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Apprentice Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Big Canyon Country Club

Cook 1

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Cook 1 The Cook 1 position is a senior level position, normally consisting of Meat Station (grill ... High School, Culinary School or Apprentice Program Graduate * Prior experience in a Private Club ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Spire Hospitality

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 ...

Big Canyon Country 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 ...

Big Canyon Country Club Careers

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 ...

Savant Senior Living

Lead Cook

Woodland Hills, CA · On-site

$23 - $25.50/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 ...

Integral Senior Living

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 ...

Savant Senior Living

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 ...

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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 9, 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 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.

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:
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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

Cook - YouYu

188 Tejon Gaming Authority

$13.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Our team members are the key to our company’s success, and their health and well-being, as well as that of their families, is very important to us. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that allows our team members stay healthy, plan for their future and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Benefits may vary with employment status.  To see our fill list of Team Member Benefits please visit our career site: https://www.gotoworkhappy.com/benefits

Job Description:

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 and all foods listed on the respective menus that are to be grilled, fried, broiled, or prepared in the pantry. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Prepares food that are to be grilled, fried, broiled, or prepared in the pantry; ensures that all plates served are aesthetically appealing and cooked to the specifications of the customer. 

  • Recognizes a variety of sauces and properly places them on all entrees featured on daily menus. 

  • Keeps workstation neat and clean. 

  • Assists coworkers to ensure efficient operation of the line. 

  • This position operates in a working environment that is subjected to varying levels of heat and noise.  

  • At times subjected to hazards such as wet floors and dangers associated with the use of heavy duty cutlery, knives, and choppers. 

  • Ability to use all equipment associated with the position, including but not limited to choppers, slicers, mixers, and grinders. 

  • Ability to review and comprehend recipes and other necessary documentation. 

  • Ability to determine if food items are cooked to proper specifications. 

  • Ability to efficiently and effectively move around work area. 

  • Ability to stock and retrieve all necessary food items and supplies. 

  • Ability to lift, carry, and push/pull up to 50 pounds so as to be able to move and stock all necessary supplies. 

  • Ability to communicate with customers and all levels of employees. 

  • Must be flexible to work varying shifts and time schedules as needed. 

  • Equipment and machines used, but not limited to, are standard kitchen machines such as slicers, choppers, mixers, grinders, etc. 

  • May perform other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Basic food preparation knowledge and line work experience. Must be able to obtain and maintain all licenses / certifications per Federal, State, and Gaming regulations. These skills are typically acquired through a minimum of one-year prior experience as a Cook Trainee or coffee shop line cook, and/or through the completion of a degree in culinary arts or recognized apprenticeship  

  • Proficiency in various Asian cooking techniques (wok cooking, steaming, etc.).  

  • Understanding of Asian ingredients and their uses.