ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cook Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

Line Cook

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Line Cook Range: $16.90 - $20.39 Red Robin isn't your typical burger restaurant. We're a team filled with unbridled energy, magnetic personalities, and a passion for having fun! Line Cook: You will ...

Texas Roadhouse

Line Cook - Broil/Grill

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20.50/hr

As a Broil Cook your responsibilities would include: * High volume restaurant experience * Understand cooking steak temperatures * Meat seasoning, searing, and cooking * Meat seasoning, searing, and ...

Palms Nursing Center

Cook (Dietary)

Chowchilla, CA

$17.25 - $22/hr

Two years as cook in a large-scale cooking operation, preferred. * One year's work experience in long term care preferred. RESPONSIBLITIES * Prepares meal items according to planned menus and ...

Olive Garden

Line Cook

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $29/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Olive Garden

Line Cook

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $29/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Olive Garden

Line Cook

Merced, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $29/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Olive Garden

Line Cook

Turlock, CA

$16.90 - $29/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Olive Garden

Line Cook

Merced, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $29/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Olive Garden

Line Cook

Merced, CA

$16.90 - $29/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Olive Garden

Line Cook

Merced, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $29/hr

As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and plate presentation to delight our guests. Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest ...

Olive Garden

Line Cook

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $29/hr

As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and plate presentation to delight our guests. Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Merced, CA

$16.90 - $28.25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Merced, CA

$16.90 - $28.25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Merced, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $28.25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Merced, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $28.25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $28.25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Merced, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $28.25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsCook JobsCook Jobs in Merced, CA

Cook information

See Merced, CA salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Merced, CA is $16.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 grasp of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and menu preparation, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and attention to detail help Cooks stand out in busy kitchen environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for consistently delivering safe, high-quality dishes and maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What does a cook do?

A Cook—also called a Chef—is ultimately responsible for preparing the food that is served in restaurants or other dining establishments. As the head of the kitchen, Cooks also supervise other work and oversee the kitchen to ensure it all runs smoothly. In some restaurants, Cooks are responsible for creating recipes and menus, planning events, ensuring that food and kitchen regulations are followed, and sticking to a restaurant budget. There are different levels of this position that you can earn, meaning that there can be a wide range to all the potential possibilities and responsibilities of a daily Cook. For example, there’s the Head Chef who runs the kitchen while the other Cooks are responsible for specific types of food.

What is the difference between Cook vs Chef?

AspectCookChef
CredentialsNone required or basic culinary trainingFormal culinary education or extensive experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringFine dining, hotels, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesPreparing dishes, following recipesMenu creation, kitchen management, supervising cooks

In summary, a Cook typically prepares food following established recipes and has minimal formal training, while a Chef often has specialized culinary education and takes on leadership roles in the kitchen, overseeing cooking staff and menu development.

What does a cook do?

A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety and cleanliness. Cooks may also help with menu planning, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen supplies. They work closely with other kitchen staff to deliver meals efficiently and meet customer expectations.

What are three careers in cooking?

Three careers in cooking include becoming a chef, a pastry chef, or a line cook. These roles involve preparing food in restaurants, bakeries, or catering services and often require culinary training or certifications. Each position offers different responsibilities and skill levels within the culinary industry.

What are some common challenges cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak service times, cooks often encounter challenges such as time pressure, managing multiple orders simultaneously, and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation. Effective communication with team members and staying organized are crucial for keeping up with the pace. Many cooks use strategies like prepping ingredients in advance, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a clean workstation to ensure smooth workflow and minimize mistakes. Developing these habits helps cooks deliver consistent results even in high-stress environments.
More about Cook jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Merced, CA? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Merced, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Merced, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Merced, CA are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Cook jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Cook job openings:
Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Merced, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, and 37% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,208 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Culinary Chef - Restaurant Line Cook

Roth SocialHouse

Turlock, CA • On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Pay rate: $17.00 - $21.00/hour + tips
*negotiable based on experience
Looking to join a kitchen team that's full of life, love, and passion? Look no further than ROTH Socialhouse in Turlock, CA! We're on the hunt for a talented full-time OR part-time Culinary Chef - Restaurant Line Cook to help us deliver delicious, locally-sourced meals in an upscale, casual environment.
Aside from earning a competitive wage of $17+ an hour, our full- or part-time Culinary Chefs - Restaurant Line Cooks also enjoy the following benefits and perks:
  • Health insurance
  • Cal Savers retirement plan
  • Flexible hours
  • Employee meals
  • Tips

Ready to be part of a fun and rewarding work environment that will make you excited to come to work every day?! Yeah, you are! Keep reading to learn more about this amazing full- or part-time cooking opportunity!
WHAT IS ROTH SOCIALHOUSE ALL ABOUT?
Roth SocialHouse is an upscale, casual dining restaurant where families, friends, and couples can enjoy scratch-made meals. Our cuisine is locally sourced and globally inspired - all set in an upbeat and enjoyable social environment.
Our team is full of creative people who are passionate about their work. The Roth culture encourages a compassionate, full-of-life atmosphere where our employees feel unique and unconfined. Being bold, inspiring, loving, and humble is at the heart of everything we do. Because we value our team's integrity and dedication, we offer an opportunity for people to develop their talents-and we are invested in their success!
A DAY IN THE LIFE AS A CULINARY CHEF - RESTAURANT LINE COOK:
As a Culinary Chef - Restaurant Line Cook, you get to work alongside our team of kitchen experts to build, plate, and complete basic food-prepping tasks for the restaurant. Whether you're preparing and cooking food in a specific station, cleaning up the prep area, or making sure the kitchen line and storage areas are fully stocked, you're an integral part of ensuring our kitchen runs smoothly.
THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS COOKING ROLE:
To be successful as our full- or part-time Culinary Chef - Restaurant Line Cook, you need to meet the following requirements:
  • At least 1 year of cooking experience in a high-volume kitchen
  • Ability to learn, grow, and adapt to the needs of the restaurant
  • Exceptional time management and organization skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team and take direction
  • Strong kitchen administration knowledge
  • Exceptional active listening skills
  • Ability to work on your feet for most of the day and lift up to 30 pounds at a time

READY TO APPLY?
If you're ready to join our team of passionate culinary professionals, apply today and take the first step toward an exciting career!

Apply