, Event Chefs, Kitchen Assistants, Event Kitchen Staff (as assigned) About The Wild Thyme Company At The Wild Thyme Company, we handcraft delicious, local, and seasonal ...

LAKE ARROWHEAD COUNTRY CLUB

Prep Cook

Lake Arrowhead, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22/hr

Prep Cook Prepare food in accordance with club recipes and standards. Job Tasks (Additional ... Notifies Executive Chef or Sous Chef of expected shortages. * Ensures that assigned work areas and ...

Porkfolio Korean BBQ

Prep Cook

Arcadia, CA

$15 - $18.75/hr

We are looking for a professional Prep Cook to prepare food to the exact chef's specifications and to set up stations for menu. Prep Cook duties will consist of assisting the executive chef with ...

Porkfolio Korean BBQ

Prep Cook

Arcadia, CA

$15 - $18.75/hr

We are looking for a professional Prep Cook to prepare food to the exact chef's specifications and to set up stations for menu. Prep Cook duties will consist of assisting the executive chef with ...

LAKE ARROWHEAD COUNTRY CLUB

Prep Cook

Lake Arrowhead, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22/hr

Prep Cook Prepare food in accordance with club recipes and standards. Job Tasks (Additional ... Notifies Executive Chef or Sous Chef of expected shortages. * Ensures that assigned work areas and ...

Bar Issi Palm Springs LLC

Sous Chef

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Sous Chef Department: Kitchen Position Classification: FLSA Exempt, Salaried Manager Reports to ... Systems management oExecute proper prep lists, follow up daily * Purchasing - utilize updated order ...

Waterbar

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... prep work Ordering Prep lists Scheduling Collaboration with rest of chef team on menu and recipe creation. Execution of off sight events Upholding standards set forth by the chef and rest of ...

Tandoori house

Tandoori chef

San Diego, CA

Tandoori chef NOW HIRING - TANDOOR CHEF Tandoori House - San Diego, CA We are looking for an ... a traditional tandoor Marinades, prep & authentic Indian flavors ✨ Maintaining quality ...

Waterbar

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... prep work Ordering Prep lists Scheduling Collaboration with rest of chef team on menu and recipe creation. Execution of off sight events Upholding standards set forth by the chef and rest of ...

Quince

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$95K/yr

Execute and oversee daily prep lists according to established pars and timelines * Train, guide ... Partner with Chefs to manage food costs and maintain inventory aligned with Quince COGS goals ...

Quince

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$58K - $79K/yr

Execute and oversee daily prep lists according to established pars and timelines * Train, guide ... Partner with Chefs to manage food costs and maintain inventory aligned with Quince COGS goals ...

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All JobsPrep Chef JobsPrep Chef Jobs in California

Prep Chef information

See California salary details

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How much do prep chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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.

Head Chef

Gecko Hospitality

Temecula, CA • On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

HEAD CHEF

Temecula, California

About the Opportunity

A well regarded winery destination in Temecula is seeking a talented and hands on Head Chef to support the culinary operation of its Spanish fusion restaurant. This is a working chef position reporting directly to the Executive Chef and is ideal for a culinary leader who thrives in a polished yet approachable dining environment.

The restaurant delivers a Spanish inspired menu featuring flavorful classics, modern California fare with a twist, shareable plates, seasonal dishes, desserts, wine pairings, and craft beverages. The goal is to provide guests with a high quality food experience in an atmosphere of sophisticated comfort, hospitality, and consistency.

Position Summary

The Head Chef will play a key role in daily kitchen operations while working side by side with the team on the line and in prep. This individual will help execute the culinary vision of the Executive Chef, maintain food quality and presentation standards, support team development, and ensure smooth service in a mid volume restaurant setting.

This is a strong opportunity for a chef who is passionate about Spanish fusion cuisine, values teamwork, and takes pride in delivering a memorable guest experience through great food and strong kitchen leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in all back of house kitchen operations

• Work as a hands on culinary leader during prep and service

• Execute menu items consistently with attention to flavor, presentation, and quality

• Assist with ordering, inventory, prep systems, and product rotation

• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards throughout the kitchen

• Help train, coach, and motivate line cooks and prep team members

• Ensure efficient ticket times and proper execution during service

• Monitor quality and consistency of all dishes leaving the kitchen

• Assist with seasonal menu changes, specials, and recipe development

• Support labor and food cost control through proper prep, portioning, and waste management

• Maintain a positive and professional kitchen culture focused on teamwork and accountability

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or comparable culinary leadership role

• Strong working knowledge of kitchen operations in a full service restaurant environment

• Experience with Spanish, Mediterranean, California cuisine, or chef driven menus is highly preferred

• Ability to lead by example in a working chef capacity

• Strong communication, organization, and team development skills

• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen best practices

• Ability to perform well in a fast paced, guest focused environment

• Dependable, detail oriented, and passionate about hospitality and culinary excellence

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary up to $75,000 - 80000

• Medical and dental benefits available after 3 months

• Sick pay

• Vacation

Why This Role Stands Out

• Opportunity to work in a scenic winery setting in Temecula

• Chef driven restaurant with a Spanish fusion culinary identity

• Strong guest experience focus with restaurant and patio dining

• Live music and a vibrant hospitality atmosphere

• Opportunity to grow under the leadership of an Executive Chef in a respected culinary environment