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Restaurant Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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: Full-time / Part-time * Location: Restaurant or Commercial Kitchen [1, 2] Key Responsibilities * Cooking:

IPOT

Restaurant - Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As a Kitchen Chef at IPOT.FOOD, you will play a vital role in food preparation, kitchen leadership, and maintaining the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation. This is a flexible ...

Marriott

Restaurant Chef

Dana Point, CA · On-site

Supervises restaurant kitchen shift operations and ensures compliance with all Food & Beverage policies, standards and procedures. Maintains food preparation handling and correct storage standards.

Sheraton San Diego

Senior Restaurant Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Summary of The Senior Restaurant Chef is responsible for leading daily culinary operations within resort restaurant outlets while delivering exceptional guest experiences aligned with Marriott and ...

Red Hawk Casino

Asian Restaurant Chef

Placerville, CA

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

... Restaurant Sous Chef and Cook 3. Indirectly supervises Cooks 2 and Cooks 1. • Create and utilize a comprehensive and sustainable employee engagement strategy through both formal and informal ...

Red Hawk

Asian Restaurant Chef

Placerville, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

... Restaurant Sous Chef and Cook 3. Indirectly supervises Cooks 2 and Cooks 1. • Create and utilize a comprehensive and sustainable employee engagement strategy through both formal and informal ...

Cache Creek Casino Resort

Restaurant Chef

Brooks, CA · On-site

Direct Deposit Summary Directs culinary staff in restaurant to deliver high quality cuisine. Will work with (FOH) Front of House Management to ensure consistent high quality guest service. Essential ...

Sheraton San Diego

Senior Restaurant Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Summary of The Senior Restaurant Chef is responsible for leading daily culinary operations within resort restaurant outlets while delivering exceptional guest experiences aligned with Marriott and ...

NBCUniversal

Sous Chef, CityWalk Food

Universal City, CA

$52K - $70K/yr

While this position will report to the Restaurant Chef, this position is responsible for setting the expectations for all kitchen team members to maximize productivity. This individual must be able ...

NBCUniversal

Sous Chef, CityWalk Food

Universal City, CA

$52K - $70K/yr

While this position will report to the Restaurant Chef, this position is responsible for setting the expectations for all kitchen team members to maximize productivity. This individual must be able ...

NBCUniversal

Sous Chef, CityWalk Food

Los Angeles, CA

$53K - $72K/yr

While this position will report to the Restaurant Chef, this position is responsible for setting the expectations for all kitchen team members to maximize productivity. This individual must be able ...

Red Hawk Casino

Pearl Sous Chef

Placerville, CA

$54K - $73K/yr

... of the Restaurant Chef order or requisition food and other supplies needed to ensure efficient operation. • Develops and documents all recipe specs, and control procedures. • Maintains ...

Red Hawk

Pearl Sous Chef

Placerville, CA · On-site

$54K - $73K/yr

... of the Restaurant Chef order or requisition food and other supplies needed to ensure efficient operation. • Develops and documents all recipe specs, and control procedures. • Maintains ...

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All JobsRestaurant Chef JobsRestaurant Chef Jobs in California

Restaurant Chef information

See California salary details

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$44

How much do restaurant chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant chef in California is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do restaurant chefs earn?

Restaurant chefs' earnings vary based on experience, location, and establishment size, but the median annual salary in many regions ranges from $30,000 to $60,000. Executive chefs and those with specialized skills or working in high-end restaurants can earn significantly more, often exceeding $70,000 annually.

What are some common challenges restaurant chefs face in managing kitchen operations?

Restaurant Chefs often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency in food quality, handling high-pressure service periods, and managing inventory to minimize waste. Coordinating a diverse kitchen team and ensuring clear communication is also essential for smooth operations. Additionally, adapting to menu changes and accommodating special dietary requests requires flexibility and strong culinary knowledge.

What is a restaurant chef?

Restaurant chefs are culinary professionals responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food in restaurants. They create menus, oversee kitchen staff, ensure food quality, and maintain kitchen safety and sanitation standards. Chefs may specialize in certain cuisines or dishes and often manage inventory and food costs. Their role is crucial in delivering a memorable dining experience to guests.

What is the difference between Restaurant Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectRestaurant ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceOn-the-job training or culinary school
Work EnvironmentKitchen leadership, menu planningFood preparation on the line
ResponsibilitiesOversees kitchen operations, manages staffPrepares specific dishes, follows recipes
Industry UsageExecutive and head chef rolesLine cook positions in restaurants

The main difference between a Restaurant Chef and a Line Cook is that the Restaurant Chef oversees kitchen operations, manages staff, and plans menus, while the Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes according to recipes on the line. The Restaurant Chef has more responsibilities and typically requires more experience or formal training, whereas the Line Cook specializes in food preparation within a team setting.

Is 25 too late to become a restaurant chef?

Becoming a restaurant chef at 25 is common and feasible, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success depends on gaining culinary skills through training, such as culinary school or apprenticeships, and gaining experience in kitchens. Age is less important than dedication, skill development, and building a strong work ethic in the culinary industry.

How to get a job as a restaurant chef?

To become a restaurant chef, gain culinary education through a culinary school or apprenticeship, develop cooking skills, and obtain relevant experience in kitchens. Building a strong portfolio, obtaining certifications like ServSafe, and applying to restaurants with a well-prepared resume can improve job prospects.

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

To thrive as a Restaurant Chef, you need expertise in culinary techniques, menu planning, food safety, and usually formal culinary training or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Leadership, creativity, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure set outstanding chefs apart. These skills are vital to consistently deliver high-quality dishes, ensure kitchen safety, and maintain a positive, productive kitchen environment.
What cities in California are hiring for Restaurant Chef jobs? Cities in California with the most Restaurant Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Chef jobs in CA? For Restaurant Chef jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Restaurant Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $50,554 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Restaurant Chef

Thai Palms Restaurant

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

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Job description

Thai Restaurant Chef wanted.


Job Overview

  • Role: Thai Chef / Specialty Cook
  • Job Type: Full-time / Part-time
  • Location: Restaurant or Commercial Kitchen [1, 2]

Key Responsibilities

  • Cooking: Prepare authentic Thai dishes (curries, soups, stir-fries) with high speed and accuracy.
  • Wok Mastery: Expertly operate a high-heat stir-fry wok.
  • Flavor Profile: Balance traditional sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes using authentic herbs (lemongrass, galangal, Thai basil).
  • Prep & Inventory: Manage daily food prep, stock rotation, and supply orders.
  • Sanitation: Follow strict kitchen safety, hygiene, and health regulations. [1, 2, 4, 5]

Qualifications & Skills

  • Experience: Minimum 1 to 3 years of hands-on experience cooking authentic Thai cuisine.
  • Technique: Deep knowledge of traditional Thai ingredients, spice blends, and sauces.
  • Pacing: Ability to thrive and multitask in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment.
  • Teamwork: Strong communication skills and willingness to support other kitchen staff. [1, 2, 3, 4]

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