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Prep Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Bungalow Kitchen

Sous Chef

Belvedere Tiburon, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Executive Sous Chef -> Executive Chef Location : Tiburon, California Pay : $80K - $85k per year ... Train, coach, and develop line cooks and prep team members to improve performance and consistency

Ruth's Chris

Sous Chef

Woodland Hills, CA

$65K - $77K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65K - $77K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

Woodland Hills, CA · On-site

$65K - $77K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

Walnut Creek, CA

$65K - $75K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65K - $77K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

Walnut Creek, CA

$65K - $75K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

Woodland Hills, CA

$65K - $77K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

Ruth's Chris

Sous Chef

Walnut Creek, CA

$65K - $75K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

JACKMONT HOSPITALITY INC

Buca Prep Cook

Brea, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

The Prep Cook will work closely with chefs and other kitchen staff to prepare ingredients for various dishes, ensuring that all items are fresh and properly stored. By effectively managing time and ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

San Diego, CA

$65K - $77K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

JACKMONT HOSPITALITY INC

Buca Prep Cook

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

The Prep Cook will work closely with chefs and other kitchen staff to prepare ingredients for various dishes, ensuring that all items are fresh and properly stored. By effectively managing time and ...

JACKMONT HOSPITALITY INC

Buca Prep Cook

Claremont, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

The Prep Cook will work closely with chefs and other kitchen staff to prepare ingredients for various dishes, ensuring that all items are fresh and properly stored. By effectively managing time and ...

Thai Palms Restaurant

Be Seen First

Restaurant Chef

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Thai Restaurant Chef wanted. Job Overview * Role: Thai Chef / Specialty Cook * Job Type ... Prep & Inventory: Manage daily food prep, stock rotation, and supply orders. * Sanitation: Follow ...

Mare Island Brewing Co.

Sous Chef

Benicia, CA · On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef Mare Island Brewing Co. Benicia First Street Taphouse Employment: Full Time Pay: $68,000 ... This role works the line, supports prep, and ensures all food leaving the kitchen meets company ...

Ruth's Chris

Sous Chef

San Diego, CA

$65K - $77K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

Woodland Hills, CA

$65K - $77K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65K - $77K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

Mare Island Brewing Co.

Sous Chef

Benicia, CA · On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef Mare Island Brewing Co. Benicia First Street Taphouse Employment: Full Time Pay: $68,000 ... This role works the line, supports prep, and ensures all food leaving the kitchen meets company ...

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Prep Chef information

See California salary details

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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.

Sous Chef

The Bungalow Kitchen

Belvedere Tiburon, CA • On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development

Department: Back of House                                                                        Reports To: Executive Sous Chef -> Executive Chef
Location: Tiburon, California                                                                        Pay: $80K - $85k per year

Position Overview
The Sous Chef is a key leader within the kitchen, responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in executing the culinary vision while overseeing daily operations and team performance. This role requires strong leadership, organization, and attention to detail, balancing hands-on cooking with active supervision of the line. The Sous Chef ensures consistency, quality, and efficiency in all aspects of food preparation and service, acting as the standard-bearer when the Executive Chef is not present. Working closely with the team, this position helps drive a disciplined, high-performing kitchen culture while maintaining alignment with overall operational and financial goals.

Kitchen Leadership & Supervision

  • Lead and manage the kitchen team during service, ensuring proper execution, timing, and communication
  • Act as the primary point of leadership in the absence of the Executive Chef
  • Train, coach, and develop line cooks and prep team members to improve performance and consistency
  • Hold team members accountable to standards, cleanliness, and professionalism
Food Quality & Execution

  • Oversee all food preparation and plating, ensuring consistency in taste, presentation, and timing
  • Maintain strict adherence to recipes, portioning, and quality standards
  • Monitor line performance and make real-time adjustments to maintain service flow
Operational Support

  • Assist with scheduling, prep planning, and daily kitchen organization
  • Ensure all stations are properly stocked, prepped, and ready for service
  • Support ordering, inventory, and product management alongside the Executive Chef
Financial Awareness

  • Assist in managing food cost through proper portioning, waste control, and product usage
  • Monitor inventory levels and communicate needs to maintain proper stock
  • Support cost-saving initiatives while maintaining quality standards
Cleanliness & Organization

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment at all times
  • Ensure all equipment, tools, and workspaces are properly maintained
  • Enforce cleanliness standards across all areas of the kitchen
Compliance & Safety

  • Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and sanitation regulations
  • Maintain proper food handling, storage, and labeling procedures
  • Enforce safety standards to create a secure and professional work environment
Communication & Collaboration

  • Work closely with the Executive Chef and leadership team to align on daily operations and long-term goals
  • Maintain clear communication with front-of-house teams to ensure smooth service flow
  • Support menu training and knowledge sharing across departments