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Cook Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Roseville, CA

$16.90 - $24/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 ...

Cook

Modesto, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22/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 ...

Cook

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

The goal is to help preserve and enhance our reputation so we can expand our clientele. Responsibilities * Set up workstations with all needed ingredients and cooking equipment * Prepare ingredients ...

Cook

Fresno, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $23/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 ...

Cook

Yuba City, CA

$16.90 - $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 ...

Cook

Fresno, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $23/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 ...

Cook

Stockton, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $23/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 ...

Cook

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$17 - $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 ...

Cook

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$17 - $24/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 ...

Cook

Whittier, CA

$16 - $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 ...

Cook

Roseville, CA · On-site

$18 - $26/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 ...

Cook

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $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 ...

Cook

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $24/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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Cook Helper information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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:

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.

DIETARY AIDE/ASST

UHS

Torrance, CA • On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Universal Health Services rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 254 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Responsibilities
DIETARY AIDE
Del Amo Behavioral Health System, a subsidiary of UHS,provides comprehensive treatment for children, adolescents, adults, seniors and the military. Our multidisciplinary team provides customized treatment programs and mental health evaluations for individualized care. Del Amo Behavioral Health System offers a wide range of options, including inpatient, outpatient and specialty programs for military personnel and those who deal with trauma.
Whether addressing the needs of adults, adolescents or children, we are committed to providing our patients with treatment to help them find recovery that endures. Our patients receive the same quality treatment from our thoughtful and compassionate team no matter the level of care. Our main campus is located in the South Bay area of Torrance, California. Our partial hospitalization facility is less than five miles from the main campus, and conveniently located off of 91 (the Gardena freeway) in Carson, California.
We are currently have a full time position available for a Dietary Aide. Under director supervision, this position consists of preparing food for patients, hospital and medical staff, and maintaining the Food Services Department in a sanitary manner. Shift hours are:
  • Shift 1: 5:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Shift 2: 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Weekends included
Benefits include :
  • Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
  • 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
  • Education Tuition up to $5,250.00 annually
  • Challenging and rewarding work environment
  • Career development opportunities
Please visit our website at: www.delamohospital.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.
We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success.
Notice
At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skillset and experience with the best possible career path at UHS and our subsidiaries. We take pride in creating a highly efficient and best in class candidate experience. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. The recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc. If you are suspicious of a job posting or job-related email mentioning UHS or its subsidiaries, let us know by contacting us at: https://uhs.alertline.com or 1-800-852-3
Qualifications
EDUCATION: High School education or equivalent is preferred.
EXPERIENCE: 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 with other multidisciplinary team members in an appropriate fashion

What Universal Health Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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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