1

Chief Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cook II Banquet

San Diego, CA · On-site

$26.11/hr

Cook II Reports to the Chief Cook Position Summary Cook works under the direction of the Chief Cook and Messhall manager. Cook II performs a wide variety of simple cooking tasks under general ...

Cook

Vista, CA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Growth in Director and CEO positions through our Horizon Leadership Program * Handle with Care ... JOB RESPONSIBILITIES As Cook, you will: * Maintain established meal times by having all items ...

Cook

Vista, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

THE ROLE The Cook will manage functions of culinary preparation, execution, and serving according ... Growth in Director and CEO positions through our Horizon Leadership Program * Handle with Care ...

Assists Cook II, Cook I, and Pastry Chef with a positive self-motivating attitude. * Check function ... Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company is led by Chief Executive Dan ...

Assists Cook II, Cook I, and Pastry Chef with a positive self-motivating attitude. * Check function ... Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company is led by Chief Executive Dan ...

Line Cook

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

The Line Cook will be a vital part of bringing the guest's dining experience to life. By executing ... Led by Founder, CEO and Creative Director Ronnie Fieg, the brand is known globally for evoking ...

The Line Cook will be a vital part of bringing the guest's dining experience to life. By executing ... Led by Founder, CEO and Creative Director Ronnie Fieg, the brand is known globally for evoking ...

One year Cook III level or previous Cook II experience. * Proficient in various baking methods ... Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company is led by Chief Executive Dan ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Chief Cook information

See California salary details

$25

$26

$27

How much do chief cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for chief cook in California is $26.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.83 and $26.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chief Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectChief CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary trainingBasic culinary skills, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentKitchen leadership, overseeing kitchen operationsFood preparation stations, fast-paced kitchen
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search & ComparisonLeadership, management, culinary expertiseFood prep, station work, skills development

The main difference between a Chief Cook and a Line Cook is that the Chief Cook oversees kitchen operations and manages staff, while the Line Cook focuses on preparing specific dishes at their station. Chief Cooks typically have more experience and certifications, whereas Line Cooks are more involved in food preparation tasks. Both roles are essential in the culinary industry, but they differ in responsibilities and career progression.

What does a Chief Cook do?

A Chief Cook is responsible for preparing and overseeing the cooking operations in a kitchen, ensuring food quality and safety standards are met. They plan menus, manage kitchen staff, and maintain inventory, often requiring culinary skills and certifications. The role typically involves working in restaurants, hotels, or catering services and may include supervising other cooks and kitchen personnel.

What are the duties of a Chief Cook?

A Chief Cook is responsible for overseeing food preparation, managing kitchen staff, planning menus, ensuring food quality and safety standards, and maintaining inventory. They often coordinate with suppliers and may be involved in training staff and managing kitchen operations. Strong culinary skills and leadership abilities are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as a Chief Cook, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and typically formal culinary training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety systems, and inventory management software is essential. Leadership, time management, and strong communication are vital soft skills for managing kitchen staff and ensuring smooth operations. These abilities ensure high-quality food production, compliance with safety standards, and an efficient, collaborative kitchen environment.

What is the highest paid chef job?

The highest paid chef roles are typically executive chefs or culinary directors in luxury hotels, resorts, or high-end restaurants, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. Executive chefs with extensive experience, specialized skills, and management responsibilities tend to earn the highest compensation in the culinary industry.

What are some common challenges faced by a Chief Cook on a commercial vessel, and how can they be addressed?

Chief Cooks on commercial vessels often face challenges such as managing limited storage space, working with variable ingredient availability, and accommodating diverse dietary needs for the crew. To address these, effective meal planning, inventory management, and adaptability are essential. Collaborating closely with the ship's officers and crew helps anticipate preferences and special requirements, while creative problem-solving ensures nutritious, high-quality meals even under constraints.

How much does a Chief Cook make?

