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Young Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant Nisei

Commis Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Michelin Star, Michelin "Young Chef Award", and a James Beard Award Nomination. We work closely with local farms, fishermen, and wineries, cultivating deep respect for every ingredient we use. Owner ...

Southern Table Hospitaltiy

Be Seen First

Chef De Cuisine

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Marker 32 is an established 30+ years restaurant that produces great young chefs. The Company Description Local, fast-growth hospitality professionals managing 10 restaurant locations, 2 additional ...

Southern Table Hospitaltiy

Chef De Cuisine

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

Marker 32 is an established 30+ years restaurant that produces great young chefs. The Company Description Local, fast-growth hospitality professionals managing 9 restaurant locations with more ...

Kiddie Academy

Preschool Chef

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

The Preschool Chef will be responsible for creating nutritious, high-quality meals for our young students that meet dietary restrictions and standards. They will be expected to remain on budget by ...

The French Laundry

Porter

Yountville, CA

Chef Keller's culinary skills and high standards make him an inspiration to younger chefs and have earned him countless accolades, including The Culinary Institute of America's "Chef of the Year ...

Kiddie Academy

Preschool Chef

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

The Preschool Chef will be responsible for creating nutritious, high-quality meals for our young students that meet dietary restrictions and standards. They will be expected to remain on budget by ...

Kiddie Academy

Preschool Chef

Murrieta, CA

$16 - $18/hr

The Preschool Chef will be responsible for creating nutritious, high-quality meals for our young students that meet dietary restrictions and standards. They will be expected to remain on budget by ...

The French Laundry

Porter

Yountville, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Chef Keller's culinary skills and high standards make him an inspiration to younger chefs and have earned him countless accolades, including The Culinary Institute of America's "Chef of the Year ...

Silenzio Social Club

$65K - $80K/yr

We are seeking a young, ambitious Executive Chef ready to build something iconic. About the Role This is not a traditional restaurant role. This is a creative leadership position for a chef who wants ...

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Young Chef information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do young chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for young chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a young chef?

Young chefs are aspiring culinary professionals, often in the early stages of their careers, who are passionate about cooking and eager to develop their culinary skills. They may work in professional kitchens, attend culinary schools, or participate in cooking competitions designed for youth. Young chefs typically learn foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and food preparation under the guidance of more experienced chefs. Their goal is to gain experience, improve their craft, and potentially pursue a long-term career in the culinary industry.

What are the typical daily responsibilities and challenges faced by a young chef in a professional kitchen?

As a Young Chef, you can expect to be involved in food preparation, assisting senior chefs with cooking tasks, maintaining cleanliness and organization in your workstation, and ensuring all dishes meet quality standards. One of the main challenges is working efficiently under pressure during busy service hours while consistently producing high-quality food. Collaboration is key, as you’ll regularly communicate with other kitchen staff and front-of-house teams to coordinate orders and ensure timely service. Over time, you’ll gain more responsibility, such as managing specific stations or contributing to menu development, which can open pathways for career advancement within the culinary industry.

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

To thrive as a Young Chef, you need a solid understanding of basic cooking techniques, food safety, and culinary fundamentals, often gained through formal culinary education or apprenticeship. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and food hygiene certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality dishes, maintaining kitchen safety, and contributing positively to a fast-paced culinary team.

What is the difference between Young Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectYoung ChefLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, apprenticeshipHigh school diploma, culinary school optional
Work EnvironmentEntry-level kitchen, learning-focusedFast-paced kitchen, station-specific tasks
Industry UsageTraining role, often in restaurants or hotelsOperational role, in various food service settings
Search & ComparisonOften compared for career developmentMore experienced, specialized role

The main difference between a Young Chef and a Line Cook lies in experience and responsibilities. A Young Chef is typically an entry-level trainee focusing on learning culinary skills, while a Line Cook is a more experienced professional responsible for specific kitchen stations. Both roles are essential in the culinary industry, but the Young Chef is often seen as a stepping stone towards becoming a Line Cook or head chef.

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Young Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Young Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Commis Chef

Restaurant Nisei

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

About Nisei- Led by Chef David Yoshimura, Nisei blends refined Japanese technique with California’s best seasonal ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience.Within our first year, we earned: Michelin Star, Michelin “Young Chef Award”, and a James Beard Award Nomination. We work closely with local farms, fishermen, and wineries, cultivating deep respect for every ingredient we use. Owner David Yoshimura (Californios, Ishikawa, WD~50) is also a certified Sommelier and stresses the importance of being a well-rounded hospitality professional through hands on mentorship for each employee. Next door, Nisei also owns a craft cocktail bar named Iris, which boasts an impressive cocktail and bar food program.
The Role- We’re seeking cooks with strong fundamentals, great attitude, and a hunger to learn. This role is perfect for someone who’s ready to learn and grow through mentorship, repetition, and exposure to Michelin-level standards.
As part of the team at Nisei, you will
- Prepare ingredients, stocks, and sauces with precision and consistency.
-Support the savory and pastry teams with daily mise en place.
-Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient prep area.
-Learn advanced Japanese techniques, from knife work to fermentation
-Rotate through prep and station shadowing as skills progress
-Receive hands-on training directly from Sous Chefs, and fellow cooks
-Uphold ingredient integrity and food safety at all times
What We’re Looking For
- 2+ years of professional kitchen experience (fine dining preferred)
- Culinary school graduate or equivalent hands-on training a plus
- Strong knife skills and eagerness to improve
- Humble, dependable, and curious
- Ability to work cleanly and efficiently
- Positive team player with great communication
- Passion for Japanese cuisine and craftsmanship
- Flexibility for all shifts and weekends
If you’re serious about your growth and want to develop the skills to one day run your own station, this is the perfect entry point.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay: $22–$24/hour
Paid Vacation: 10 days per year
Observed Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Day
Winter Break: 1 week off in January
Summer Break: 1 week off around July 4th
Parental Leave: Maternal & Paternal
Health Insurance: Available after 3-month trial
CalSavers Retirement Plan
Dining & Beverage Discounts
Family Meal Provided Daily
Quarterly Learning Opportunities & Field Trips
Our Commitment- At Nisei, we hire people with potential, not ego.We believe that attention to detail, curiosity, and respect for ingredients are the foundation of a great chef. Our kitchen is a place to learn, grow, and refine your craft surrounded by passionate professionals. Start as a Prep Cook. Grow into a Line Cook. Join a Michelin-starred team shaping the next generation of Japanese-American cuisine.
Apply via post with your resume and 2-3 sentences why you want to work here.
Press:
SF Chronicle:
https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2023/best-sf-restaurants-bay-area/
Michelin:
https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/michelin-star-revelation/david-yoshimura-michelin-guide-young-chef-nisei
Forbes:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/chelseadavis/2022/09/02/chef-david-yoshimuras-nisei-restaurant-celebrates-one-year-in-san-francisco/?sh=132a38591902
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster. More detail about Restaurant Nisei, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/355731-Restaurant-Nisei