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Apprentice Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

School Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$21/hr

... apprentice programABOUT THIS ROLEThis position offers full-time or part-time work, Monday through ... As our School Cook, you'll begin your day planning and preparing wholesome, age‑appropriate meals ...

Cook 3

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Cook The Cook prepares high quality food products as assigned in accordance with health and ... High School, Culinary School or Apprentice Program Graduate * Prior experience in a Private Club ...

Cook 3

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Cook The Cook prepares high quality food products as assigned in accordance with health and ... High School, Culinary School or Apprentice Program Graduate * Prior experience in a Private Club ...

Has completed formal culinary training or apprenticeship. * Serve Safe Certification for Food ... Basic knowledge of cooking utensils and equipment, pots, pans, dish ware, silverware, glassware ...

Lead Cook

Riverside, CA · On-site

$22 - $24.50/hr

... apprenticeship, or other experience necessary to become trained as a highly skilled professional cook. • At least two years of culinary managerial experience required. • Business experience ...

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$25 - $28.14/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 ...

$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 preparing any ...

$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 preparing any ...

$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 preparing any ...

COOK

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$19 - $21.40/hr

Provide direction to volunteers & apprentices. * Supervise any individuals that are working on your shift. * Train others on safety, food preparation & cooking, as needed. * Displays constant ...

$13.50 - $18/hr

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

Cook 2

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Cook The Cook prepares high quality food products as assigned in accordance with health and ... High School, Culinary School or Apprentice Program Graduate * Prior experience in a Private Club ...

$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 preparing any ...

Prep Cook

Redlands, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Employee Assistance Program Our community is looking for a Prep Cook/ Cook to join our team ... Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred. * Food Services Sanitation Certificate. If having a ...

Line Cook

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

... apprenticeship and skills from some of the other greats in the world like Chef Michael Mina and ... A Line Cook for Porto Leon must be punctual, a good communicator, highly trained in food safety and ...

Showing results 21-40

Apprentice Cook information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$21

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:

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.

Breakfast Cook

Granlibakken Tahoe

Tahoe City, CA • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
Bring your culinary skills and join our team as a cook, where you can dazzle our guests with your high standards of quality through presentation, preparation, and cooking abilities. This morning position starts at 6:00am and ends at 2:30pm.
Responsibilities
  • Must be able to cook breakfast using established production procedures under direction of supervisor
  • Correctly prepare all food served following standard recipes and special diet orders
  • Determine amount and type of food and supplies required using production systems
  • Learn menus, recipes, preparation, and presentation.
  • Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving hours so that excellence, quality, temperature, and appearance of food is preserved
  • Prep all food for next shift and for the following day
  • Comply with established sanitation standards, personal hygiene, and health standards
  • Keep work area neat and clean at all times; clean and maintain equipment used in food preparation
  • Communicate with Dining room staff and supervisor to ensure proper service
  • Work with servers to ensure guest satisfaction and resolve complaints about food service as needed
  • Ensure quality food
  • Control waste and timing
  • Make sanitation a priority and keep areas clean
  • All kitchen staff is expected to work in all food areas if needed
  • Ensure proper temperatures are reached in dish machine.
  • Communicate with chef or sous chef to determine any additional tasks needed during the shift.
  • Assist in prep for next service
  • Help put away deliveries, straighten up walk-ins, complete any cleaning tasks from Chef
  • Other duties as assigned

Pay Range
$23.00 - 25.00 per hour DOE
Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred
  • Education: 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 restaurant or full-service hotel
  • Culinary school 2-4 year degree preferred
  • Availability to work nights, weekends, holidays depending on business needs
  • Licenses/Certifications: Food Handler's card required.

Benefits
Insurance - Health, Dental & Life (Full-Time only)
Bonus Program
Paid Vacation (Full-Time only)
Profit Sharing Plan (Full-Time only)
Pool, Gym & Recreation Use
Employee Meeting Space Rental Discounts
Employee Lodging Rates and Friends and Family Rates
Employee Food Discounts
Shared Gold Pass for California Ski Resorts
About Us
Granlibakken Tahoe is a beautiful secluded resort located in 74 wooded acres of picturesque Tahoe City mountain valley. The resort offers lodging, host conferences, weddings, special events, yoga and wellness retreats. On property activities include a ski and sled hill, pool, tennis courts and a tree top ropes course. Granlibakken Tahoe is a beautiful work setting with a great team of employees.
Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.