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Cook Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cook Helper Reports To: Food Services Supervisor Department: Food Services FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining ...

Cook Helper

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$17.65/hr

Cook Helper Reports To: Food Services Supervisor Department: Food Services FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining ...

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Cook Helper

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$17.65/hr

Cook Helper Reports To: Food Services Supervisor Department: Food Services FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining ...

Dishwasher / Cook Helper

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

We are seeking a Dishwasher / Cook Helper to join our dedicated kitchen staff! You will assist in the cooking preparation, dishwashing and cleaning in the restaurant. Responsibilities: * Dishwashing ...

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Dishwasher / Cook Helper

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

We are seeking a Dishwasher / Cook Helper to join our dedicated kitchen staff! You will assist in the cooking preparation, dishwashing and cleaning in the restaurant. Responsibilities: * Dishwashing ...

Cook - Full Time

Wildomar, CA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Qualifications MINIMUM ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE Ø One year experience as a cook or cook's helper in an institutional food service facility. REQUIRED LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS Ø Maintains certification ...

Cook - Full Time

Wildomar, CA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Qualifications MINIMUM ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE Ø One year experience as a cook or cook's helper in an institutional food service facility. REQUIRED LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS Ø Maintains certification ...

Cook - Per Diem

Wildomar, CA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Qualifications MINIMUM ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE Ø One year experience as a cook or cook's helper in an institutional food service facility. REQUIRED LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS Ø Maintains certification ...

Cook - Per Diem

Wildomar, CA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Qualifications MINIMUM ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE Ø One year experience as a cook or cook's helper in an institutional food service facility. REQUIRED LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS Ø Maintains certification ...

COOK (FULL- TIME)

Torrance, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $36.74/hr

... help them find recovery that endures. Our patients receive the same quality treatment from our ... Experience as a cook or cook's helper in an institutional food service facility is required.

COOK (FULL- TIME)

Torrance, CA

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Experience as a cook or cook's helper in an institutional food service facility is required ... Knowledge/Skills: * Must be able to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and ...

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Cook Helper information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in California is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the work of cook helper?

A cook helper assists in food preparation and kitchen cleanup under the supervision of chefs or cooks. Their tasks include chopping ingredients, washing dishes, and organizing supplies, often requiring basic cooking skills and knowledge of food safety standards. The role supports efficient kitchen operations and may involve working early mornings, evenings, or weekends.

Can I get paid to cook at home?

Cook helpers typically work in commercial kitchens or food service establishments and are paid for their labor. Cooking at home for personal use is unpaid, but some individuals may earn money by preparing meals for others through catering or meal prep services, which require skills and sometimes certifications. In general, paid cooking jobs are performed in professional environments rather than at home.

How much is the salary for a kitchen helper?

The salary for a kitchen helper typically ranges from $10 to $15 per hour, depending on location, experience, and the establishment. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced helpers or those in high-cost areas may earn more.

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

To thrive as a Cook Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory tracking systems is beneficial. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, food safety, and effective support for chefs and cooks.

What is a cook's helper called?

A cook's helper is often called a kitchen assistant or food prep worker. They assist with basic food preparation, cleaning, and organizing in a kitchen environment, supporting chefs and cooks. This role typically requires basic cooking knowledge and the ability to follow instructions.

What is the difference between Cook Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCook HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma; general kitchen knowledge
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, food service establishments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service industry to assist cooksUsed across various food service settings to support kitchen operations

Cook Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles often overlap, with both supporting kitchen staff in food prep and cleaning. However, Cook Helpers typically focus more on assisting cooks with specific culinary tasks, while Kitchen Assistants handle broader support duties like cleaning and basic prep. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What are Cook Helpers?

Cook Helpers assist chefs and cooks in preparing and serving food in kitchens. Their duties often include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning kitchen equipment, organizing supplies, and helping with basic cooking tasks. They play an essential role in maintaining kitchen hygiene and ensuring that food preparation runs smoothly and efficiently. Cook Helpers typically work in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, or other food service establishments.

What are some common challenges Cook Helpers face during busy meal service times?

