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Cook Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

UHS

Cook - Per Diem

Wildomar, CA · On-site

$23 - $33.18/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 ...

Horsefeather

Prep Cook

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Prep cooks help maintain food quality and safety standards, follow recipes precisely, and stay organized throughout the day. Key Responsibilities * Follow prep lists and recipes to prepare ...

Taber Company

Interested in Joining?

Irvine, CA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

At Taber Company, we are always on the lookout for individuals who embody our core values-integrity, humility, teamwork, safety, accountability, and quality-to join our expanding team. You will have ...

Taber Company

Interested in Joining?

Irvine, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Taber Company Job Opportunity At Taber Company, we are always on the lookout for individuals who embody our core valuesintegrity, humility, teamwork, safety, accountability, and qualityto join our ...

Taber Company

Interested in Joining?

Irvine, CA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

At Taber Company, we are always on the lookout for individuals who embody our core values-integrity, humility, teamwork, safety, accountability, and quality-to join our expanding team. You will have ...

Gjelina Group

Lead Line Cook - Gjusta LA

Venice, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

This role acts as a bridge between the Sous Chefs and line cooks, helping to ensure standards, systems, and expectations are consistently followed on shift. In addition to cooking responsibilities ...

Gjelina Group

Lead Line Cook - Gjusta LA

Venice, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

This role acts as a bridge between the Sous Chefs and line cooks, helping to ensure standards, systems, and expectations are consistently followed on shift. In addition to cooking responsibilities ...

Gjelina Group

Lead Line Cook - Gjusta LA

Venice, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

This role acts as a bridge between the Sous Chefs and line cooks, helping to ensure standards, systems, and expectations are consistently followed on shift.In addition to cooking responsibilities ...

Temaki

Prep Cook/ Sushi Helper - Temaki

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Prep Cook/ Sushi Helper supports our sushi chefs by preparing ingredients, maintaining a clean and organized work area, and assisting in the creation of high-quality sushi dishes. The ...

UHS

DIETARY AIDE/ASST

Torrance, CA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Experience as a Cook or Cook's helper in an institutional food service facility is preferred. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: * Comprehends and performs oral and written instructions and procedures * Collaborates ...

Universal Health Services

DIETARY AIDE/ASST

Torrance, CA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Experience as a Cook or Cook's helper in an institutional food service facility is preferred. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: * Comprehends and performs oral and written instructions and procedures * Collaborates ...

Oroville Hospital

Cook 8348 #13055 OHPAC

Oroville, CA · On-site

$18.63 - $22.94/hr

Determine if the food prepared is of the highest possible quality in taste and flavor. Assist in planning cooking schedules for cooks/helpers and dietary aides. Confirm foods are ready on time for ...

Louka Beverly Hills

Cook

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and ...

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Cook Helper information

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How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 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 a cook helper?

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 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 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 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:

Cook Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,434 per year, or $17 per hour.

Cook - Per Diem

Wildomar, CA • On-site

UHS
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees
Learn more about UHSexternal

$23 - $33.18/hr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Universal Health Services rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 255 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Responsibilities
Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital in Wildomar, California , is a licensed 122-bed facility accredited by the Joint Commission. It is Southwest Riverside County's only designated Trauma Center and a county-designated Paramedic Base Station. The hospital performs more than 4,000 surgeries a year, and has an average of 4,000 Emergency Department visits per month. The hospital features a Bariatric Weight-Loss Surgery Center of Excellence and the region's only Total Joint Center.
Southwest Healthcare Rancho Springs Hospital in Murrieta, California , is a 120 bed acute-care hospital with the region's only Pediatric Emergency Services team (for children 14 and under) provided by board certified Rady Children's emergency medicine physicians. Rancho Springs Hospital also provides the area's only OB/Emergency Department program, which gives expectant mothers 24/7 on-site access to OB/GYN physician coverage. The Childbirth Center at Rancho Springs Hospital is the largest in the region and features spacious family-friendly private suites. Rancho's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is operated by Rady Children's.
Employees may be required to float to the other facility within Southwest Health Rancho Springs and Inland Valley Hospital based on operational needs, with appropriate orientation and competency validation provided.
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 in Food Service Sanitation by the Department of Health.
BENEFIT HIGHLIGHTS
  • Challenging and rewarding work environment
  • Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
  • 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
  • SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
  • Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
  • More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website: benefits.uhsguest.com

About Universal Health Services
One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 300 corporation, annual revenues were $15.8 billion in 2024. During the year, UHS was again recognized as one of the World's Most Admired Companies by Fortune; and listed in Forbes ranking of America's Largest Public Companies.
Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 99,000 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located all over the U.S. States, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. www.uhs.com
EEO Statement
All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Avoid and Report Recruitment Scams
We are aware of a scam whereby imposters are posing as Recruiters from UHS, and our subsidiary hospitals and facilities. Beware of anyone requesting financial or personal information.
At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skill set and experience with the best possible career path at UHS and our subsidiaries. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (e.g., Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. Our recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc.
If you suspect a fraudulent job posting or job-related email mentioning UHS or its subsidiaries, we encourage you to report such concerns to appropriate law enforcement. We encourage you to refer to legitimate UHS and UHS subsidiary career websites to verify job opportunities and not rely on unsolicited calls from recruiters.

What Universal Health Services employees say

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About Universal Health Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Universal Health Services (UHS) is a major player in the healthcare industry, based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Founded in 1978, UHS offers hospital and healthcare services. Their diverse services range from acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers nationwide. The company's mission of enhancing the health and well-being of their patients is reflected in their commitment to 'Helping Individuals Live Longer, Healthier and Happier Lives'. Universal Health Services' consistent growth and success in their industry have been recognized on numerous occasions, including being ranked amongst the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

King of Prussia, PA, US

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