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Assistant Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Atria Senior Living, Inc.

Prep Cook

Temecula, CA · On-site

$19 - $22.80/hr

Responsibilities Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals. * Provide a high level of ... company standards. * Assist cook with preparation and presentation of meals and snacks in ...

Atria Senior Living

Prep Cook

Temecula, CA · On-site

$19 - $22.80/hr

Knowledge of food handling, preparation, cooking and service. Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals. * Provide a high level of customer service. * Work closely with the Executive Chef ...

SHADY CANYON GOLF CLUB INC

Cook II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Responsible for breakfast, lunch and dinner food preparation for all club outlets. Assist Cook I, Cook II and Cook III in the daily preparation of food items for the restaurant. * Follow proper ...

SHADY CANYON GOLF CLUB INC

Cook II

Irvine, CA

$24 - $26/hr

Responsible for breakfast, lunch and dinner food preparation for all club outlets. Assist Cook I, Cook II and Cook III in the daily preparation of food items for the restaurant. * Follow proper ...

YMCA

On-Call Head Cook @ the Y - Winters

Winters, CA · On-site

$39K/yr

The Head Cook supervises the Assistant Cook and Nutrition Assistants and oversees daily operations in the central kitchen. Responsibilities include preparation and production of the daily food ...

YMCA

On-Call Head Cook @ the Y - Winters

Winters, CA · On-site

$18.94/hr

The Head Cook supervises the Assistant Cook and Nutrition Assistants and oversees daily operations in the central kitchen. Responsibilities include preparation and production of the daily food ...

Discovery Cube

Line Cook

Santa Ana, CA

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

The Assistant Cook contributes to a positive, efficient, and well-coordinated back-of-house team and helps maintain smooth service flow by following direction, communicating effectively, and ...

City of Commerce

ASSISTANT CAMP COOK PT

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22.01 - $26.76/hr

Cleans, slices, and chops food; maintains salad bar and self-serve area with fresh ingredients; provides kitchen support to cooks as instructed. Cleans kitchen, and dining areas; maintains clean and ...

Forest Home

Afternoon Cook Assistant

Oak View, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Help cook went needed. * Do dishes. * Clean kitchen after meals. * Close kitchen at end of shift. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: * High school diploma or working toward that goal. * Some ...

City of Commerce, CA

ASSISTANT CAMP COOK PT

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22.01 - $26.76/hr

Cleans, slices, and chops food; maintains salad bar and self-serve area with fresh ingredients; provides kitchen support to cooks as instructed. * Cleans kitchen, and dining areas; maintains clean ...

Discovery Cube

Line Cook

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

The Assistant Cook contributes to a positive, efficient, and well-coordinated back-of-house team and helps maintain smooth service flow by following direction, communicating effectively, and ...

Forest Home

Afternoon Cook Assistant

Oak View, CA

$18 - $20/hr

Help cook went needed. * Do dishes. * Clean kitchen after meals. * Close kitchen at end of shift. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: * High school diploma or working toward that goal. * Some ...

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All JobsCook JobsAssistant Cook JobsAssistant Cook Jobs in California

Assistant Cook information

See California salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do assistant cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant cook in California is $15.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectAssistant CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary trainingHigh school diploma; culinary school or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in kitchen, supports chefs, performs prep workPrepares dishes on the line during service, works in fast-paced kitchen
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, hotels, cateringFound in restaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry-level roles, support tasksCompared for active cooking during service

The main difference between an Assistant Cook and a Line Cook is their role during food preparation. An Assistant Cook typically supports the kitchen team with prep work and basic tasks, while a Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service. Both roles require culinary skills, but Line Cooks usually have more experience and responsibility during meal service.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food preparation techniques, and certification in food handling are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, and upholding health standards.

What Does an Assistant Cook Do?

Assistant cooks support to the chef or head cook in the kitchen of a restaurant, catering company, or other food service facility. As an assistant cook, your job duties may include helping to plan the menu, testing new dishes, maintaining inventory, and buying or ordering the necessary ingredients for upcoming meal services. You may also perform cleaning duties around the kitchen to ensure that the food preparation area meets health code standards.

What are Assistant Cooks?

Assistant Cooks are kitchen staff members who support chefs and head cooks in preparing food, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and organizing ingredients. They perform tasks such as chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and assisting with basic cooking techniques. Assistant Cooks also help with cleaning kitchen equipment, stocking supplies, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Their role is essential for the smooth operation of a kitchen, especially in busy restaurants or catering services.

How does an Assistant Cook typically collaborate with the kitchen team during busy service hours?

During peak service times, an Assistant Cook works closely with chefs, line cooks, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations. This includes prepping ingredients, supporting the assembly of dishes, and maintaining cleanliness at workstations. Effective communication is key, as instructions often come quickly and priorities can shift. Being adaptable and proactive in assisting team members helps maintain efficiency and high food quality standards.
More about Assistant Cook jobs
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 Assistant Cook jobs in California? For Assistant Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Cook jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Cook jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Cook jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Cook job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Cook jobs in CA? For Assistant Cook jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Assistant Cook jobs near you
Prep Cook

Prep Cook

Atria Senior Living, Inc.

Temecula, CA • On-site

$19 - $22.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Holiday by Atria rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
We create communities where employees thrive in their work, helping our residents thrive in their homes.
Atria Senior Living's family of brands has openings for individuals looking for a career with outstanding benefits, including:
  • Paid holidays and PTO
  • Employees may receive annual anniversary rewards dependent on classification, starting at $500 for Full Time employees
  • Employees may be eligible to receive an Annual Scores Reward of $500 (Full Time) or $250 (Part Time) based on community survey results
  • Benefits package also includes Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • Retirement Savings Plan / 401(k) employer match
  • Tuition reimbursement (U.S Based Communities)

*Enrollment in benefits varies by employee classification; anniversary reward amounts vary by location
As a valued team member at Atria, you'll work in a supportive environment that provides advancement opportunities and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Apply now!
Qualifications
  • Effectively read, write and communicate in English with residents and other employees.
  • Food handlers permit as required by provincial law/local/state and/or Company standards.
  • Serv safe is required
  • Able to follow and read recipes and production guides.
  • Knowledge of food handling, preparation, cooking and service.

Responsibilities
Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals.
  • Provide a high level of customer service.
  • Work closely with the Executive Chef and/or Sous Chef to keep residents satisfied with food and dining programs.
  • Maintain kitchen in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition at all times.
  • Adhere to cleaning schedules as assigned.
  • Ensure that all food is received, stored, and prepared according to company standards.
  • Assist cook with preparation and presentation of meals and snacks in accordance with Company recipes and production guides.
  • Keep kitchen floors clean (sweeps and mops) and trash emptied.
  • Assist with the transportation and storage of food and supplies.
  • Assist cooks as requested.
  • Adhere to standard food safety practices.
  • Assist with preparing and executing special events, banquets, and theme meals.
  • Operate and maintain kitchen equipment in a clean and sanitary manner.
  • Will attend pre-meal stand-up in the kitchen prior to meal service.
  • May perform other duties as needed and/or assigned.

Salary Range
The wage range for this position is $19.00/hr - $22.80/hr, dependent on prior work history and experience

What Holiday by Atria employees say

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