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Apprentice Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Bay Club Company

Line Cook / Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

High school graduate and an apprenticeship, cooking school, or culinary education * Possess current health department certifications required to work in a kitchen * Must have a current California ...

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 ...

el PRADO Hotel

Cook

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Job title: Cook Status: Part-Time/Hourly Pay Range: $23.00-$26.00/hour Overview: The Cook will ... Certification of Culinary training or apprenticeship is preferred. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an ...

Crestline Hotels and Resorts

Cook

Palo Alto, CA

$23 - $26/hr

Job title: Cook Status: Part-Time/Hourly Pay Range: $23.00-$26.00/hour Overview: The Cook will ... 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 ...

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 ...

Discovery Commons Raincross

Cook

Riverside, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Blossom Vale Senior Living

Cook

Sacramento, CA

$21.67 - $22.32/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 ...

Spire Hospitality

Cook

Burbank, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Integral Senior Living

Cook

Riverside, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Housing Matters

Cook

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$23 - $26.66/hr

Cook Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their ... apprenticeship), employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer. Regularly scheduled shifts are:

Housing Matters

Cook

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$23 - $24.40/hr

Cook Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their ... apprenticeship), employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer. Regularly scheduled shifts are:

Spire Hospitality

Cook

Goleta, CA

$21 - $27/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 ...

Granlibakken Tahoe

Breakfast Cook

Tahoe City, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Culinary school degree, completed apprenticeship or equivalent experience will be preferred but not required. * Experience: As a professional cook preferred. * Minimum 1-year experience cooking at a ...

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Apprentice Cook information

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How much do apprentice cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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.

What is an apprentice cook?

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 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.

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.

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.

Can you get an apprenticeship in cooking?

Yes, aspiring cooks can pursue apprenticeships in cooking, which provide hands-on training in kitchens under the supervision of experienced chefs. These programs often combine practical work with classroom instruction and may lead to certification or increased job opportunities in the culinary industry.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% 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

Graton Resort & Casino

Rohnert Park, CA • On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Graton Resort & Casino rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 164 rated casinos

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.
Required Qualifications:
1. Ability to communicate effectively with Guests, Team Members, and Management in both written and verbal form.
2. Minimum of two (2) years culinary experience required.
3. Demonstrated proficiency in braising, sauteing, broiling, poaching, meat fabrication, roasting and cold food preparation via a test administered by a GRC Chef.
4. Ability to identify pan types and knife types.
5. Ability to demonstrate basic knife skills and different knife cuts.
6. Working knowledge of weights, measures and various cooking techniques.
7. Ability to manage time effectively with minimal supervision.
8. Must be able to handle a flexible schedule.
9. Ability to work independently within established procedures.
10. Adhere to all policies and procedures as set forth by the Director of Food Operations.
11. Must demonstrate sound judgment and mature decision-making.
12. Must possess and demonstrate great attention to detail in order to maintain unit's appearance and operating standards. Food Safety/Sanitation/HACCP/OSHA Guidelines
1. Must be able to demonstrate and ensure that the department is within HACCP guidelines.
2. Must ensure and comply with a safe and hazard-free work environment according to the Department of Health and OSHA regulations.

Physical Requirements:
1. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, push 150-250 pounds on a pushcart, and enter walk-ins of -10 degrees to 140 degrees with or without assistance.
2. Ability to stand for duration of shift, walk frequently, bend, and reach to a height of 6 feet with or without assistance.
3. Requires hand/eye coordination, the normal sense of smell, taste, touch and sound.

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