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Cook Food Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Marbella San Jose

Cook - Food Extraordinaire

San Jose, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Cook Responsibilities: * Prepare hot and cold menu items which requires working on the grill ... Taste and prepare food to determine quality and palatability. Qualifications: * Previous experience ...

Marbella San Jose

Cook - Food Extraordinaire

San Jose, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Cook Responsibilities: * Prepare hot and cold menu items which requires working on the grill, saute ... Taste and prepare food to determine quality and palatability. Qualifications: * Previous experience ...

Marbella San Jose

Cook - Food Extraordinaire

San Jose, CA · On-site

$22.56 - $25.39/hr

Cook Responsibilities: * Prepare hot and cold menu items which requires working on the grill ... Taste and prepare food to determine quality and palatability. Qualifications: * Previous experience ...

Skechers

Cafe Cook - Food Spot

Gardena, CA · On-site

$21.50/hr

Display a depth of food knowledge and understands cooking procedures. * Work with others on the line and communicate effectively with other team members or management. * Ability to follow company ...

Skechers

Cafe Cook - Food Spot

Gardena, CA · On-site

$21.50/hr

Display a depth of food knowledge and understands cooking procedures. * Work with others on the line and communicate effectively with other team members or management. * Ability to follow company ...

Skechers

Cafe Cook - Food Spot

Gardena, CA

$21.50/hr

Display a depth of food knowledge and understands cooking procedures. * Work with others on the line and communicate effectively with other team members or management. * Ability to follow company ...

El Super

Food Truck - Cook / Cocinero

Riverside, CA

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

The Restaurant Cook / Food Truck Cook ensures we use the freshest ingredients, follow sanitation guidelines and prep recipes to standard to maintain product consistency. The Restaurant Cook / Food ...

Good Day Cafe

Line Cook / Food Prep

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a Line Cook / Food Prep to join the team at our busy restaurant. In this position, you will be responsible for using high-quality ...

Good Day Cafe

Line Cook / Food Prep

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a Line Cook / Food Prep to join the team at our busy restaurant. In this position, you will be responsible for using high-quality ...

Good Day Cafe

Line Cook / Food Prep

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a Line Cook / Food Prep to join the team at our busy restaurant. In this position, you will be responsible for using high-quality ...

Grill And Toast Inc

Line Cook/Food Prep

Woodland Hills, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

-Sets up station according to restaurant guidelines. -Prepares all food items as directed in a ... cooking and knife handling skills. Available in Part Time, Full Time and All Shifts

HANGAR 24 BREWERY

Food Truck Line Cook

Redlands, CA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Ensures proper food safety and sanitation standards to ensure guest safety. * Meet special guest requests while ensuring same high quality standards. * 2+ years experience as a restaurant cook.

Hangar 24

Food Truck Line Cook

Redlands, CA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Ensures proper food safety and sanitation standards to ensure guest safety. * Meet special guest requests while ensuring same high quality standards. * 2+ years experience as a restaurant cook.

CNIC Careers

MWR Cook

Lemoore, CA · On-site

$19.58/hr

Knowledge and understanding of food handling techniques, personal hygiene standards, and safe work procedures. * Thorough knowledge of the full range of food preparation principles including the ...

US Department of the Navy

MWR Cook

Lemoore, CA · On-site

$19.58/hr

Knowledge and understanding of food handling techniques, personal hygiene standards, and safe work procedures. * Thorough knowledge of the full range of food preparation principles including the ...

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Cook Food information

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How much do cook food jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook food in California is $15.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cook do?

A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other dining establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Cooks may specialize in certain types of cuisine or food preparation methods, and they often work as part of a team to deliver quality meals efficiently. They also clean their work areas and may assist with menu planning or inventory management.

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

To thrive as a Cook, you need a solid understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and culinary techniques, often supported by a culinary certificate or on-the-job training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for maintaining quality and efficiency during busy service hours. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for customers.

What are some common challenges cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak service times, cooks often juggle multiple orders, tight deadlines, and high-pressure environments. Staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining clear communication with team members—such as servers and other kitchen staff—are essential for smooth operations. Effective time management and developing the ability to work efficiently under pressure can help cooks deliver quality dishes consistently. Many kitchens also rely on prep work and standardized procedures to streamline busy periods.

What is the difference between Cook Food vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCook FoodKitchen Assistant
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingBasic food handling, safety training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringSupport roles in kitchens, prep areas
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, food service facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentCooking skills, culinary jobsKitchen support, food prep roles

Cook Food and Kitchen Assistant roles often overlap in food preparation and work environments. However, Cooks typically have specialized culinary skills and certifications, working directly on preparing meals, while Kitchen Assistants support the kitchen operations with basic tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

Cook Food jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Food job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,903 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Cook - Food Extraordinaire

San Jose, CA • On-site

Marbella San Jose
See more jobs at Marbella San Joseexternal

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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

Job description

Integral Senior Living (ISL) proudly manages care and lifestyle-focused Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care communities across California and surrounding areas serving thousands of residents and families throughout the region. Guided by our foundational “Culture Keepers”, we cultivate purpose-driven environments where residents thrive and Team Members feel valued, empowered, and supported.

As part of one of the largest senior living organizations in the nation, our communities have earned Great Place to Work® certifications from 2022–2026. At ISL, purpose fuels every role, culture inspires every team, and continuous growth shapes every career. We continually aspire and invest in learning and development opportunities that support our team members’ professional growth, ensuring every team member has the tools to build a meaningful and rewarding career.

We offer rewarding career opportunities that include:

  • Competitive wages
  • Access to wages before payday
  • Flexible scheduling options with full-time and part-time hours
  • Paid time off and Holidays (full-time)
  • Comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurances (full-time)
  • 401(K) with employer matching
  • Paid training
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Meals and uniforms
  • Employee Assistance Program

Our community is looking for a Cook to join our team.  

Cook Responsibilities:

  • Prepare hot and cold menu items which requires working on the grill, sauté station, salad-bar and on the service line;
  • Ensure the proper preparation, portioning and serving of foods as indicated on the menu cycle and the standardized recipes;
  • Taste and prepare food to determine quality and palatability.  

Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in Senior Living preferred
  • Experience with production methods, portion control and food handling safety required.
  • Great organizational skills a must
  • Strong communication skills
  • Attention to detail and presentation of food product is required.
  • Must be able to work weekends.

If having a direct impact on the lives of others is appealing to you, apply today and join our team!

EOE D/V