A Chief Cook's average salary varies by industry and location but typically ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 annually. Experienced chefs with specialized skills or working in high-end establishments can earn higher wages, and some may receive tips or bonuses. Salary depends on factors such as experience, certification, and the size of the operation.

What are Chief Cooks?

A Chief Cook is the senior cook on a ship, responsible for managing the galley (kitchen) and preparing meals for the crew and officers. They oversee food storage, menu planning, and ensure that meals meet nutritional and safety standards. Chief Cooks may also supervise other kitchen staff, maintain cleanliness, and handle inventory. This role is essential for the well-being and morale of everyone aboard, especially during long voyages.
What are popular job titles related to Chief Cook jobs in California? For Chief Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chief Cook jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Cook jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Cook jobs in CA? For Chief Cook jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Chief Cook job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,723 per year, or $26.8 per hour.
Cook II Banquet

Cook II Banquet

Grace Management INC

San Diego, CA • On-site

$26.11/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Grace Management rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

165th of 238 rated social care providers


Job description


Position: Cook II

 

Reports to the Chief Cook

 

Position Summary

Cook works under the direction of the Chief Cook and Messhall manager.  Cook II performs a wide variety of simple cooking tasks under general supervision, or performs difficult and complex cooking under supervision, usually in training for a full performance level cook position.  Performance is evaluated on compliance with instructions, accepted cooking practices, sanitary requirements and quality and appearance of food served.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

The ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  The ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to communicate with customer as required.

MATH SKILLS

The ability to perform basic math skills, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to manipulate or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee frequently is required to communicate.  The employee is occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch, and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  However, while lifting amounts above 30 pounds a partner must be used. The employee is required to stand for approximately 80% of the time and will frequently be required to bend.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions within the work environment. While performing the duties of this job the employee is often exposed to wet/or humid conditions and extreme heat usually in excess of 90 degrees.  The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

·       Follows standards of the regional master menu.

·       Follows HACCP processes.

·       Ensures storage of food and management of food storage in accordance with quality control guidelines.

·       Maintains food production work sheets.

·       Makes suggestions regarding menu adjustments.

·       Read, comprehend, and follow recipes step by step.

·       Prepares and cooks a full variety of meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, soups, stew, broth, sauces and gravies while following recipe scale and methodology.

·       In serving lines ensures food is served using the correct utensils and food portioning for individual servings.

·       Makes recommendations for approval from management team to improve taste and/or appearance of food.

·       Ensures products are prepared within quality control guidelines before serving to maintain freshness.

·       Performs duties as a chief cook when required.

·       Complies with all Sodexho safety procedures at all times.

·       Required reports are completed in an accurate and timely manner, including HACCP and MCFMIS.

·       Assembles and maintains equipment.

·       Ensures that proper sanitization and cleaning processes and procedures are followed standards reached.

·       Ensures Sodexo and client standard of customer service is met at all times.

·       Complies with all Sodexo administrative requirements at all times

·       Ensures that all Sodexo presentation standards are met at all times

·       All other tasks as assigned

 

 

Qualifications

  • Successful completion of high school, vocational school or equivalent.
  • Two years of job related experience in a Commercial (Institutional), restaurant, cafeteria or comparable food service establishment.
  • Must attend and complete all provided training including but not limited to culinary foundation, serve safe program, orientation and safety.
  • Must be able to demonstrate extensive knowledge of HACCP procedures.

 


Company Description

Fastest Growing Woman Owned Organization in USA!

What Grace Management employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Grace Management logo

About Grace Management

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Grace Management, headquartered in Maple Grove, Minnesota, is a revered figure in the senior living industry in the United States. Established in 1984, the esteemed organization specializes in crafting luxury senior living communities across the nation. Its primary aim is to create lifestyle-enriching environments that empower seniors to live independently, with dignity, grace, and security. Over the years, Grace Management has significantly expanded its national footprint, with senior residences scattered across the country, manifesting its mission to serve our senior population.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Maple Grove, MN, US

Year founded

1984

Social media