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Temp Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The ideal Executive Sous Chef is someone who believes in core values, upholding policy and ... To include, line checks, temp logs, receiving logs, self-audit/walk-throughs. Follows up with ...

The ideal Executive Sous Chef is someone who believes in core values, upholding policy and ... To include, line checks, temp logs, receiving logs, self-audit/walk-throughs. Follows up with ...

$80K/yr

The ideal Executive Sous Chef is someone who believes in core values, upholding policy and ... To include, line checks, temp logs, receiving logs, self-audit/walk-throughs. Follows up with ...

The ideal Executive Sous Chef is someone who believes in core values, upholding policy and ... To include, line checks, temp logs, receiving logs, self-audit/walk-throughs. Follows up with ...

SOUS CHEF

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Temporary schedule. Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 2:30 pm. Further details upon interview ... Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service ...

Pastry Chef de Partie

Yountville, CA

$21.75 - $27.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Opened in 2006 and originally intended as a temporary concept, Ad Hoc presents the American comfort food of Chef Keller's childhood in a casual dining setting. The restaurant's daily-changing four ...

Pastry Chef de Partie

Yountville, CA · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Opened in 2006 and originally intended as a temporary concept, Ad Hoc presents the American comfort food of Chef Keller's childhood in a casual dining setting. The restaurant's daily-changing four ...

Catering Sous Chef - ServiceNow

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Catering Sous Chef - ServiceNow Salary: $80,000 - $85,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... Supervise and develop a team of four hourly culinary associates and temporary staff as needed.

Catering Sous Chef - ServiceNow

Santa Clara, CA

$80K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Catering Sous Chef - ServiceNow Salary: $80,000 - $85,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... Supervise and develop a team of four hourly culinary associates and temporary staff as needed.

Catering Sous Chef - ServiceNow

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Catering Sous Chef - ServiceNow Salary: $80,000 - $85,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... Supervise and develop a team of four hourly culinary associates and temporary staff as needed.

Catering Sous Chef - ServiceNow

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Catering Sous Chef - ServiceNow Salary: $80,000 - $85,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... Supervise and develop a team of four hourly culinary associates and temporary staff as needed.

Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Chef oversees the tasks of the kitchen staff at the winery. Functional Responsibility * Manages ... temporary, or contract services * Receives deliveries, ensuring the accuracy of the orders, and ...

Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Chef oversees the tasks of the kitchen staff at the winery. Functional Responsibility * Manages ... temporary, or contract services * Receives deliveries, ensuring the accuracy of the orders, and ...

Executive Chef

Temecula, CA

$71K - $97K/yr

The Executive Chef sets and achieves the highest standards in the overall operation of the ... all times temporary, mobile and stationary. Detailed Work Activity Thinking Creatively ...

Showing results 21-40

Temp Chef information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do temp chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for temp 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.

What is a temp chef?

Temp chefs, also known as temporary chefs, are culinary professionals who are hired on a short-term or contract basis to work in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or private households. They may cover staff shortages, seasonal demand, special events, or provide expertise for a specific period. Temp chefs can have various specialties and skill levels, and their assignments can last from a single day to several months. Their flexibility allows businesses to maintain high standards and consistent service during busy periods or when permanent staff are unavailable.

What is the difference between Temp Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectTemp ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCooking experience, culinary certifications (optional)Cooking experience, culinary certifications (optional)
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments in various kitchensFull-time or part-time in a specific kitchen
Employer UsageStaffing agencies, event catering, hotelsRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Search & ComparisonOften compared for temporary vs permanent rolesCommonly compared for kitchen roles

Temp Chefs and Line Cooks both require culinary skills and experience, but Temp Chefs work on temporary assignments across different kitchens, offering flexibility and variety. Line Cooks typically work full-time in a single establishment, focusing on consistent kitchen operations. The choice depends on whether you prefer temporary, diverse work or a stable, ongoing position in a specific kitchen environment.

What are some common challenges temp chefs face when adapting to new kitchens and teams?

Temp Chefs often need to quickly acclimate to unfamiliar kitchens, equipment, and team dynamics. This can involve learning new menus, understanding different food safety protocols, and building rapport with permanent staff—sometimes all within a single shift. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and a willingness to ask questions are essential for success. Embracing these challenges helps Temp Chefs deliver high-quality results and maintain a positive reputation for future assignments.

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

To thrive as a Temp Chef, you need solid culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in a variety of kitchen settings, often supported by a culinary certificate or relevant work history. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and tools like inventory management systems is typically required. Strong adaptability, time management, and clear communication help you quickly integrate into new teams and work efficiently under pressure. These skills and qualities ensure you can deliver high-quality food and maintain kitchen standards in diverse, fast-changing environments.

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 Temp Chef jobs in California?

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Temp Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Temp Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Temp Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,554 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Executive Sous Chef

Lawry's

Beverly Hills, CA

$80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

We are currently seeking an Executive Sous Chef to join our team!

