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Restaurant Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pilot Company

Restaurant Assistant Manager

Orland, CA · On-site

$23.52 - $37.49/hr

Our Restaurant Assistant Managers assist the Restaurant General Manager and are responsible for helping to manage the restaurant operation within a travel center. You will also be responsible for the ...

Pilot Flying J

Restaurant Assistant Manager

Orland, CA · On-site

$23.52 - $37.49/hr

Our Restaurant Assistant Managers assist the Restaurant General Manager and are responsible for helping to manage the restaurant operation within a travel center. You will also be responsible for the ...

El Super

Restaurant Assistant Manager

San Ysidro, CA · On-site

An Assistant Restaurant Manager is a second-level supervisor/manager in our restaurants. The Assistant Restaurant Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our restaurant, including ...

El Super

Restaurant Assistant Manager

Bell Gardens, CA · On-site

An Assistant Restaurant Manager is a second-level supervisor/manager in our restaurants. The Assistant Restaurant Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our restaurant, including ...

El Super

Restaurant Assistant Manager

Pico Rivera, CA · On-site

An Assistant Restaurant Manager is a second-level supervisor/manager in our restaurants. The Assistant Restaurant Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our restaurant, including ...

El Super

Restaurant Assistant Manager

San Ysidro, CA · On-site

An Assistant Restaurant Manager is a second-level supervisor/manager in our restaurants. The Assistant Restaurant Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our restaurant, including ...

El Super

Restaurant Assistant Manager

Escondido, CA · On-site

An Assistant Restaurant Manager is a second-level supervisor/manager in our restaurants. The Assistant Restaurant Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our restaurant, including ...

El Super

Restaurant Assistant Manager

Victorville, CA · On-site

An Assistant Restaurant Manager is a second-level supervisor/manager in our restaurants. The Assistant Restaurant Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our restaurant, including ...

El Super

Restaurant Assistant Manager

Long Beach, CA · On-site

An Assistant Restaurant Manager is a second-level supervisor/manager in our restaurants. The Assistant Restaurant Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our restaurant, including ...

El Super

Restaurant Assistant Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

An Assistant Restaurant Manager is a second-level supervisor/manager in our restaurants. The Assistant Restaurant Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our restaurant, including ...

El Super

Restaurant Assistant Manager

Lynwood, CA · On-site

An Assistant Restaurant Manager is a second-level supervisor/manager in our restaurants. The Assistant Restaurant Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our restaurant, including ...

El Super

Restaurant Assistant Manager

San Fernando, CA · On-site

An Assistant Restaurant Manager is a second-level supervisor/manager in our restaurants. The Assistant Restaurant Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our restaurant, including ...

El Super

Restaurant Assistant Manager

Long Beach, CA · On-site

An Assistant Restaurant Manager is a second-level supervisor/manager in our restaurants. The Assistant Restaurant Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of our restaurant, including ...

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Restaurant Assistant information

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How much do restaurant assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant assistant in California is $15.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a restaurant assistant?

Restaurant Assistants are support staff who help ensure the smooth operation of a restaurant. Their duties can include greeting guests, taking reservations, assisting servers, setting and clearing tables, and helping with basic food preparation or cleaning tasks. They play a key role in maintaining a pleasant dining environment and efficient service. Restaurant Assistants often work closely with both kitchen and front-of-house teams to enhance the overall customer experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant assistant?

To thrive as a Restaurant Assistant, you need strong customer service skills, basic food safety knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and adherence to local health regulations are typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and smooth restaurant operations.

What are some typical challenges a restaurant assistant might face during busy shifts?

As a Restaurant Assistant, managing multiple tasks simultaneously during peak hours can be challenging. You'll often need to balance supporting servers, handling customer requests, restocking supplies, and ensuring cleanliness—all while maintaining a positive attitude. Good communication and teamwork are essential, as you’ll work closely with kitchen staff, servers, and management to keep operations running smoothly. Developing strong organizational and time-management skills will help you excel and reduce stress during busy periods.

What is the difference between Restaurant Assistant vs Waitstaff?

AspectRestaurant AssistantWaitstaff
CredentialsNone required, on-the-job trainingNone required, customer service skills preferred
Work EnvironmentKitchen support, front-of-house, back-of-houseFront-of-house, serving customers
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, cafes, catering servicesRestaurants, cafes, bars
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles are essential in the restaurant industry, a Restaurant Assistant typically supports kitchen and front-of-house operations, often with minimal experience required. Waitstaff primarily serve customers at tables, focusing on customer service. The roles overlap in customer interaction but differ in responsibilities and work environment.

Can I work in a restaurant assistant with no experience?

Restaurant assistant roles often do not require prior experience, as employers may provide on-the-job training for tasks such as customer service, food handling, and cleaning. Having a positive attitude, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team can help you secure such positions. Some employers may prefer or require a high school diploma or equivalent, but many entry-level roles are available to those without experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Restaurant jobs in California?

The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Restaurant Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Restaurant Assistant job openings:

Restaurant Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,773 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Restaurant Assistant Manager

Orland, CA • On-site

Pilot Company
Gasoline Stations • 10K+ employees

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 535 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

352nd of 738 rated retailers

Free food

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Learn more about Pilot Companyexternal

$23.52 - $37.49/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

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

Job description

Company Description
Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing.
Founded in 1958 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated to fueling people and keeping North America moving.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Military encouraged to apply.
Job Description
Pilot Flying J is seeking highly-skilled, experienced Restaurant Assistant Manager to assist in running our high-volume, quick service restaurants.
Our Restaurant Assistant Managers assist the Restaurant General Manager and are responsible for helping to manage the restaurant operation within a travel center. You will also be responsible for the following tasks:
  • Fill in for the Restaurant General Manager
  • Assist GM in selecting, coaching, training and developing Team Members
  • Direct and assign work to Team Members
  • Creating a positive work environment for team members
  • Expedite food service and assist with food preparation
  • Ensure high level of guest satisfaction, food quality, restaurant cleanliness, and a strong food safety environment

Pay Rates Starting between: $23.52 - $37.49 / hour, plus short term monthly incentive opportunity.
Qualifications
As a Restaurant Assistant Manager, you must have excellent team leadership and customer service skills. You must also exemplify integrity and accountability at the managerial level.
Additional requirements of the Restaurant Assistant Manager include:
  • High school diploma or equivalent certification required
  • Minimum one-year food service management experience required
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule

Additional Information
  • Fuel Discount
  • Nation-wide Medical Plan/Dental/Vision
  • 401(k)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Flexible Schedule
  • Weekly Pay
Pilot Company logo

About Pilot Company

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pilot Flying J is an American-based company situated in Knoxville, TN, USA. Founded in 1958, it falls under the travel-center industry, providing comprehensive services to professional drivers, recreational travelers, and road users. Pilot Flying J offers amenities such as refueling facilities, convenience stores, fast-food restaurants, and trucking supplies services, positioning itself as a crucial part of America's interstate highway system.

Industry

Gasoline stations, petroleum and petroleum products wholesalers and retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Knoxville, TN, US

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