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Apprentice Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Goleta, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Goleta, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

Lake View Terrace, 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 ...

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 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 ...

Prep Cook

Redlands, CA

$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 ...

Prep Cook

Redlands, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $19/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 ...

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Apprentice Cook information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do apprentice cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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.

Can you get an apprenticeship in cooking?

Yes, aspiring cooks can pursue apprenticeships in cooking, which provide hands-on training in professional kitchens. These programs often combine work experience with classroom instruction and may require a minimum age or prior food service experience. Apprenticeships help develop skills such as food preparation, safety, and kitchen operations.

What is a cooking apprenticeship?

A cooking apprenticeship is a structured training program where an apprentice cook learns culinary skills, kitchen operations, and food preparation under the supervision of experienced chefs. It often involves hands-on work, skill development, and may lead to certification or qualification in culinary arts.

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 welcome mature learners who bring life experience and a strong work ethic, and age is rarely a barrier to entry in culinary apprenticeships.

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.

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 a strong interest in cooking can be beneficial, but formal experience is not always required for admission. Culinary schools typically provide hands-on training to develop necessary skills for a cooking career.

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:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Cook job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,591 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Cook

$21 - $27/hr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Along Highway 1, our boutique hotel is 15 minutes from beaches, hiking trails, and downtown Santa Barbara. Reach the airport, Amtrak station, and University of California-Santa Barbara in less than 10 minutes. We’re a short drive from Sandpiper Golf Club, Lake Los Carneros, and Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove.

SPIRE Hospitality is a management company specializing in creating memorable guest experiences and delivering best-in-class service at our hotels and resorts across the country. We ensure you have the support, tools and opportunities you need to get the job done, grow as an individual, and excel in your hospitality career.


We offer a comprehensive full-time benefits package consisting of EARLY PAY OR EARNED WAGE ACCESS get paid before payday, dental, vision, pet discount program, identity theft protection, pre-paid legal support, flexible spending accounts, matched 401K, life, critical accident or illness, short- & long-term disability, paid time off, wellness programs, wonderful hotel discounts and much more.

As a Line Cook, you will deliver exceptional Guest Services as part of our Food & Beverage – Culinary team, responsible for all food preparation at the hotel. The Culinary team will play a crucial role in ensuring guest satisfaction by crafting unparalleled experiences from the moment guests enter the dining area. Your dedication to providing a visually appealing and delicious culinary experience will create memories that guests will cherish.

Essential Job Functions:
• Crafts dishes according to standard recipes or guest specifications
• Ensures meticulous product storage and precise portion control for each dish
• Minimizes spoilage and waste through effective product rotation
• Monitors food, produce, and cooking supply levels to facilitate timely reordering
• Maintains impeccable cleanliness and functionality of refrigeration, storage, and work areas

Compensation: $21 - $27/Hr depending on experience

Must be able to work AM and PM shifts.

Physical Demands:

• Lift, carry, push, or pull heavy loads weighing up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Sufficient manual dexterity to grasp and use all kitchen equipment

Qualifications:
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 1 year cook experience in a similar role, size of operation required
• Managers Food Handlers Certification required

*Spire Hospitality participates in E-Verify*


Spire Hospitality, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)


SPIRE HOSPITALITY logo

About SPIRE HOSPITALITY

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Spire Hospitality, situated in Irving, Texas, U.S, is recognized for its successful foray into the hospitality industry. It operates within the segment of hotel asset management, with a focus on renovating, rejuvenating and repositioning hotels. With roots stretching back to the formation of Lane Hospitality in 1980, the company officially took on the name Spire Hospitality in 2012. It boasts a diversely stocked portfolio of unique brands and independently recognized hotels spread across the U.S. The company's website, spirehotels.com, serves as a key interface for connecting with clients and communicating their commitment to creating exceptional environments for guests.

Industry

Traveler accommodation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1986

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