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Restaurant Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Saks

Restaurant Cook

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

YOU WILL BE: The Restaurant Cook assists main restaurant Associates in maintaining high quality food items while keeping in mind the cost and profitability of inventory. The Cook does so by ...

Restaurant Associates

COOK (FULL TIME)

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$26/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Saks

Restaurant Cook

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

YOU WILL BE: The Restaurant Cook assists main restaurant Associates in maintaining high quality food items while keeping in mind the cost and profitability of inventory. The Cook does so by ...

Saks

Restaurant Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$22.03 - $27.54/hr

YOU WILL BE: The Restaurant Cook assists main restaurant Associates in maintaining high quality food items while keeping in mind the cost and profitability of inventory. The Cook does so by ...

Trader Vic's

General Manager II

San Jose, CA · On-site

$75K - $88K/yr

Ensures on-boarding and off-boarding of all restaurant associates, to include all activities related to compliance with proper badging requirements, orientation, OJT, and other company training ...

Restaurant Associates

COOK (FULL TIME)

Panorama City, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

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Restaurant Associate information

See California salary details

$8

$15

$27

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in California is $15.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $15.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a restaurant associate?

Restaurant Associates are employees who support daily operations in a restaurant, including tasks like taking orders, serving food, preparing simple dishes, and ensuring customer satisfaction. They may also help with cleaning, stocking supplies, and assisting kitchen staff as needed. The role requires good communication skills, multitasking, and a friendly attitude to provide a positive dining experience for guests. Restaurant Associates are essential for maintaining a smooth and efficient service environment.

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

To thrive as a Restaurant Associate, 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, food handling certifications, and kitchen equipment is typically required. Exceptional communication, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and a smooth-running restaurant environment.

What are some typical challenges a restaurant associate might face during busy shifts, and how can they manage these effectively?

During peak hours, Restaurant Associates often encounter challenges such as handling multiple customer requests simultaneously, maintaining accuracy in orders, and ensuring quick service under pressure. Effective time management, clear communication with both kitchen staff and fellow associates, and staying organized are key strategies to manage these situations. Many restaurants provide training on multitasking and customer service to help associates excel during high-demand periods, and teamwork plays a crucial role in keeping operations smooth.

What is the difference between Restaurant Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectRestaurant AssociateFood Service Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafes, fast food outletsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industryWidely used in food service establishments and institutional settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting customers, taking orders, maintaining cleanlinessPreparing food, serving customers, cleaning

Both roles involve customer service and food handling, but a Restaurant Associate typically focuses more on customer interaction and order management, while a Food Service Worker may have broader food preparation duties. The roles often overlap, but the title 'Restaurant Associate' is more common in retail and fast food chains, emphasizing customer service.

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

The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Associate jobs in California?

For Restaurant Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Associate jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Associate jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:

Restaurant Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,602 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

Restaurant Associates

Beverly Hills, CA • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Restaurant Associates rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 239 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

  • We have an opening for full time DISHWASHER positions.
  • Location: WME Restaurant - 9601 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time; Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM. More details upon interview. 
  • Requirement: Previous dishwashing experience is required. 
  • Pay Range: $20.00 per hour to $21.00 per hour.

We Make Applying Easy!  Want to apply to this job via text messaging?  Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1558272. 

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg

 

This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com. 

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards- Best Places to work This is R/A !

​

Job Summary


Summary:   Maintains dishes, pots, pans, trays, kitchen, work areas, equipment and utensils in orderly and sanitary condition.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Scrapes and rinses food from dirty dishes and washes them by hand or places them in racks or on conveyor to dishwashing machine depending on assigned equipment. Ensures complete cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Washes pots, pans and trays based on assigned procedures. Ensure complete cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Polishes silver using burnishing machine tumbler, chemical dip, buffing wheel and hand cloth depending on assigned equipment and procedures. Ensures complete cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Ensures compliance with outlined safety procedures.
  • Maintains temperatures and chemical levels as outlined by provided standards.
  • Keeps dish area orderly and in compliance with safety standards.
  • Sweeps and mops kitchen floors to ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
  • Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces.
  • Removes trash and places it in designated containers. Steam cleans or hoses out garbage cans.
  • Transfers supplies and equipment between storage and work areas.
  • Helps load and unload supplies and product.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

Both full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates:

  • Retirement Plan
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

In addition, full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Abides by all Company policies and procedures including but not limited to: 

  • The use of a medium weight cut gloves when handling or using knives, peelers, choppers, mandolins or cleaning a slicer. 
  • The use of oven mitts, fryer gloves or steamer gloves when handling hot pans from ovens, warmers or steamtables. 
  • The use of slip-resistant shoes and proper lifting techniques. 

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_RA.pdf

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
 

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

What Restaurant Associates employees say

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Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Restaurant Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A chef-driven company with a mission to deliver hospitality excellence. Since the very beginning, we’ve delivered culinary quality and innovation coupled with unparalleled hospitality to some of the most recognizable companies, institutions, and brands in the world. At R/A, food is inspiration. Our reputation is built on our ability to continuously evolve and innovate. Our work goes beyond the excellence of our food and hospitality. It extends to industry-best wellness and sustainability practices and a commitment to integrating human-centered technology.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

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