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Apprentice Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Four Seasons Hotels Limited

Cook 2

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$31.20/hr

High school graduate and an apprenticeship, cooking school or culinary institute education. * Highly developed sense of taste and comprehensive sauce preparation skills. * Refined plating techniques.

Hotel Spero

Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Overview: The Cook will prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

Crestline Hotels and Resorts

Cook

San Francisco, CA

$16.50 - $22/hr

Overview: The Cook will prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

Super King Market

Meat Cutter Apprentice

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

The Meat Cutter Apprentice will complete the Training Certification course and successfully pass an ... meat in cooking form. * Weigh and price individual meat products for customers upon request.

La Marea Senior Living

Cook

Carlsbad, CA

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Prep Cook Responsibilities: * Prepares food items using standardized recipes in a timely manner ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred. * Food Services Sanitation Certificate. If having a ...

La Marea Senior Living

Cook

Carlsbad, CA

$22 - $25/hr

Prep Cook Responsibilities: * Prepares food items using standardized recipes in a timely manner ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred. * Food Services Sanitation Certificate. If having a ...

Discovery Senior Living

Cook

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Prep Cook Responsibilities: * Prepares food items using standardized recipes in a timely manner ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred. * Food Services Sanitation Certificate. If having a ...

Crestline Hotels and Resorts

Cook

Los Angeles, CA

$27/hr

Pay Rate: $27.00 per hour Job Title: PART-TIME Cook (UCA Terraza Rooftop/Denae's Diner) The ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

Loma Clara Senior Living

Cook

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$22.33 - $25.13/hr

Prep Cook Responsibilities: * Prepares food items using standardized recipes in a timely manner ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred. * Food Services Sanitation Certificate. If having a ...

Crestline Hotels and Resorts

Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Overview: The Cook will prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

The Delphi

Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$27/hr

Pay Rate: $27.00 per hour Job Title: PART-TIME Cook (UCA Terraza Rooftop/Denae's Diner) The ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

Union Rescue Mission

Lead Cook

Sylmar, CA · On-site

COOK ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Lead Cook is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations ... This role leads kitchen staff, supports apprentices, and serves as a key point of accountability ...

Spire Hospitality

Cook

Burbank, CA

$19/hr

Education: • High school diploma or its equivalent • Completion of Culinary or Apprenticeship Program preferred Experience: • Minimum of 1 year cook experience in hotel preferred • Minimum of ...

Union Rescue Mission

Lead Cook

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

COOK ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Lead Cook is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations ... This role leads kitchen staff, supports apprentices, and serves as a key point of accountability ...

Union Rescue Mission

Lead Cook

Lake View Terrace, CA · On-site

COOK ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Lead Cook is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations ... This role leads kitchen staff, supports apprentices, and serves as a key point of accountability ...

188 Tejon Gaming Authority

$13.50 - $18/hr

Under the direction of the Sous Chef, the  COOK I   is responsible for providing superior service to both the internal and external customer. The incumbent is also responsible for properly ...

Discovery Commons Raincross

Cook

Riverside, CA

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Prep Cook Responsibilities: * Prepares food items using standardized recipes in a timely manner ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred. * Food Services Sanitation Certificate. If having a ...

Discovery Commons Raincross

Cook

Riverside, CA

$19 - $21/hr

Prep Cook Responsibilities: * Prepares food items using standardized recipes in a timely manner ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred. * Food Services Sanitation Certificate. If having a ...

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All JobsApprentice Cook JobsApprentice Cook Jobs in California

Apprentice Cook information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do apprentice cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice cook in California is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 27 too old for an apprenticeship?

Apprentice cooks can be of any age, including 27, as apprenticeships are open to individuals seeking to develop culinary skills regardless of age. Many programs value diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and age typically does not disqualify someone from starting an apprenticeship in the culinary field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Cook, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and hygiene standards, often gained through culinary training or a relevant apprenticeship. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and point-of-sale systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality food output, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

Is 40 too old to start an apprenticeship?

There is no age limit for starting an apprentice cook position, and many programs welcome mature applicants. Age can bring valuable experience and work ethic, which are beneficial in culinary apprenticeships. Employers often value diverse backgrounds and life experience regardless of age.

Can you do an apprenticeship in cooking?

Yes, an apprenticeship in cooking allows aspiring cooks to gain practical experience while working under the supervision of experienced chefs. These programs typically combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and often lead to certification or qualification in culinary skills.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice cooks during their training period?