Cook Helpers often face the challenge of working efficiently under pressure during peak meal service times. They must keep up with rapidly changing orders, maintain cleanliness, and ensure ingredients are prepped and available for cooks. Balancing speed with attention to detail is crucial, as mistakes can impact food quality and kitchen workflow. Strong communication and teamwork help Cook Helpers support chefs and contribute to a smooth, successful service.
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 Cook Helper jobs in California? For Cook Helper jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook Helper jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cook Helper jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cook Helper jobs? Cities in California with the most Cook Helper job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in CA? For Cook Helper jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,434 per year, or $17 per hour.
Cook Helper

$17.65/hr

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Description

Position: Cook Helper

Reports To: Food Services Supervisor

Department: Food Services

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt


Primary Position Objectives

Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining facility, equipment, and surfaces.


Position Responsibilities

Administration Procedures

Responsible for the set up and breakdown of serving line.

Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized.

Notify staff of items that need to be replenished and restocked.

Responsible for helping to rotate perishable items at the end of the shift, to help ensure fresh product.

Responsible for serving students, staff, and guests in a pleasant, efficient, courteous and professional manner.

Responsible for assisting with dishes when necessary.

Responsible for the changing and emptying of trash receptacles.

Responsible for coming to work neat and clean and in proper attire.

Be familiar with the communication system in the event of an emergency.

Responsible for assisting with some programming and activity events when required.

Assists workers engaged in preparing foods by performing any combination of duties to include washing, peeling, cutting, and seeding vegetables and fruits.

Cleans, cuts, and grinds meats, poultry, and seafood.

Dips food items in crumbs, flour, and batter to bread them.

Stirs and strains soups and sauces. weighs or measures designated ingredients.

Carry pans, kettles, and trays of food to and from workstations, stove, and refrigerator.

Stores foods in designated areas, utilizing knowledge of temperature requirements and food spoilage.

Clean and sanitize kitchen and commons area(s), equipment and utensils, segregates and removes garbage, and steam-cleans or hoses garbage containers.

Distributes supplies, utensils, and portable equipment, using hand truck.

Assists in inventory of expendable and non-expendable supplies and materials.

Operate kitchen equipment including dishwasher, slicer, mixer, etc.

Know and follow all safety and sanitary rules and regulations related to food handling.

Works towards meeting performance standard goals.

Follows CDSS plan and Code of Conduct system daily.

Adheres to required property control policies and procedures.

Maintains good housekeeping/sanitation in all areas and complies with safety practices.

Complies with all DOL guidelines, OFCCP regulation, Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) Bizzell's policies and procedures, Job Corps notices and bulletins, and Center policies and procedures.

Demonstrates and abides by The Bizzell Group's core values and operating principles.

Models, mentors, and monitors appropriate career success skills.

Helps students become more employable through continuous reinforcement.

Participation in PRH mandated staff training is mandatory. Failure to participate may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Performance Standards/Results

Effective Communication

Presents information both clearly and concisely and regularly confirms correct interpretation of information.

Very high standard of communication skills both written and verbal for the presentation of facts and ideas.

Shows professional non-verbal body language and actively listens to others.


Organization of Work

Action oriented. Demonstrates the ability to handle several projects simultaneously with decision making, flexibility, and problem solving.

Implements the key principles of time management, task allocation and priority assignment in addition to personal organization.

Shows attention to detail and ability to complete work with the highest level of accuracy and efficiency.

Continually seek ways to improve employment service provided via development of professional skills and personal growth.


Professionalism

Demonstrates professional interpersonal skills when interacting with others. Abides by The Bizzell Group's Healthy Workplace Environment policy.

Acts as team player and builds professional relationships with coworkers to achieve goals.


Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Knowledge of basic sanitation and cleaning procedures.

Ability to work under direction of senior personnel.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

High level of organization, interpersonal, and communication skills.


Experience

One to three months food service/preparation or related experience.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

NRA Food Service Sanitation or equivalent/Serve Safe. Valid State Driver's License.


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 sit, stand, and walk; to reach with hands, arms, talk, and listen. The employee is occasionally required to sit; to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; to taste and to smell. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision capabilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision. Physical stamina required for a full shift of working in an industrial kitchen.


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. The noise level in this work environment is moderate to loud.