1

Yakitori Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Yakitori Chef

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$58K - $60K/yr

Yakitori Chef / Cook New Japanese Restaurant Opening Are you a talented Chef or Cook with experience in yakitori, Japanese cuisine, or live-fire cooking? We are seeking skilled Yakitori Chefs and ...

Chef

New York, NY

$93K - $105K/yr

The Japanese Division of HAND Hospitality includes concepts like Izakaya MEW , Yakitori Nonono, Okonomi YUJI Ramen, and HORI with more to come. We are seeking a Head Chef for our store who can bring ...

Food Hall Supervisor

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $24.75/hr

Each stall represents a unique segment of Japanese cuisine (e.g., ramen, curry, yakitori, udon, etc). The Supervisor plays a hands-on role in coaching staff, ensuring operational efficiency, assist ...

Food Hall Supervisor

Escondido, CA ยท On-site

$24 - $25.75/hr

Each stall represents a unique segment of Japanese cuisine (e.g., ramen, curry, yakitori, udon, etc). The Supervisor plays a hands-on role in coaching staff, ensuring operational efficiency, assist ...

Supervisor

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $24.75/hr

Each stall represents a unique segment of Japanese cuisine (e.g., ramen, curry, yakitori, udon, etc). The Supervisor plays a hands-on role in coaching staff, ensuring operational efficiency, assist ...

General Manager

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

$66K - $74K/yr

... yakitori, udon, and more. They will proactively lead the store to ensure achievement of business goals in revenues, expense, profitability, customer satisfaction, inventory shrinkage, and employee ...

Be Seen First

... yakitori, udon, and more. They will proactively lead the store to ensure achievement of business goals in revenues, expense, profitability, customer satisfaction, inventory shrinkage, and employee ...

Food Hall General Manager

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

$66K - $74K/yr

... yakitori, udon, and more. They will proactively lead the store to ensure achievement of business goals in revenues, expense, profitability, customer satisfaction, inventory shrinkage, and employee ...

Food Hall General Manager

Escondido, CA ยท On-site

$66K - $74K/yr

... yakitori, udon, and more. They will proactively lead the store to ensure achievement of business goals in revenues, expense, profitability, customer satisfaction, inventory shrinkage, and employee ...

Server

Summerville, SC ยท On-site

Benefits/Perks * Flexible Scheduling * Competitive Compensation * Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a Server to join our team! The Server is the face of our restaurant and ...

Server

Summerville, SC ยท On-site

Benefits/Perks * Flexible Scheduling * Competitive Compensation * Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a Server to join our team! The Server is the face of our restaurant and ...

Server

Summerville, SC ยท On-site

Benefits/Perks * Flexible Scheduling * Competitive Compensation * Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a Server to join our team! The Server is the face of our restaurant and ...

Yakitori information

See salary details

$24K

$57.5K

$75.5K

How much do yakitori jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for yakitori in the United States is $57,526.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Yakitori vs Sushi Chef?

AspectYakitoriSushi Chef
CredentialsFood handler permits, culinary training in grillingFood handler permits, sushi certification, knife skills training
Work EnvironmentGrill stations, casual or restaurant settingsSeafood preparation areas, fine dining or sushi bars
Industry UsageJapanese cuisine, casual dining, street foodJapanese cuisine, upscale restaurants, sushi bars
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Yakitori and Sushi Chef are both culinary roles within Japanese cuisine, but they focus on different techniques and ingredients. Yakitori involves grilling skewered chicken and other meats, often in casual settings, requiring grilling skills and food safety knowledge. Sushi Chefs specialize in preparing raw fish and rice, often in more formal environments, requiring specialized training in sushi preparation and knife skills. While both roles require food safety permits, their work environments and skill sets differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by yakitori chefs during busy service hours?

Yakitori chefs often face the challenge of maintaining consistency and quality while grilling skewers at a fast pace during peak hours. Managing multiple skewers with different meats and doneness levels over a charcoal grill requires strong multitasking skills and attention to detail. Additionally, working in a small kitchen or open counter environment can add pressure, as customers may be watching the preparation process. Teamwork and clear communication with kitchen staff are essential to ensure smooth service and timely delivery of orders.

What is a yakitori chef?

Yakitori chefs are culinary professionals who specialize in preparing and grilling skewered chicken, known as yakitori, a popular Japanese dish. They are skilled in selecting different cuts of chicken, seasoning, and grilling them over charcoal to achieve the perfect flavor and texture. Yakitori chefs often work in yakitori-ya (specialty restaurants) or izakayas, and their expertise includes both cooking and the presentation of various chicken parts, such as thighs, liver, and wings, on bamboo skewers. Attention to detail, knowledge of traditional grilling techniques, and a deep understanding of flavor profiles are essential aspects of the job.

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

To thrive as a Yakitori Chef, you need expertise in Japanese culinary techniques, knife skills, and food safety, often developed through formal culinary training or apprenticeship. Familiarity with specialized grilling equipment like binchotan charcoal grills and knowledge of traditional seasonings are also important. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills help chefs stand out by ensuring quality and consistency in both preparation and customer service. These skills ensure authentic flavors, food safety, and customer satisfaction in a competitive dining environment.
More about Yakitori jobs
What cities are hiring for Yakitori jobs? Cities with the most Yakitori job openings:
What states have the most Yakitori jobs? States with the most job openings for Yakitori jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Yakitori jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Yakitori jobs are:
Infographic showing various Yakitori job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $57,526 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Yakitori Chef

Gecko Hospitality

Honolulu, HI โ€ข On-site

$58K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Yakitori Chef / Cook

New Japanese Restaurant Opening


Are you a talented Chef or Cook with experience in yakitori, Japanese cuisine, or live-fire cooking? We are seeking skilled Yakitori Chefs and Cooks to join the opening team of an exciting new Japanese restaurant scheduled to open in December. This is an excellent opportunity for culinary professionals who are passionate about traditional Japanese cooking techniques, quality ingredients, and delivering an exceptional guest experience.


Apply today for this full-time Yakitori Chef / Cook opportunity!


Title of Position: Yakitori Chef / Cook


Compensation: $60,000+ annually, based on experience


Schedule: Full-time, approximately 50 hours per week


Job Description:

The Yakitori Chef / Cook will be responsible for preparing and cooking traditional Japanese chicken skewers using proper butchery, seasoning, grilling, and presentation techniques. This individual will work closely with the culinary leadership team to maintain consistent food quality, execute recipes, and support the successful opening of the restaurant.

Responsibilities will include breaking down and preparing poultry, assembling skewers, managing charcoal or live-fire grilling stations, maintaining proper cooking temperatures, and ensuring all dishes meet established quality and presentation standards. The Yakitori Chef / Cook will also assist with kitchen preparation, inventory management, sanitation, and maintaining an organized workstation.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Japanese flavors and cooking methods, excellent knife skills, and the ability to perform efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.


Benefits:

  • Competitive annual compensation
  • Full-time employment
  • Opportunity to join a new restaurant opening team
  • Professional growth and advancement opportunities
  • Additional benefits may be available

Qualifications:

  • Previous culinary experience in yakitori, Japanese cuisine, grilling, or live-fire cooking is preferred
  • Strong poultry butchery and knife skills
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
  • Ability to work approximately 50 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Ability to remain organized and consistent in a high-volume kitchen
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Culinary degree or formal training is helpful but not required



Apply today for this exciting Yakitori Chef / Cook opportunity!