Chef Jobs in San Diego, CA

New Chef Jobs with salaries & benefits from top venues every day

Looking for Chef jobs in San Diego, CA close to you? You're in the right place. Browse current openings and apply today to take the next step in your hospitality career.

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Top Paying Chef Jobs in San Diego, CA

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Sous Chef

at
Desert Horizons Owners Association
44900 Desert Horizons Dr, Indian Wells, CA 92210, USA|Onsite
Range $85,000.00 - $95,000.00

Range $85,000.00 - $95,000.00

Full-time

Full-time

Day Shifts

Day Shifts

Weekend Shifts

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Night Shifts

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Mid Level (3-7 years)

401k

401k

Flexible Schedule

Flexible Schedule

Free Meals

Free Meals

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Chef

at
MeetAChef.com
San Diego, CA, USA|Onsite
Exact $100.00

Exact $100.00

Flexible

Flexible

No experience required

No experience required

Daily Pay

Daily Pay

flexible schedule

flexible schedule

friendly work environment

friendly work environment

Opportunity for creativity

Opportunity for creativity

Work-life balance

Work-life balance

Chef

at
MeetAChef.com
San Jose, CA, USA|Onsite
Mid Level (3-7 years)

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Employee Meals

Employee Meals

Retirement Plan

Retirement Plan

Professional development opportunities

Professional development opportunities

Workplace discounts

Workplace discounts

team events

team events

Chef

at
MeetAChef.com
Oakland, CA, USA|Onsite
Exact $25.00

Exact $25.00

Flexible

Flexible

No experience required

No experience required

flexible schedule

flexible schedule

Competitive daily pay

Competitive daily pay

Personal growth opportunity

Personal growth opportunity

creative work environment

creative work environment

Engaging family atmosphere

Engaging family atmosphere

Chef

at
MeetAChef.com
Oakland, CA, USA|
Exact $300.00

Exact $300.00

competitive daily rate

competitive daily rate

flexible schedule

flexible schedule

Travel opportunities

Travel opportunities

Opportunity to work in a family environment

Opportunity to work in a family environment

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

professional growth

professional growth

Chef

at
MeetAChef.com
Modesto, CA, USA|Onsite
Exact $18.00

Exact $18.00

Full-time

Full-time

Flexible

Flexible

No experience required

No experience required

Competitive wages

Competitive wages

Flexible pay structure

Flexible pay structure

Accommodation provided if needed

Accommodation provided if needed

Opportunity for creativity

Opportunity for creativity

collaborative work environment

collaborative work environment

Skill development

Skill development

Positive work culture

Positive work culture

Chef

at
MeetAChef.com
Modesto, CA, USA|Onsite
Exact $17.00

Exact $17.00

Full-time

Full-time

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Mid Level (3-7 years)

competitive hourly rate

competitive hourly rate

Opportunity for growth

Opportunity for growth

Skill development

Skill development

Supportive team environment

Supportive team environment

Employee Discounts

Employee Discounts

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

flexible scheduling

flexible scheduling

Chef

at
comma.ai
Carlsbad, CA, USA|Onsite
Range $18.50 - $34.25

Range $18.50 - $34.25

Full-time

Full-time

Standard Hours

Standard Hours

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance

Stock options

Stock options

Office gym

Office gym

Workout classes

Workout classes

Sous Chef

at
LSG Group
San Jose, CA, USA|
Range $74,034.00 - $89,415.00

Range $74,034.00 - $89,415.00

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Employee Discounts

Professional development opportunities

Professional development opportunities

Meal allowance

Meal allowance

Pantry Chef

at
Aramark
El Cajon, CA, USA|Onsite
Full-time

Full-time

Part-time

Part-time

Standard Hours

Standard Hours

Entry Level (1-2 years)

Entry Level (1-2 years)

Medical insurance

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) retirement plan

401(k) retirement plan

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Parental leave

Parental leave

Disability Benefits

Disability Benefits

Sous Chef

at
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Escondido, CA, USA|Onsite
Range $53,100.00 - $71,700.00

Range $53,100.00 - $71,700.00

Full-time

Full-time

Flexible

Flexible

No experience required

No experience required

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Employee Discounts

Meal Allowances

Meal Allowances

wellness programs

wellness programs

Sous Chef

at
Marriott
Salinas, CA, USA|Onsite
Range $55,400.00 - $74,800.00

Range $55,400.00 - $74,800.00

Full-time

Full-time

Standard Hours

Standard Hours

Day Shifts

Day Shifts

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Employee Discounts

Training and development programs

Training and development programs

wellness programs

wellness programs

Executive Chef – Modern American Restaurant

at
Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions
San Diego, CA, USA|Onsite
Range $110,000.00 - $120,000.00

Range $110,000.00 - $120,000.00

Full-time

Full-time

Flexible

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Weekend Shifts

Expert Level (7+ years)

Expert Level (7+ years)

Medical insurance

Medical insurance

Unlimited PTO

Unlimited PTO

bonus program

bonus program

growth potential

growth potential

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Career Development

Career Development

Head Chef

at
The Spinster Sisters
Santa Rosa, CA, USA|Onsite
Range $70,000.00 - $85,000.00

Range $70,000.00 - $85,000.00

Full-time

Full-time

Standard Hours

Standard Hours

Expert Level (7+ years)

Expert Level (7+ years)

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

employee dining discount

employee dining discount

Affordable local housing

Affordable local housing

Potential equity ownership

Potential equity ownership

Regional Chef

at
Aramark
Santa Ana, CA, USA|Onsite
Full-time

Full-time

Part-time

Part-time

Standard Hours

Standard Hours

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance

support programs

support programs

401(k) retirement plan

401(k) retirement plan

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Parental leave

Parental leave

Disability protection

Disability protection

Associate Chef

at
sweetgreen
Santa Clara, CA, USA|Onsite
Exact $21.43

Exact $21.43

Full-time

Full-time

Part-time

Part-time

Standard Hours

Standard Hours

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Tips

Tips

Competitive wages

Competitive wages

Medical insurance

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid vacation

Paid vacation

Wellness time

Wellness time

Parental leave

Parental leave

free meal

free meal

401(k)

401(k)

Team member merch shop

Team member merch shop

Restaurant Head Chef (Executive Chef) – for a Renowned Italian Restaurant – Florida, USA

at
Renard International Hospitality Search Consultants
San Diego, CA, USA|Onsite
Full-time

Full-time

Flexible

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Weekend Shifts

Expert Level (7+ years)

Expert Level (7+ years)

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Employee Discounts

Training and development opportunities

Training and development opportunities

performance bonuses

performance bonuses

Food Production Chef

at
Aramark
El Cajon, CA, USA|Onsite
Full-time

Full-time

Part-time

Part-time

Standard Hours

Standard Hours

Entry Level (1-2 years)

Entry Level (1-2 years)

Medical insurance

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Parental leave

Parental leave

Disability insurance

Disability insurance

Chef De Cuisine

at
Goodwin Recruiting
Los Angeles, CA, USA|
Exact $85,000.00

Exact $85,000.00

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Competitive annual salary

Competitive annual salary

Professional growth opportunities

Professional growth opportunities

Inclusive team environment

Inclusive team environment

Mentorship programs

Mentorship programs

Advancement opportunities

Advancement opportunities

Food Production Chef

at
Aramark
Long Beach, CA, USA|Onsite
Full-time

Full-time

Part-time

Part-time

Standard Hours

Standard Hours

Entry Level (1-2 years)

Entry Level (1-2 years)

Medical insurance

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Parental leave

Parental leave

Disability insurance

Disability insurance

Executive Sous Chef

at
Noble House Hotels & Resorts
San Diego, CA, USA|
Range $96,000.00 - $98,000.00

Range $96,000.00 - $98,000.00

Full-time

Full-time

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Mid Level (3-7 years)

competitive pay

competitive pay

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance

Matching 401k

Matching 401k

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Complementary parking

Complementary parking

meals

meals

Sous Chef - Airline Catering

at
LSG Group
San Marcos, TX, USA|Onsite
Range $57,000.00 - $71,000.00

Range $57,000.00 - $71,000.00

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Employee Discounts

Career Development

Career Development

Meal Allowances

Meal Allowances

Executive Chef - Alma San Diego, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

at
Alma San Diego, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
San Diego, CA, USA|
Range $91,000.00 - $114,000.00

Range $91,000.00 - $114,000.00

Medical insurance

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life insurance

Life insurance

short-term disability

short-term disability

long-term disability

long-term disability

401(k)

401(k)

