Cook Per Diem (Weekend) or Part Time
Aurora San Diego • San Diego, CA, US
onsite
43680K - 52000K
Chef / Cook Jobs in San Diego
11 positions available in CA. Biotech and defense stronghold with 210K+ life sciences and aerospace jobs
NOW HIRING – EXPERIENCED LINE COOK / SMASH BURGER COOK
VanMan's Kitchen • San Diego, CA, US
onsite
19K - 23K
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Sodexo • San Diego, CA, US
onsite
Territory Account Executive (Spanish), Strategic Cuisines - San Diego, CA
Toast • San Diego, CA
hybrid
Pastry Cook/ Pastry plater
Herb & Wood • San Diego, CA, US
onsite
20K - 23K
Cafe Sandwich Cook & Barista
Dos Palmas Cafe • San Diego, CA, US
onsite
Related Roles in San Diego
Chef / Cook in Other Cities
What Does a Chef / Cook Do?
Chefs plan menus, prepare meals, and oversee kitchen operations in restaurants or food service facilities. They manage food quality, train staff, control costs, and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Chef / Cook Salary in San Diego
The median salary for a Chef / Cook in San Diego is $59,785 per year. The range is $45K - $79K (P10: $38,057, P90: $104,182). (BLS OEWS 2025) Typical US salary range: $45K - $85K. In Europe: €30K - €55K. Cost of living in San Diego is very high compared to other cities.
Most In-Demand Skills
Culinary Skills
Menu Planning
Kitchen Management
Food Safety
Staff Supervision
Cost Control
The San Diego Job Market
Biotech and defense stronghold with 210K+ life sciences and aerospace jobs. San Diego's biotech cluster rivals the Bay Area with fortress-like stability in life sciences and defense sectors.
Top industries: Biotechnology, Aerospace & Defense, Software, Healthcare.
Mix of public transit and sprawl; remote biotech and aerospace roles are expanding rapidly.
Career Path & 2026 Trends
Chefs advance to head chef, executive chef, or restaurant manager roles; some open their own restaurants or transition to food media and education. Culinary work in 2026 emphasizes sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and diverse cuisines; specialized skills command premium compensation.
Interview Tip
Describe a signature dish or menu you created—explain your culinary philosophy, ingredient selection, and how it resonated with your diners.
How to Find a Chef / Cook Job in San Diego?
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