The ideal Executive Sous Chef is someone who believes in core values, upholding policy and procedure, and wants to be part of a leadership team for an iconic brand.

The Executive Sous Chef assumes responsibility for the kitchen in the absence of the Executive Chef. Directs and coordinates all co-workers engaged in preparing and cooking food for guests and co-workers of the restaurant. Cooks and portions meats, fishes and produce as needed for the forecasted business as well as preparing daily, dishes such as sauces and soups. To ensure that the guest’s expectations are always consistently exceeded with maximum fiscal responsibility.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Culinary leader with prior management/supervisory experience. Requires broad, in-depth knowledge and culinary skills in food preparation, cooking and presentation. Able to effectively manage, provide training and give direction to kitchen staff. Responsible for cost and quality control, managing labor, and ongoing safety and sanitation practices.
  • Takes proactive approach to Health and Safety, ensuring all logs/checklists are complete. To include, line checks, temp logs, receiving logs, self-audit/walk-throughs. Follows up with solutions and any appropriate actions, such as training or rolling out new systems/procedures.
  • Prepares station guides and ensures each station is set to established standard. Performs daily station line checks to ensure production is complete and accurate per standard.
  • Monitors and enforces all stations, walk-ins and storage areas for proper labeling and rotation of product. Address violations accordingly.
  • Supervise, coordinate and participate in the daily kitchen operations. Assist Executive Chef in the supervision of kitchen staff. Responsible for and supervises all heart of the house co-workers in regards to food handling, preparation and sanitation. Assumes responsibility of kitchen operations in the absence of the Executive Chef.
  • Assist Executive Chef with food ordering, as instructed and in the absence of the Executive Chef. Able to place food orders in accordance with business needs and forecasted sales.
  • Assist Executive Chef with planning seasonal menus and to include recipe testing.
  • Assist with expo duties and/or delegate expo duties to ensure all plates are executed to recipe standards. Ensure proper communication and answer any specific questions from front of the house co-workers in regard to menu items, allergens, and dietary restrictions. 
  • Follow corporate and unit level procedures as well as the Executive Chef’s instructions.
  • Complies with all health department regulations and enforces sanitary practices for food handling, general cleanliness and maintenance of kitchen
  • Enforces safe work habits and contributes to the safety-first environment in our heart of the house.
  • Coaches and gives instruction to the kitchen co-workers in the fine points of cooking including proper execution and plating of all dishes
  • Works with the Executive Chef to monitor and ensure the achievement or bettering of financial goals for food and labor costs to achieve the restaurant budget.

EXPERIENCE

  • Good organizational skills for dealing with diverse duties and staff.
  • Five years’ experience in fine dining high volume environment.
  • Progressively responsible industry and culinary management experience is required.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills including oral and written skills.
  • Commitment to hospitality and service excellence.
  • Effective management skills to motivate and develop co-workers.
  • Possession of food certifications as required by local, state and federal law.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to operate kitchen appliances and equipment in a safe manner.
  • Possess advanced knife skills
  • Demonstrate outstanding organizational and time management skills including the ability to make sound decisions quickly.
  • Satisfactory physical and mental health to perform the requirements of the job, and to work with the public in compliance with applicable foodservice health and safety regulations.
  • Able to perform the essential functions of the assigned position with or without reasonable accommodation, and within company policy.
  • Able to stand and walk for up to eight (8) hours during a shift (with limited breaks); carry up to 50 lbs. and exert up to 50 lbs. of force without straining; and sustain repetitive motions of legs, feet, waist, back, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and fingers.
  • Must be able to work weekdays, weekends and holidays
  • Capable of multi-tasking, leading and communicating with others, able to express and exchange ideas in spoken and written English in an above average manner. Ability to speak Spanish a plus.
  • Basic math proficiency required. Advanced spreadsheet knowledge and modeling tools to manage labor and food cost. Budgeting, tracking, and inventory systems knowledge.
  • Demonstrate positive supervision and leadership abilities to motivate co-workers to meet and exceed guest service standards.

Experience:

  • Associates degree in culinary arts and/or 5 years of relevant professional cooking experience in high volume restaurants.
  • At least 1 year experience as sous chef, chef or kitchen manager in a supervisory capacity required.
  • Good organizational skills for dealing with diverse duties and staff.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills including oral and written skills.
  • Commitment to hospitality and service excellence.
  • Effective management skills to motivate and develop co-workers.
  • Possession of food certifications as required by local, state and federal law.
  • Progressively responsible industry and culinary management experience is required.
  • Experience with performance management, providing coaching and disciplinary action.

Computer Skills: Competency in POS (Micros), scheduling software, Microsoft Office and any department-specific systems in use.

Education: Culinary degree is desirable; a combination of practical experience and education would be considered as an alternative.

Salary Range: $80,000-$85,000