Executive Chef

at
LifeWorks Restaurant Group
San Jose, CA, USA|
Range $100,000.00 - $115,000.00

Range $100,000.00 - $115,000.00

Full-time

Full-time

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Medical insurance

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) retirement plan

401(k) retirement plan

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Parental leave

Parental leave

Disability Coverage

Disability Coverage

Banquet Chef

at
Talently
San Jose, CA, USA|Onsite
Range $75,000.00 - $85,000.00

Range $75,000.00 - $85,000.00

Expert Level (7+ years)

Expert Level (7+ years)

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Employee Discounts

Professional development opportunities

Professional development opportunities

flexible scheduling

flexible scheduling

161 Chef Jobs in San Diego, CA Near You - September 2026

If you're looking for Chef jobs in San Diego, you've come to the right place. OysterLink currently offers 161 Chef positions near you at a variety of venues including restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and resorts across the city.

New listings are regularly added, giving you the opportunity to find the perfect role in this vibrant culinary scene. Employers are actively hiring to meet the demand for skilled Chefs.

Recent Openings for Chefs in San Diego, CA

There has been 1 jobs posted in the last 10 days, with new Chef job opportunities frequently becoming available to suit different skill levels and schedules.

Chef Salary in San Diego, CA

Based on current job listings, the average salary for Chefs in San Diego is $109,000 per year or $52.3 per hour, reflecting the city's competitive culinary market.

Salaries generally range from $91,000 per year up to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, establishment type, and position seniority.

Lowest wage for Chefs in San DiegoAverage wage for Chefs in San DiegoHighest wage for Chefs in San Diego
$91,000 per year$109,000 per year or $52.3 per hour$120,000 per year

High-end restaurants and luxury hotels often offer higher pay and additional perks.

San Diego's diverse dining culture and tourism-driven economy create varied opportunities for Chefs to advance their careers.

If you're considering Chef jobs in San Diego, expect a dynamic employment landscape with options for growth and specialization.

How To Apply for Chef Jobs in San Diego, CA

Applying through OysterLink is straightforward. Each Chef job is verified and includes detailed information about compensation, working hours, and employer requirements. You can filter positions by:

  • Pay rate
  • Experience level
  • Full-time, part-time, or seasonal
  • Shift availability

Employers seeking Chefs in San Diego aim for quick hires, so submitting your application early can improve your chances.

Simply click apply, upload your resume, and connect directly with hiring managers. 

Why Chef Jobs Are in Demand in San Diego

San Diego boasts a vibrant food scene supported by a strong tourism sector, leading to consistent demand for Chefs in various types of establishments.

Below are some popular neighborhoods and typical venues where Chef roles frequently open up:

NeighborhoodsEstablishments
Gaslamp QuarterUpscale restaurants
La JollaResort dining
Downtown San DiegoCatering companies

The city’s multicultural population and busy event calendar keep culinary professionals in demand throughout the year.

Where Chefs Are in Demand in San Diego

Here are some of the top employers currently looking for Chefs in San Diego:

  • Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions
  • Alma San Diego, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

What To Expect as a Chef in San Diego

Chef roles in San Diego typically involve:

  • Preparing and cooking menu items
  • Managing kitchen staff and workflow
  • Maintaining food safety and hygiene standards
  • Planning menus and ordering supplies

Many employers also expect Chefs to contribute creativity to the menu and adapt to seasonal ingredients.

The work can be physically demanding and fast-paced, often requiring evening and weekend availability.

Experience is valued but there are opportunities for entry-level Chefs to receive on-the-job training.

Chef Job Benefits and Perks in San Diego

Many Chef positions come with competitive pay plus performance bonuses, Medical insurance and other benefits.

San Diego employers often provide additional perks to attract culinary talent in this competitive market.

Explore More Chef Opportunities Near San Diego

San Diego is just one of several vibrant culinary hubs in the area. You can also explore Chef jobs in nearby cities like:

  • Chula Vista
  • Oceanside
  • Carlsbad

Whether you’re looking for Chef jobs near you or interested in exploring neighboring areas, OysterLink helps you find real-time listings from verified employers.

Useful Resources for Chefs in San Diego, CA

Here are some useful resources if you’re a Chef in San Diego:

ResourceDescription
City of San Diego Official SiteLocal government services and community info
CalJOBSCalifornia job seeker and employer resource
Division of Labor Standards EnforcementCalifornia labor law enforcement information
CA Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage ControlRegulations for establishments serving alcohol

Explore More Jobs & Career Resources