1

Temporary Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Irvine, CA · On-site

$22.61 - $28.25/hr

Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program ... Assists the chef with overseeing the day to day operation of the kitchen and maintaining the ...

Chef

National City, CA · On-site

$25.26 - $28.80/hr

Temporary Variable Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender ...

Chef

National City, CA · On-site

$25.26 - $28.80/hr

Employment Status Temporary Shift Variable Equal Employment Opportunity Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based ...

Overview Temporary Part-Time Housekeeper Location: San Carlos, CA Compensation: $45-$50/hour ... chefs, household leaders, and more. That lived experience is what sets us apart. We don't just ...

The team at USC Hospitality is led by innovative executive chefs and directors who strive every day ... Ability to oversee student, temporary, and/or resource workers The Trojan Family Rewards: We pride ...

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

Showing results 41-60

Temporary Chef information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do temporary chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary 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 temporary chef?

A Temporary Chef is a professional cook hired on a short-term basis to fill in for absent staff, handle seasonal demand, or assist during busy periods. They may work in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or private events. Temporary Chefs must quickly adapt to different kitchens, follow menus or create dishes as needed, and maintain high standards of food preparation. This role offers flexibility and diverse experience but requires strong culinary skills and adaptability.

What types of establishments do temporary chefs typically work in, and how might the work environment vary?

Temporary Chefs can be placed in a variety of settings, including restaurants, hotels, catering companies, corporate cafeterias, and private events. The work environment and team structure may differ significantly, ranging from fast-paced, high-volume kitchens to smaller, boutique operations. As a Temporary Chef, you may need to quickly adapt to different cuisines, kitchen layouts, and levels of staff support. This variety can offer valuable learning experiences and opportunities to expand your skill set in diverse culinary environments. Being adaptable and open to change is key to thriving in these roles.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Chef, you need a strong background in culinary techniques, food safety standards, and menu execution, typically supported by formal culinary training or significant industry experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (such as ServSafe), and systems for inventory management are important. Flexibility, strong organizational skills, and the ability to quickly adapt to new teams and work environments help distinguish top performers. These skills ensure smooth kitchen operations, high-quality food, and seamless integration during short-term assignments.

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 Temporary Chef jobs in California?

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Temporary Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Temporary Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,554 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

CHEF, SOUS (FULL AND PART TIME)

Compass Group

Seaside, CA

$55/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,097 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Location: CSU Monterey Bay 

  • We are hiring immediately for a full and part time CHEF, SOUS position.
  • Address100 CAMPUS CENTER, BLDG 16. Seaside, CA 93955 Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full and part time Schedule: Mon & Tue 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Thur & Friday 6:30 am - 2:30 pm. More details upon interview. 
  • Requirement: Previous Scheduling, Ordering, Inventory, Staff Management, Culinary Trends, Batch Cooking, Recipe Adherence, Allergen Trainings, Food Safety, Customer Service and Training experience preferred. 
  • Perks: $55 towards Safety Shoes, Shift Meal, Cell Phone Stipend!
  • Pay Range:  $26.00 per hour to $27.00. 

We Make Applying Easy!  Want to apply to this job via text messaging?  Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1565637

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

Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.

Join our campus team where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. Enjoy competitive wages, benefits, and perks like Instapay through the One @Work app. Our careers are filled with purpose and encourage learning, growth, and meaningful impact. Apply today!

Job Summary


Summary:   Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service associates. Assumes responsibility for kitchen and food-service associates in the absence of Executive Chef.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Cooks and prepares food following approved recipes and production standards. Ensures all deadlines are met based on production orders.
  • Supervises hourly food service associates. Includes interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training, counseling, participating in reviews and recommending disciplinary action, as appropriate.
  • Stores food in designated areas following all corporate, state and federal food safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Ensures proper food handling, presentation, portion control and maintenance of appropriate serving temperatures.
  • Maintains sanitation of equipment, supplies and utensils. Cleans workstation thoroughly before leaving area. Keeps display equipment clean and free of debris during meal service to comply with all sanitation, safety, production and merchandising requirements.
  • Interacts with customers to resolve complaints in a friendly, service-oriented manner. Relays relevant information directly to supervisor.
  • Demonstrates complete understanding of daily menu items and accurately explains them to associates and customers.
  • Keeps up with peak production and service hours.
  • Monitors inventory and deliveries of product and supplies. Tracks product production, consumption and waste. Informs supervisor when supplies or product are low.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

The Benefits

We are always looking for ways to invest in our people both inside and outside of work to help them achieve their full potential. Both full-time and part-time associates are eligible for the following benefits:

  • Opportunities for Training and Development
  • 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)

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 Maryland, Washington State, 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_ChartwellsHED.pdf

Because this position requires you to perform services in an educational facility, there may be periods when the Company does not require you to perform work (such as winter and summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the Company’s behalf may be unpaid and deemed a temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round, potentially at a different location during break periods.  Business needs may vary from year to year.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
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. 

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace. 

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 Compass Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom