Cook
$20 - $21/hr
Prior experience as a cook, grill cook, fry cook, prep cook, line cook, chef, or restaurant crew member, team member or other BOH part time restaurant jobs is not required but preferred. We are ...
Quick apply
Cook
$20 - $21/hr
Prior experience as a cook, grill cook, fry cook, prep cook, line cook, chef, or restaurant crew member, team member or other BOH part time restaurant jobs is not required but preferred. We are ...
Cook
Modesto, CA · On-site
$17 - $19/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Modesto, CA · On-site
$17 - $19/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Modesto, CA · On-site
$17 - $19/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Modesto, CA · On-site
$17 - $19/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Modesto, CA · On-site
$17 - $19/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Modesto, CA · On-site
$17 - $19/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Manteca, CA · On-site
$17 - $19.77/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Manteca, CA · On-site
$17 - $19.77/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Manteca, CA · On-site
$17 - $19.77/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Manteca, CA · On-site
$17 - $19.77/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Manteca, CA · On-site
$17 - $19.77/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Manteca, CA · On-site
$17 - $19.77/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Stockton, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Prior experience as a cook, grill cook, fry cook, prep cook, line cook, chef, or restaurant crew member, team member or other BOH part time restaurant jobs is not required but preferred. We are ...
Quick apply
Cook
Stockton, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Prior experience as a cook, grill cook, fry cook, prep cook, line cook, chef, or restaurant crew member, team member or other BOH part time restaurant jobs is not required but preferred. We are ...
Cook
Manteca, CA · On-site
$17 - $19.77/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Manteca, CA · On-site
$17 - $19.77/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Manteca, CA · On-site
$17 - $19.77/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Manteca, CA · On-site
$17 - $19.77/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Modesto, CA · On-site
$17 - $19/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
Modesto, CA · On-site
$17 - $19/hr
Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...
Cook
$20 - $21/hr
Prior experience as a cook, grill cook, fry cook, prep cook, line cook, chef, or restaurant crew member, team member or other BOH part time restaurant jobs is not required but preferred. We are ...
Quick apply
Cook
$20 - $21/hr
Prior experience as a cook, grill cook, fry cook, prep cook, line cook, chef, or restaurant crew member, team member or other BOH part time restaurant jobs is not required but preferred. We are ...
Cook
Livermore, CA · On-site
$16 - $25/hr
We are looking for a cook that wants to be apart of a new concept! We will have a small bites menu with flat breads, sous vide cooking and fryer. If you are interested in taking your skills to the ...
Cook
Livermore, CA · On-site
$16 - $25/hr
We are looking for a cook that wants to be apart of a new concept! We will have a small bites menu with flat breads, sous vide cooking and fryer. If you are interested in taking your skills to the ...
Cook
$16 - $25/hr
We are looking for a cook that wants to be apart of a new concept! We will have a small bites menu with flat breads, sous vide cooking and fryer. If you are interested in taking your skills to the ...
Cook
$16 - $25/hr
We are looking for a cook that wants to be apart of a new concept! We will have a small bites menu with flat breads, sous vide cooking and fryer. If you are interested in taking your skills to the ...
Cook
Livermore, CA · On-site
$16 - $25/hr
We are looking for a cook that wants to be apart of a new concept! We will have a small bites menu with flat breads, sous vide cooking and fryer. If you are interested in taking your skills to the ...
Quick apply
Cook
Livermore, CA · On-site
$16 - $25/hr
We are looking for a cook that wants to be apart of a new concept! We will have a small bites menu with flat breads, sous vide cooking and fryer. If you are interested in taking your skills to the ...
Cook
$14.75 - $19.75/hr
As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned "prep work"as needed, storing and rotating ...
Cook
$14.75 - $19.75/hr
As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned "prep work"as needed, storing and rotating ...
Cook
Los Banos, CA · On-site
$14.75 - $19.75/hr
As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned 'prep work'as needed, storing and rotating ...
