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Wok Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Altius Search Group

Senior Wok Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Senior Wok Chef will play a critical role in executing signature dishes, maintaining the integrity of sauces and recipes, and ensuring efficient ticket flow during busy service periods. This chef ...

Palace Casino Resort

Specialty Asian Prep Cook

Pala, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Experience in Dim Sum, Wok Chef, and Duck Chef * Must be capable of following directions * Must know how to use a wok and have knife skills Essential Job Functions: * Complete all tasks, in order, on ...

Burma Inc

Wok Cook

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Collaborate with chefs, and other kitchen staff to uphold the restaurants Qualifications: * Wok cook experience is a must (2 + years' experience preferred) * Strong knowledge of Burmese and Southeast ...

Burma Inc

Wok Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Collaborate with chefs, and other kitchen staff to uphold the restaurants Qualifications: * Wok cook experience is a must (2 + years' experience preferred) * Strong knowledge of Burmese and Southeast ...

Burma Inc

Wok Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Collaborate with chefs, and other kitchen staff to uphold the restaurants Qualifications: * Wok cook experience is a must (2 + years' experience preferred) * Strong knowledge of Burmese and Southeast ...

Burma Inc

Wok Cook

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Collaborate with chefs, and other kitchen staff to uphold the restaurants Qualifications: * Wok cook experience is a must (2 + years' experience preferred) * Strong knowledge of Burmese and Southeast ...

Nara Thai Kitchen

Be Seen First

Chef Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

We are seeking a Chef Cook to join our team! You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and ... Cook with a WOK * Oversee day-to-day culinary operations * Coordinate food and kitchenware orders

P.F. Chang's

Senior Sous Chef Kitchen Manager

Temecula, CA · On-site

$72K - $92K/yr

The Senior Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager or Chef De Cuisine leads a culinary team managing daily ... Must be able to operate kitchen equipment including a wok, mixer, slicer, and buffalo chopper, as ...

PF Changs

Senior Sous Chef Kitchen Manager

Temecula, CA · On-site

$72K - $92K/yr

The Senior Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager or Chef De Cuisine leads a culinary team managing daily ... Must be able to operate kitchen equipment including a wok, mixer, slicer, and buffalo chopper, as ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

Woodland Hills, CA

$21 - $25/hr

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

PF Changs

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

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Wok Chef information

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How much do wok chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for wok 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 wok chef?

A Wok Chef is a culinary professional specializing in high-heat, stir-fry cooking using a wok. They prepare ingredients, control temperatures, and execute traditional Asian cooking techniques to create flavorful dishes. Wok Chefs must work quickly, ensuring food is cooked to perfection while maintaining texture and consistency. They are commonly employed in Chinese, Thai, and other Asian cuisine restaurants. Strong knife skills, knowledge of sauces, and experience with various proteins and vegetables are essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Wok Chef, you need expertise in Chinese and Asian culinary techniques, strong knife skills, and experience with high-heat cooking, often supported by formal culinary training or hands-on kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial woks, gas ranges, kitchen safety protocols, and sometimes certifications in food handling are typical requirements. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure consistent dish quality, safe operations, and a smooth workflow in busy restaurant kitchens.

What are the most common challenges faced by wok chefs during busy service periods?

Wok Chefs often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of orders while maintaining consistency in flavor and presentation, and coordinating closely with other kitchen staff during peak hours. The fast-paced, high-heat environment can be physically demanding and requires strong organizational and multitasking abilities. Additionally, adapting quickly to order changes or customer requests is essential in maintaining service quality. Overcoming these challenges is a key part of the role and helps build valuable skills that are highly regarded in the culinary industry.

What are the duties of a Wok Chef?

A Wok Chef is responsible for preparing Asian-style dishes using a wok, including chopping ingredients, cooking quickly at high heat, and ensuring food quality and presentation. They must follow recipes, maintain cleanliness, and often work in fast-paced kitchen environments, requiring knowledge of cooking techniques and safety standards.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Wok Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Wok Chef job openings:

Wok Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wok Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% 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.

Senior Wok Chef

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Altius Search Group
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Altius Search Groupexternal

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Our client, a modern Asian fusion restaurant is seeking a highly skilled Senior Wok Chef to lead execution at the wok station in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen. This role is ideal for a culinary professional with deep experience in high-heat wok cooking who can deliver consistent flavor, speed, and precision during peak service.
The Senior Wok Chef will play a critical role in executing signature dishes, maintaining the integrity of sauces and recipes, and ensuring efficient ticket flow during busy service periods. This chef must demonstrate mastery of wok technique, heat control, and timing, while maintaining high standards of quality and presentation.
Wok Station Leadership
  • Lead the wok station during lunch and dinner service.
  • Execute stir-fry dishes using high-heat wok techniques while maintaining consistency and speed.
  • Maintain the signature flavor profile and integrity of sauces, broths, and seasonings.
  • Ensure proper timing and coordination with other stations to maintain smooth service flow.

Culinary Execution
  • Prepare and cook dishes using traditional and modern wok techniques.
  • Demonstrate mastery of wok hei (breath of the wok) to achieve authentic flavor and texture.
  • Maintain consistent plating, portioning, and quality standards.
  • Monitor product quality and freshness of proteins, vegetables, and sauces.

Prep & Mise en Place
  • Oversee mise en place for the wok station including proteins, vegetables, and sauces.
  • Ensure proper portioning and organization to support high-volume service.
  • Assist with recipe adherence and food cost control.

Team Collaboration
  • Work closely with the Executive Chef and Sous Chefs to maintain kitchen standards.
  • Support training of line cooks and junior wok cooks.
  • Communicate effectively with expediters and kitchen leadership during service.

Kitchen Standards
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation.
  • Follow all health, safety, and sanitation standards.
  • Support kitchen operations and assist other stations when needed.

Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience working a wok station in high-volume Asian or Asian fusion kitchens.
  • Strong understanding of wok techniques, heat control, and stir-fry cooking.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a high-pressure service environment.
  • Strong knife skills and ingredient preparation knowledge.
  • Experience with Asian sauces, aromatics, and seasoning balance.
  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
  • Food Handler or ServSafe certification preferred.

Preferred Experience
  • Experience in modern Asian or Asian fusion restaurants.
  • Knowledge of Vietnamese, Chinese, or Southeast Asian flavor profiles.
  • Experience working in upscale or chef-driven dining environments.

Ideal Candidate
  • Fast, disciplined, and highly organized.
  • Passionate about mastering wok technique and flavor development.
  • Calm and efficient during peak service.
  • Team-oriented with strong work ethic and reliability.

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