Apprentice cooks often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced kitchen environment, mastering basic cooking techniques under pressure, and learning to follow strict hygiene and safety standards. Balancing learning new skills with performing routine prep work can feel demanding, but it’s a valuable part of building a solid foundation. Regular feedback from experienced chefs and teamwork with other kitchen staff help apprentices grow and adapt quickly.

Can I join culinary school with no experience?

Apprentice cooks can often enroll in culinary school without prior experience, as programs are designed to teach foundational skills. Basic knowledge of kitchen safety, hygiene, and cooking techniques can be helpful but are not always required before starting formal training.

What is the difference between Apprentice Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectApprentice CookLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training or no formal certificationExperience or culinary certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining kitchen, supervised environmentFast-paced kitchen, independent responsibilities
Job RoleLearning and assisting, gaining skillsPreparing dishes, executing menu items

The main difference between an Apprentice Cook and a Line Cook is experience level and responsibilities. Apprentice Cooks are in training, focusing on learning skills under supervision, while Line Cooks are experienced professionals responsible for preparing specific dishes in a busy kitchen. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, with Apprentice Cooks progressing toward full Line Cook responsibilities as they gain experience.

What are apprentice cooks?

Apprentice cooks are individuals who are learning the basics of cooking and kitchen operations under the supervision of experienced chefs. They assist with food preparation, basic cooking tasks, cleaning, and maintaining kitchen equipment while developing their culinary skills. This role is often part of a formal apprenticeship or training program, designed to provide hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in the culinary arts. Apprentice cooks gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain experience and proficiency in the kitchen.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in California? The most popular types of Cook jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Cook jobs in California? For Apprentice Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Cook jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Cook jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Cook jobs? Cities in California with the most Apprentice Cook job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Cook jobs in CA? For Apprentice Cook jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Apprentice Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Cook job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,591 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
STEAKHOUSE GOURMET COOK

STEAKHOUSE GOURMET COOK

Graton Resort & Casino

Rohnert Park, CA

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:
The Gourmet Cook specializes in cooking tasks such as grilling, sauteing, roasting, meat fabrication, and cold food preparation using high-cost food inventory. This position demonstrates an elevated proficiency in culinary production procedures, sanitation practices and guest service. The Gourmet Cook also supports the Executive Chef, Room Chef and/or the Sous Chef. In cooperation with Chefs, The Gourmet Cook explores new and exciting culinary techniques and presentations; leverages inspiration from industry trends, seasonality, ethnic and international cuisine, searches for opportunities to infuse creativity into the development process, evolves cooking styles throughout the team. Responsibilities include enforcing all initiatives given, overseeing production responsibilities, and providing service to guests and Team Members in
a professional, efficient and courteous manner while maintaining a clean, attractive environment, in accordance with all Company standards, policies and procedures.

Essential Functions:
1. Responsible for redefining hospitality at Graton Resort & Casino while living, supporting, and promoting our values.
2. Exhibit knowledge, understanding, and application of various cooking techniques.
3. Prepare base sauces, stocks, and soups.
4. Operate kitchen equipment including slicer, steamer, deep fryer, ovens, broiler, grill, mixer, kettle and flat top.
5. Train apprentice cooks in food production and proper equipment usage.
6. Maintain a high level of personal grooming and uniform standards pursuant to Graton Resort & Casino's policies and behave in a positive and professional manner.
7. Know where the MSDS booklet is for your area and display knowledge of all emergency procedures.
8. Treat each Team Member with care, dignity, fairness, and respect in a professional manner while displaying and encouraging teamwork in the department.
9. Communicate on a consistent basis with all managers. Keep them abreast of all department activities.
10. Attend daily Team Member huddles and look at the communication boards for pertinent information.
11. Follow Recipe Book and Guidelines and have all necessary supplies to provide consistency and quality for exceptional Guest Service.
12. Maintain cleanliness, safety, and sanitation standards in accordance with department policies, and those of the Department of Health.
13. Ensure that the kitchen and equipment are in good working order and that the work area is clean and hazard-free. Notify a supervisor immediately if the kitchen and equipment are not in good working order.
14. Possess the ability to work hands-on in any kitchen environment, including those involving a three-meal period and high-volume production. Majority of the production will by frying, sauteing, griddling, carving, broiling, and steaming all meats, fish, eggs, vegetables, and poultry. May include cold salads, sandwiches, cold displays, salad dressings, slicing deli meats, and cheese for guest services according to Graton Resort & Casino's standards and specifications. Majority of the production will be to maintain appearance and cleanliness of related work areas and keep items stocked, such as, cold salads, sandwiches, cold displays, desserts, salad dressings, sliced deli meats, fish, eggs, vegetables, and poultry for guest services according to Graton Resort & Casino's standards and specifications.

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