1

Cook Food Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Placerville, CA

$22.69 - $27.23/hr

Food Services Shift: Primarily Days (United States of America) Employee Type: Regular - Per Diem ... Non-RN Per Diem 2 Minimum Pay Range: $22.69 - $27.23 POSITION SUMMARY The Cook prepares and serves ...

As a Dietary and Food Cook, you will help in our commitment to serve others by coordinating menus and preparing food for the individuals receiving our services. * Review work orders to determine type ...

Cook

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Cook food utilizing various kitchen utensils, grills and stove top * Prepare side items needed for main dishes * Ensure great presentation by dressing dishes before they are served * Keep a sanitized ...

Dietary and Food Cook

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

As a Dietary and Food Cook, you will help in our commitment to serve others by coordinating menus, preparing food for the individuals receiving our services and clean and maintain all common areas.

Team Member - BOH / Cook

Saugus, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Maintain sanitation, health and all safety standards in work areas, clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils. Operate large-volume cooking equipment such as grills, deep-fat ...

Experience cook

Clovis, CA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook food in various utensils or grillers * Check food while cooking to stir or turn * Ensure great presentation by dressing dishes before they are served * Keep a sanitized and orderly environment ...

Line Cook

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Read food order slips or receive verbal instructions as to food required by Guest and prepare and cook food according to instructions * Operate large-volume cooking equipment such as ovens, stoves ...

Line Cook

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

You are passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences through good, quality food. With previous experience as a cook, you are able to manage multiple priorities and contribute to a ...

Food Service - Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Food Service Cook Department: Food Service Reports To: Food Service Manager FLSA Status: Nonexempt Essential Duties and Responsibilities The Food Service Cook is responsible to perform duties and ...

MWR Cook

Lemoore, CA · On-site +1

$19.58 - $21.20/hr

The primary purpose of this position is to provide skills and experience preparing and cooking food. Learn more about this agency Duties Help * Performs a full range of simple cooking tasks by ...

Line Cook

Marina Del Rey, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Line Cooks will be responsible for washing, cutting, and preparing food for serving and/or cooking. Essential Functions and Responsibilities of the job include but are not limited to: * Prepare ...

Showing results 41-60

Cook Food information

See California salary details

$8

$15

$21

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.

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.

$22.69 - $27.23/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Department:

Food Services

Shift:

Primarily Days (United States of America)

Employee Type:

Regular - Per Diem

Per Diem Type (if applicable):

Non-RN Per Diem 2

Minimum Pay Range:

$22.69 - $27.23
Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Cook prepares and serves all hot food and entrees in a timely manner, according to the recipes appropriate for the menu, so that they meet the quality and quantity standards of the hospital and all governing health agencies. Participates in kitchen clean-up and dishwashing responsibilities as needed and adheres to proper sanitation and safety practices at all times.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge:

  • Minimum of two years cooking experience in an institution kitchen, preferably in a hospital, required.

  • Must have knowledge of food safety procedures & practices.

Skills:

  • Ability to use all institutional food service equipment.

  • Ability to lift 50 pounds.

  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, time management and organizational skills.

  • Must be able to multi-task in an active and dynamic environment with frequent interruptions.

  • Must be able to cook food in large quantities.

  • Must be able to read and write in English.