ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Summer Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bear Flag Fish Company

Sushi Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Training & development We are excited to announce that Bear Flag will be opening a Costa Mesa location summer 2026! Bear Flag Fish Company is looking for an experienced sushi chef! Bear Flag was ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Camp Managing Chef

Avalon, CA · On-site

... a residential summer camp. This position combines hands-on culinary leadership with staff ... The Chef Manager is expected to lead by example and assist wherever needed. This is not a position ...

Brigaid

Santa Maria Brigaid Chef

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Santa Maria, CA Compensation: $70,400 plus full benefits (inclusive of a paid summer holiday break) We're hiring a chef to support our work in Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD)

Brigaid

Santa Maria Brigaid Chef

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Santa Maria, CA Compensation: $70,400 plus full benefits (inclusive of a paid summer holiday break) We're hiring a chef to support our work in Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD)

Brigaid

Santa Maria Brigaid Chef

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Santa Maria, CA Compensation: $70,400 plus full benefits (inclusive of a paid summer holiday break) We're hiring a chef to support our work in Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD)

Bear Flag Fish Co.

Sushi Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Training & development We are excited to announce that Bear Flag will be opening a Costa Mesa location summer 2026! Bear Flag Fish Company is looking for an experienced sushi chef! Bear Flag was ...

Pascaline Patisserie & cafe

Pastry Chef

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

Join our team ! We are looking for a pastry Chef with 5 years + professional pastry / baking ... Set to open its second location by the summer , we also operate Pascaline Fine Catering, our sister ...

Pascaline Patisserie & cafe

Pastry Chef

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

Join our team ! We are looking for a pastry Chef with 5 years + professional pastry / baking ... Set to open its second location by the summer , we also operate Pascaline Fine Catering, our sister ...

Casetta

Sous Chef - Hiring Immediately

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K/yr

Sous Chef $80,000/yr 401k with Company Match (full-time), Health, dental, and vision insurance ... Hotel Lucile, Casetta's newest property, opens late summer 2026 in the heart of Silver Lake, Los ...

Compass Group

CHEF, SOUS

Seaside, CA · On-site

$55/hr

We are hiring immediately for a full and part time CHEF, SOUS position. * Address : 100 CAMPUS ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Restaurant Nisei

Commis Chef

San Francisco, CA

$22 - $24/hr

Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year's Day Winter Break: 1 week off in January Summer Break: 1 ... chef. Our kitchen is a place to learn, grow, and refine your craft surrounded by passionate ...

Northstar California Resort

Lead Sous Chef

Truckee, CA · On-site

$22 - $24.69/hr

Summer Seasonal 2026   * Shift Type: Full Time hours available  * Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age   * Housing Availability: Yes    Job Requirements: * Assist executive chef in day ...

Vail Resorts

Lead Sous Chef

Truckee, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Summer Seasonal 2026   * Shift Type: Full Time hours available  * Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age   * Housing Availability: Yes    Job Requirements: * Assist executive chef in day ...

Northstar California Resort

Lead Sous Chef

Truckee, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Summer Seasonal 2026   * Shift Type: Full Time hours available  * Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age   * Housing Availability: Yes    Job Requirements: * Assist executive chef in day ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSummer Chef JobsSummer Chef Jobs in California

Summer Chef information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$63.2K

$93.8K

How much do summer chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer chef in California is $63,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer chef?

Summer Chefs are culinary professionals who typically work during the summer months, often in seasonal establishments like resorts, camps, summer schools, or vacation homes. Their primary responsibilities include planning menus, preparing meals, and sometimes supervising kitchen staff for guests or campers. This role often requires flexibility, creativity in menu planning using seasonal ingredients, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments. Summer Chefs may also accommodate dietary restrictions and ensure food safety standards are met. Their work is crucial for delivering enjoyable dining experiences during the busy summer season.

What does a summer chef do?

As a summer chef, you work through the summer months, typically June through August, cooking during popular and high-traffic tourism and recreation periods. You work in a restaurant, camp, summer school, or resort and provide cooking services for a range of audience types and sizes. Depending on the role, you may prepare meals for small groups or hundreds of diners, oversee a team of cooks, servers, and other staff, cook special dishes for people with unique dietary needs, and develop menus to meet nutrition standards. Your responsibilities include managing inventory, ordering ingredients and kitchen supplies, and budgeting duties for daily menus.

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

To thrive as a Summer Chef, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and experience with seasonal menu planning, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and ServSafe certification is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and excellent communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with staff and delivering exceptional dining experiences in dynamic settings. These abilities ensure consistent food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and guest satisfaction during the busy summer season.

What are some common challenges faced by a summer chef, and how can I prepare for them?

As a Summer Chef, you may encounter challenges such as working in high-temperature environments, managing fluctuating ingredient availability, and handling a fast-paced service during peak vacation months. To prepare, it's helpful to practice efficient time management, develop flexible menus that accommodate seasonal produce, and hone your ability to stay calm under pressure. Building strong communication with your team and suppliers can also help ensure smooth operations and high-quality dishes even during the busiest times.

What is the difference between Summer Chef vs Summer Line Cook?

AspectSummer ChefSummer Line Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or culinary trainingHigh school diploma or culinary training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, outdoor events, summer resortsCommercial kitchens, outdoor events, summer resorts
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, catering services, resortsRestaurants, catering services, resorts
Job FocusPreparing and cooking dishes, menu executionAssisting with food prep, supporting chefs, maintaining station

Both Summer Chef and Summer Line Cook roles typically require culinary training and involve working in similar environments like restaurants and resorts during summer seasons. The Summer Chef often takes on more responsibility in menu creation and cooking, while the Summer Line Cook focuses on supporting the kitchen team with food prep and station duties. The choice depends on experience level and desired responsibilities.

More about Summer Chef jobs

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

The most popular types of Chef jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Summer Chef jobs in California?

For Summer Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Summer Chef jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Summer Chef jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Summer Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Summer Chef job openings:

Summer Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 41% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,156 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Sushi Chef

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Bear Flag Fish Company
Restaurants • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Bear Flag Fish Companyexternal

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Company parties
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Health insurance
  • Training & development

We are excited to announce that Bear Flag will be opening a Costa Mesa location summer 2026! Bear Flag Fish Company is looking for an experienced sushi chef!  Bear Flag was founded in 2007 with the motto of serving fresh and sustainable seafood. Our sushi chefs are a vital part of our restaurant and our guests experience at Bear Flag! We are looking for someone who is available to work on a full time basis with extensive knowledge of seafood and knife skills.
Responsibilities 
  • Maintain sanitation of sushi bar and equipment 
  • Follow kitchen rules, policies and procedures
  • Prepare various forms of sushi, sashimi, rolls and other various items
  • Stock and maintain sufficient levels of product at the sushi bar
  • Maintain a clean and organized work environment
  • Work as a supportive team member during the course of the shift
  • Performs additional responsibilities at the request of Management and Owners
Qualifications 
  • Must have prior experience as a sushi chef
  • Must have excellent knife skills
  • Must be able to work in a fast paced environment
  • Must have knowledge of seafood and best food safety practices
  • Must be available to work weekends
Benefits
  • Paid weekly!
  • Hourly Pay + Tips! 
  • Health insurance available
  • 401k option
  • All major holidays off
  • No late nights!
  • Discounts on food and merchandise