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Cook Helper Jobs in Palmdale, CA (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

COOK Prepare Food with Pride. Position Summary As a Cook at Far West Restaurant Group, you'll ... Help minimize food waste while maintaining product quality * Assist with opening, closing, and ...

Cook

Burbank, CA

$20 - $23/hr

COOK Prepare Food with Pride. Position Summary As a Cook at Far West Restaurant Group, you'll ... Help minimize food waste while maintaining product quality * Assist with opening, closing, and ...

COOK Prepare Food with Pride. Position Summary As a Cook at Far West Restaurant Group, you'll ... Help minimize food waste while maintaining product quality * Assist with opening, closing, and ...

Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

COOK Prepare Food with Pride. Position Summary As a Cook at Far West Restaurant Group, you'll ... Help minimize food waste while maintaining product quality * Assist with opening, closing, and ...

Cook

Burbank, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

COOK Prepare Food with Pride. Position Summary As a Cook at Far West Restaurant Group, you'll ... Help minimize food waste while maintaining product quality * Assist with opening, closing, and ...

Cook

Mission Hills, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

COOK Prepare Food with Pride. Position Summary As a Cook at Far West Restaurant Group, you'll ... Help minimize food waste while maintaining product quality * Assist with opening, closing, and ...

Cook

Los Angeles, CA

$15 - $20.25/hr

As a Cook, you prepare high-quality meals that support residents' health and enjoyment while ... As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is ...

Cook

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Cooks are responsible for food preparation and supporting multiple workstations. Be able to handle ... Help distribute food and supplies throughout the food outlets * Clean food production, holding, and ...

Cook

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Cooks are responsible for food preparation and supporting multiple workstations. Be able to handle ... Help distribute food and supplies throughout the food outlets * Clean food production, holding, and ...

Cook

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Cook

Palmdale, CA

$18 - $20/hr

IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Cook

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Cook

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$17.27 - $20.72/hr

We create communities where employees thrive in their work, helping our residents thrive in their ... One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a cook in a hospitality or healthcare environment

Cook

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Overview We create communities where employees thrive in their work, helping our residents thrive ... Join the kitchen staff in preparing and cooking food for our residents. * Build positive ...

Cook II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$35.83/hr

When you help us to achieve pioneering heights in luxury hospitality, your own excellence will shine through. Cook II Primary Duties: * Prepare food according to the order specification for all the ...

Cook

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$17.27 - $20.72/hr

Overview We create communities where employees thrive in their work, helping our residents thrive ... One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a cook in a hospitality or healthcare environment

When you help us to achieve pioneering heights in luxury hospitality, your own excellence will shine through. Cook II Primary Duties: * Prepare food according to the order specification for all the ...

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Cook Helper information

See Palmdale, CA salary details

$10

$18

$22

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Palmdale, CA is $18.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $21.06 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 Palmdale, CA?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Palmdale, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in Palmdale, CA?

For Cook Helper jobs in Palmdale, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cook Helper jobs in Palmdale, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook Helper jobs in Palmdale, CA are:

What cities near Palmdale, CA are hiring for Cook Helper jobs?

Cities near Palmdale, CA with the most Cook Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Palmdale, CA 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 $38,377 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Prep Cook (Food Production Helper)

USC Gould School of Law

Los Angeles, CA

$27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

From fine dining restaurants to residential dining,USC Hospitalityserves thousands of students, athletes, faculty, and staff, as well as our many visitors. Hospitality is one of the six core business units that compriseUSC Auxiliary Servicesand one of the largest employers on campus. We are renowned for our fresh take on self-operated food concepts with restaurants between both campuses. The team at USC Hospitality is led by innovative executive chefs and directors who strive every day to craft nourishing and wholesome alternatives for our hungry Trojan Family and our guests. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the Trojan campus count on USC Hospitality to provide a fresh, made-to-order, nourishing meal. Amidst all of the hustle and bustle of student life, our eateries are the ideal social gathering locations to grab a quick bite or enjoy a group meal. We are driven to succeed by our commitment to uphold our unifying values.

We are seeking to build a pool of candidates for futurePrep Cook (Food Production Helper)positions to join our rapidly growing team.

The Opportunity:

As a Food Production Helper, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the quality of food produced in our kitchen as well as the overall service extended to students, faculty, staff, and visitors on a daily basis. You will be responsible for supporting our kitchen with basic food and beverage preparation services, and assembling meals for our customers. Our team will depend on you to help maintain our warm, welcoming, and collaborative environment for both our guests and our team members. We take pride in providing exceptional cuisine and memorable customer service, and so should you!

The Accountabilities:

  • Provide basic food and beverage preparation service.

  • Assemble and package food and beverage products.

  • Stock and maintain all supplies, food items, and utensils.

  • Maintain cleanliness of facilities. Assist in kitchen sanitation program. Comply with standard food handling and sanitation procedures. Adhere to department service standards and to all health, safety and University rules and regulations.

  • Provide customer services to faculty, staff, students, and guests.

  • Attend and participate in meetings as required. Report to station, ready to work at the time work assignment is scheduled to begin.

  • Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The Qualifiers:

  • Education: High School Diploma not required.

  • Experience: 1 year.

  • Expertise:

  • Must have valid California Food Handler Card or obtain card within first 30 days of hire.

  • Knowledge of food handling and sanitation procedures.

  • Demonstrated customer service experience.

  • Experience working in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

  • Ability to effectively communicate in English.

  • Ability to lift a minimum of 30 pounds.

  • In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values.

What We Prefer:

  • High School Diploma.

  • Specialized or technical training.

  • 2 years of experience in a restaurant or high-volume banquet and catering operation.

  • Ability to oversee student and/or temporary workers.

The Trojan Family Rewards:

We pride ourselves in creating theBEST USC EXPERIENCE, and that begins with our employees! We offer a wide variety of benefits and programs that support our staff and their families. For more information please visit https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks

This support advocates work-life balance and employee well-being. As members of the Trojan family, employees are connected by the traditions and history that make us proud to be Trojans!

The work culture thrives on mutual respect, trust, and synergy amongst all of its members.

USC has great minds that transform the world with their talents and research. Will you be one? Join us!

FIGHT ON!

The hourly rate for this position is $27.00. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.

Minimum Education: Less than high school
Minimum Experience: 1 year
Minimum Field of Expertise: Knowledge of food handling and sanitation procedures. Demonstrated customer service experience. Experience working in a fast paced working environment. Ability to operate all equipment listed in Specialized Equipment (below). Ability to effectively communicate in English. Ability to lift a minimum of 30 pounds. Valid California Driver's License may be required.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$148397.htmld