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

Bottega Napa Valley

Sous Chef

Yountville, CA · 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 ... Assisting in the development of menus. * Assist with Execution of Private Events. * Lead by example.

Bottega Napa Valley

Sous Chef

Yountville, CA

$75K - $87K/yr

As Sous Chef, you will play a key role in supporting the Executive Chef and CDC in the day-to-day ... Assisting in the development of menus. * Assist with Execution of Private Events. * Lead by example.

Charlie's

Sous Chef

Saint Helena, CA

$85K - $100K/yr

The Sous Chef will be responsible for continually elevating our culinary standards, training, coaching and supporting the culinary team, and working closely with the dining room and private events ...

Charlie's

Sous Chef

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$61K - $82K/yr

The Sous Chef will be responsible for continually elevating our culinary standards, training, coaching and supporting the culinary team, and working closely with the dining room and private events ...

Far Niente Winery

Commis Chef

Napa, CA

$25 - $28/hr

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 ...

Napa LW

Executive Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

LodgeWorks is actively hiring for an Executive Chef Who we are LodgeWorks is a privately held hotel development and management company. While our name isn't on the hotels themselves, our ...

Lodgeworks

Executive Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

LodgeWorks is actively hiring for an Executive Chef Who we are LodgeWorks is a privately held hotel development and management company. While our name isn't on the hotels themselves, our ...

Auberge Collection

Sous Chef

Napa, CA

$80K/yr

Be the culinary backbone of our kitchen, working closely with the Executive Chef to deliver ... private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the ...

MacArthur Place

Hotel Sous Chef

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Summary The Hotel Sous Chef is a key culinary leader responsible for maintaining exceptional ... Coordinate culinary production for weddings, meetings, private events, and other high-volume ...

MacARTHUR Place

Hotel Sous Chef

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Summary The Hotel Sous Chef is a key culinary leader responsible for maintaining exceptional ... Coordinate culinary production for weddings, meetings, private events, and other high-volume ...

Auberge Collection

Sous Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$80K/yr

Be the culinary backbone of our kitchen, working closely with the Executive Chef to deliver ... private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the ...

Auberge Collection

Banquet Sous Chef

Calistoga, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

The resort features 100 renovated, free-standing studios and suites with private patios ... Collaborate with the executive chef to create and develop banquet menus based on client preferences ...

Auberge Collection

Banquet Sous Chef

Calistoga, CA

$85K/yr

The resort features 100 renovated, free-standing studios and suites with private patios ... Collaborate with the executive chef to create and develop banquet menus based on client preferences ...

MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa

Hotel Sous Chef

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Summary The Hotel Sous Chef is a key culinary leader responsible for maintaining exceptional ... Coordinate culinary production for weddings, meetings, private events, and other high-volume ...

Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds

Chef

Occidental, CA · 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 ...

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All JobsPrivate Chef JobsPrivate Chef Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Private Chef information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$33.3K

$98.8K

$171.7K

How much do private chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for private chef in Santa Rosa, CA is $98,822.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,400.00 and $131,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a private chef?

Private chefs are culinary professionals who are hired to prepare meals exclusively for individuals, families, or organizations, typically in private residences. Unlike restaurant chefs, private chefs often design customized menus to suit their clients’ dietary preferences and needs, and may also handle grocery shopping, meal planning, and kitchen management. Their services can be full-time, part-time, or for special occasions and events, providing a personalized dining experience. Private chefs often bring restaurant-quality cuisine into the home and sometimes travel with their clients or work at multiple locations.

What does a private chef do?

A private chef prepares meals for clients, usually in the client’s home kitchen. In addition to meal prep, a private chef cooks food and may plate the food as well. A private chef typically only works for one client, while a personal chef may take on many clients, according to the American Personal and Private Chef Association (APPCA). The type of food that a private chef cooks depends on the dietary needs and preferences of the client.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a private chef?

To thrive as a Private Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning experience, and often formal culinary training or certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety standards, and dietary management systems is essential. Exceptional organization, discretion, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for catering to clients' personalized preferences and schedules. These abilities ensure high-quality, customized dining experiences and build long-term client trust.

What are some common challenges private chefs face when working in clients' homes?

Private Chefs often encounter challenges such as adapting to unfamiliar kitchens, managing limited or specialized equipment, and meeting unique dietary preferences or restrictions of clients. Flexibility is essential, as schedules and menus may change on short notice, and privacy concerns require discretion and professionalism. Building strong client relationships while maintaining high culinary standards is key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Private Chef vs Personal Chef?

AspectPrivate ChefPersonal Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, certifications often preferredSimilar credentials, often with culinary training
Work EnvironmentPrivate households, estates, yachtsMultiple clients, private homes, events
Employer & IndustryHigh-net-worth individuals, familiesIndividuals, families, small groups
Common Search IntentExclusive, personalized meal serviceCustomized meal planning for clients

Both Private Chefs and Personal Chefs prepare customized meals for clients, often in private settings. The main difference lies in their work environment and scope: Private Chefs typically work exclusively for one client or family, often in their private residence or yacht, providing a highly personalized service. Personal Chefs may serve multiple clients, preparing meals in their homes or delivering prepared meals. While credentials are similar, Private Chefs usually work in more exclusive, high-end environments.

How much can you get paid for being a private chef?

Private chefs typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the clients' needs. High-end private chefs working for wealthy clients or in luxury settings can earn significantly more, often supplemented with tips and benefits. Compensation may also include per-event fees or hourly rates for specific services.

How much do private chefs get paid?

Private chefs typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and the complexity of the cuisine. Many private chefs also receive additional compensation such as tips, housing, or benefits, especially when working for high-net-worth clients or in luxury settings.

What is the demand for private chefs?

The demand for private chefs is growing, especially among high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, and affluent families seeking personalized dining experiences. Private chefs often find opportunities in luxury residences, yachts, and private events, with success influenced by culinary skills, discretion, and flexibility in scheduling.
More about Private Chef jobs

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

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

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

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

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

Private Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Chef job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,822 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Sous Chef

Bottega Napa Valley

Yountville, CA • On-site

$57K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Bottega Napa Valley is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our team.

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, managing orders, opening and closing the restaurant, and providing leadership to the kitchen team to ensure the highest level of food quality and service are met.
Responsibilities include but not limited to...

  • Management of food purchasing, inventory & organizing prep.
  • Expediting the line, plating & ensuring Bottega standards are met.
  • Assisting in the development of menus.
  • Assist with Execution of Private Events.
  • Lead by example.
  • Maintain professional restaurant image, including cleanliness, proper uniforms & appearance standards.
  • Proficiency with Google Drive, Excel, and Word.
  • Minimum 2 years in F&B industry (within the past ten years).

Apply