Cook
Los Banos, CA · On-site
$14.75 - $19.75/hr
As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned 'prep work'as needed, storing and rotating ...
Cook
$15.25 - $20.50/hr
As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned "prep work"as needed, storing and rotating ...
Cook
$15.25 - $20.50/hr
As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned "prep work"as needed, storing and rotating ...
Cook
Gustine, CA · On-site
$15.25 - $20.50/hr
As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned 'prep work'as needed, storing and rotating ...
Cook
Gustine, CA · On-site
$15.25 - $20.50/hr
As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned 'prep work'as needed, storing and rotating ...
Cook information
See Modesto, CA salary details
$9.38 - $10.65
2% of jobs
$10.65 - $11.92
4% of jobs
$11.92 - $13.19
9% of jobs
$14.46 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.19 - $14.46
10% of jobs
$14.46 - $15.72
14% of jobs
The median wage is $16.57 / hr.
$15.72 - $16.99
16% of jobs
$16.99 - $18.26
15% of jobs
$18.72 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$18.26 - $19.53
12% of jobs
$19.53 - $20.80
9% of jobs
$20.80 - $22.06
5% of jobs
$22.06 - $23.33
3% of jobs
$9
$16
$23
How much do cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Modesto, CA is $16.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
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 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 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 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.
What is the difference between Cook vs Chef?
| Aspect | Cook | Chef |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | None required or basic culinary training | Formal culinary education or extensive experience |
| Work Environment | Restaurants, cafeterias, catering | Fine dining, hotels, culinary establishments |
| Responsibilities | Preparing dishes, following recipes | Menu 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 jobs can you do if you like cooking?
If you enjoy cooking, you can pursue roles such as chef, line cook, pastry chef, or culinary assistant. These jobs typically require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and sometimes certifications like a food handler's permit. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional food services.
More about Cook jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Modesto, CA?
The most popular types of Cook jobs in Modesto, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Modesto, CA?
For Cook jobs in Modesto, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Modesto, CA look for?
The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Modesto, CA are:
What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Cook jobs?
Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Cook job openings:
Job description
Your path begins here at El Pollo Loco
Start on your path towards a brighter future filled with growth and opportunity. Where we lift each other up, push each other further, and take part in something bigger than ourselves - supported by a team committed to you and your success.
Prior experience as a cook, grill cook, fry cook, prep cook, line cook, chef, or restaurant crew member, team member or other BOH part time restaurant jobs is not required but preferred. We are looking for Full Time and Part Time Team Members.
Responsibilities/Duties:
* Follows company food handling and safety procedures.
* Follows projections through the shift to maintain proper food product levels at expected quality.
* Follows cold and hot preparation recipes according to standards, and inspects all ingredients.
* Maintains dishes clean throughout the shift following manual warewashing standards.
* Provides support to peers such as restocking packed products in coolers for cashiers, packaging cold prepped items, and other tasks assigned.
* Maintains a clean and sanitized work area, including equipment, tools and storage areas.
* Assists in training new Food Preparation personnel.
* Performs additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Physical Requirements:
* Ability to move 50lbs, with assistance is required
* Ability to lift, pull, toss 40lbs trash bags
* Must have a high level of mobility/flexibility
* Ability to reach, bend, stoop, scrub, lift and wipe.
* Exposure to heat, cold, smoke and odor.
* Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
* Must be able to work under stress/pressure during peak periods.
Qualification Standards:
* CA Food Handler Certificate is required
* Must be 18 years of age or older
* Must be able to read company recipes cards in either English or Spanish
* Must have a basic understanding of how to follow a recipe.
It started with a mother’s recipe and one man’s desire for a quality chicken dinner after a hard day’s work. Over 40 years later, we still grill our chicken the same way, citrus marinated and grilled low and slow over an open flame. In that time, we’ve fed families, connected cultures and have become a Southern California institution.
About El Polo Loco
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Restaurants
Company size
11 - 50 Employees
Headquarters location
Gardena, CA, US