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Catering Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MIDNIGHT MISSION

Catering Cook

Los Angeles, CA

$18.51 - $19.19/hr

Under the direction of the Food Services Manager and Catering Supervisor, the Catering Cook prepares high-quality, cost-effective meals for the individuals The Midnight Mission serves, following ...

Compass Group

CATERING COOK

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$22/hr

At least 1 year of catering cook, lead cook and cook experience are required. . * Perks : Complimentary shift meals, parking pass, and benefits!! * Pay Range: $20.00 per hour to $22.00 per hour. We ...

Sodexo

Senior Catering Cook

El Segundo, CA

$31/hr

Senior Catering Cook Location: MATTEL INC. UPA, EL SEGUNDO - 49500007 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Compass Group

CATERING COOK

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23.11/hr

Three years of cooking experience in a catering environment is required. Must possess excellent knife skills. * Perks: Free employee parking, uniform, work shoes, and kitchen equipment! Store ...

Sodexo

Senior Catering Cook

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$31/hr

Senior Catering Cook Location: MATTEL INC. UPA, EL SEGUNDO - 49500007 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Aramark

Catering Cook

San Bruno, CA

$23 - $25/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Sodexo

Senior Catering Cook

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$31/hr

Senior Catering Cook Location: MATTEL INC. UPA, EL SEGUNDO - 49500007 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Senior Catering Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Senior Catering Cook Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Aramark

Catering Cook

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Aramark

Catering Cook

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Compass Group

CATERING COOK (FULL TIME)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23.11/hr

Three years of cooking experience in a catering environment is required. Must possess excellent knife skills. * Perks: Free employee parking, uniform, work shoes, and kitchen equipment! Store ...

Bon Appetit

CATERING COOK (FULL TIME)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23.11/hr

Three years of cooking experience in a catering environment is required. Must possess excellent knife skills. * Perks: Free employee parking, uniform, work shoes, and kitchen equipment! Store ...

Sodexo

Senior Catering Cook

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$31/hr

Senior Catering Cook Ubicación: MATTEL INC. UPA, EL SEGUNDO - 49500007 Días de trabajo/turnos: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el ...

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Catering Cook information

See California salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do catering cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering cook in California is $18.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a catering cook do?

A Catering Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food for events, such as weddings, conferences, or corporate gatherings. They work closely with catering managers and chefs to design menus, ensure food quality and safety, and coordinate the preparation and presentation of dishes. Catering Cooks often prepare large quantities of food, manage timing for service, and may help with setup and cleanup at event venues. Attention to detail, organization, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important skills for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a catering cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Catering Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and experience in large-scale meal preparation, often backed by a culinary degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for ensuring quality and efficiency in high-pressure catering environments. These abilities enable consistent delivery of delicious, safe, and visually appealing meals while meeting client expectations and event deadlines.

What are some common challenges catering cooks face when preparing food for large events?

Catering Cooks often work under tight timelines and must ensure consistent food quality while preparing high volumes of dishes. One common challenge is coordinating cooking schedules so that food remains fresh and is ready to serve precisely on time. Additionally, adapting recipes for large quantities and managing last-minute menu changes or dietary restrictions can be demanding. Effective teamwork and communication with event coordinators, servers, and other kitchen staff are essential to manage these challenges smoothly.

What is the difference between Catering Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectCatering CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood Handler’s Permit, culinary trainingFood Handler’s Permit, culinary training
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, catering kitchens, outdoor setupsRestaurant kitchen, fast-paced dining establishments
Employer & IndustryCatering companies, event planning servicesRestaurants, hotels, dining facilities

The main difference between a Catering Cook and a Line Cook lies in their work settings and focus. Catering Cooks prepare food for events and outdoor functions, often working in mobile or temporary kitchens, while Line Cooks work in restaurant kitchens, focusing on preparing dishes for daily service. Both roles require similar certifications and culinary skills, but their environments and specific responsibilities differ.

What cities in California are hiring for Catering Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Catering Cook job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Catering Cook jobs in CA?

For Catering Cook jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Catering Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,016 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Catering Cook

The Regents of the University of California on behalf of their Los Angeles Campus

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$27.75/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Department Summary
UCLA Catering provides catering services at the Luskin Conference Center, Housing & Hospitality meeting and event spaces, and locations around the greater UCLA campus. The department produces over 15,000 events a year. Available services range in size and scope from the UCLA Coffee Service to large-scale, VIP gala events.
Position Summary
The Catering Cook is responsible for providing team leadership and support in the production and service of multiple food products from a specified menu to clients. The incumbent assigns, leads, and monitors the work of others to ensure quality products and service is delivered to the client. The Catering Cook designs and sets up cooking and buffet stations at catered events according to Banquet Event Orders and client requests. The incumbent adheres to all food handling and sanitation guidelines. The Catering Cook follows established timelines for food production as required by the start time of catered events and the overall production schedule. They interact with team members and clients in a high-volume catering environment.
Salary & Compensation
*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications
  • 3+ years Food preparation and general maintenance of a kitchen (Required) Or
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience (Required)
  • 1+ year Experience in a catering kitchen (Preferred)
  • Ability to read, understand, and speak English sufficient to determine and carry out job duties (Required)
  • Ability to engage with diverse populations in a respectful and culturally responsive manner (Required)
  • Ability to work cooperatively as a part of a team (Required)
  • Ability to read, write, and perform basic calculations necessary to understand recipes, measurements, and portion sizes (Required)
  • Knowledge of the rules and procedures of sanitation and safety as they apply to production, storage, and service within a food establishment (Required)
  • Knowledge of inventory control principles and methods (Required)
  • Ability to comply with safety standards and procedures for both personal and public safety (Required)
  • Ability to produce and present food in high-volume catering environments and work effectively under conditions of a fluctuating workload and schedule (Required)
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills skills to review daily orders and plan daily work schedules (Required)
  • Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance (Required)
  • Ability to operate independently and exercise good judgment to ensure customer satisfaction (Required)
  • Strong culinary techniques and practices and understanding of culinary terminology (Required)

    • Special Conditions for Employment
  • Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
  • Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
  • Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.
  • Pre-Placement Physical: Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory physical examination.
  • Available to work varying schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs (Required)

    • Schedule
    Variable
    Union/Policy Covered
    SX-Service
    Complete Position Description
    https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Cook%20(MI-DPT319400-JC005523-PD168545)

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