Cook
$14.25 - $19/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$14.25 - $19/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Mission Viejo, CA · On-site
$15.25 - $20.25/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Mission Viejo, CA · On-site
$15.25 - $20.25/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Banning, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20/hr
COOKS: Basic Job Duties * Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe * Maintain high standards of plate presentation * Responsible for operating various cooking appliances: fryers ...
Quick apply
Cook
Banning, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20/hr
COOKS: Basic Job Duties * Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe * Maintain high standards of plate presentation * Responsible for operating various cooking appliances: fryers ...
Cook
$14 - $18.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$14 - $18.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$14 - $18.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$14 - $18.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Pomona, CA · On-site
$14 - $18.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Pomona, CA · On-site
$14 - $18.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Ontario, CA · On-site
$14.25 - $19/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Ontario, CA · On-site
$14.25 - $19/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
San Bernardino, CA · On-site
$14.50 - $19.25/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
San Bernardino, CA · On-site
$14.50 - $19.25/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$14 - $18.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$14 - $18.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Chino Hills, CA · On-site
$14.25 - $19/hr
The Cook is responsible for ensuring that the final plate preparation and presentation is within Luna Grill standards. Essential Responsibilities * Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry ...
Cook
Chino Hills, CA · On-site
$14.25 - $19/hr
The Cook is responsible for ensuring that the final plate preparation and presentation is within Luna Grill standards. Essential Responsibilities * Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry ...
Cook
San Jacinto, CA · On-site
$14 - $18.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
San Jacinto, CA · On-site
$14 - $18.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Moreno Valley, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20/hr
COOKS: Basic Job Duties * Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe * Maintain high standards of plate presentation * Responsible for operating various cooking appliances: fryers ...
Quick apply
Cook
Moreno Valley, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20/hr
COOKS: Basic Job Duties * Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe * Maintain high standards of plate presentation * Responsible for operating various cooking appliances: fryers ...
Cook
Mission Viejo, CA · On-site
$15.25 - $20.25/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Mission Viejo, CA · On-site
$15.25 - $20.25/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Ontario, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20/hr
COOKS: Basic Job Duties * Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe * Maintain high standards of plate presentation * Responsible for operating various cooking appliances: fryers ...
Quick apply
Cook
Ontario, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20/hr
COOKS: Basic Job Duties * Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe * Maintain high standards of plate presentation * Responsible for operating various cooking appliances: fryers ...
Cook
Lake Forest, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20/hr
COOKS: Basic Job Duties * Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe * Maintain high standards of plate presentation * Responsible for operating various cooking appliances: fryers ...
Quick apply
Cook
Lake Forest, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20/hr
COOKS: Basic Job Duties * Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe * Maintain high standards of plate presentation * Responsible for operating various cooking appliances: fryers ...
Cook
$14.25 - $19.25/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$14.25 - $19.25/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook information
See Riverside, CA salary details
$9.28 - $10.53
2% of jobs
$10.53 - $11.79
4% of jobs
$11.79 - $13.04
9% of jobs
$14.29 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.04 - $14.29
10% of jobs
$14.29 - $15.55
14% of jobs
The median wage is $16.38 / hr.
$15.55 - $16.80
16% of jobs
$16.80 - $18.06
15% of jobs
$18.51 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$18.06 - $19.31
12% of jobs
$19.31 - $20.56
9% of jobs
$20.56 - $21.82
5% of jobs
$21.82 - $23.07
3% of jobs
$9
$16
$23
How much do cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Riverside, CA is $16.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $18.80 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 is a chef vs. cook?
A cook is a person who prepares and cooks food, often working in kitchens with basic skills and following recipes. A chef is a trained culinary professional who typically has formal education, oversees kitchen operations, and creates menus and recipes. The main difference lies in training, responsibilities, and level of expertise.
Can I get paid to cook at home?
A cook can earn money by preparing meals at home through options like catering, meal prep services, or selling homemade food. These opportunities often require cooking skills, food safety knowledge, and sometimes permits or certifications. Income varies based on the scale of the operation and local regulations.
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 highest paying job for a cook?
The highest paying roles for cooks typically include executive chefs, head chefs, or specialized culinary professionals in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private establishments. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary certifications, and can offer salaries significantly above standard line cook roles.
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 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.
How do I get a job as a cook?
To get a job as a cook, you typically need relevant culinary skills, which can be gained through culinary school, training programs, or on-the-job experience. Employers often look for food safety certifications and a good work ethic, and job opportunities are available in restaurants, hotels, and catering services.
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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Riverside, CA? For Cook jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Cook jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Cook job openings:
Sonic Drive-In rating
4.6
Based on 1,615 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
85th of 104 rated fast food restaurants
Job description
Who says FUN and RESPONSIBILITY cant hang together. At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, youll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers.
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook tasks in the restaurant may include:
- Preparing and cooking food orders to meet product quality standards
- Food preparation and portioning
- Cooking on the grill
- Operating the fry station
- Dressing items to order
- Packaging all menu items and checking for product quality and consistency
- Cleaning including trash disposal, mopping, sweeping, washing dishes, wiping counter-tops and sanitizing food areas
SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook Requirements:
- Ability to work irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays
- Ability to be flexible in all situations based on business need
- Effective communication skills; basic math and reading skills
- Ability to follow directions
- Willingness to abide by the appearance, uniform and hygiene standards at SONIC Drive-In restaurants
- General knowledge and understanding of the restaurant industry or retail operations preferred, but not required
- Must be at least 16 years old
Additional SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook Qualifications...
- Friendly and smiling faces that enjoy providing quality products for our guests!
- A willingness to cross-train on all the stations it never gets boring here!
- Fast Food experience is a PLUS, but not required!
- Motivated individuals who are team players and committed to keeping our drive-in clean and safe.
Sure, classic cars and vintage threads may be things of the past, but the SONIC Drive-In restaurant experience will always be groovy, right on, awesome, wicked, fab, the bees knees, cruisin .
. you get the picture. Its downright sensational!!
All thats missing is you, so APPLY TODAY!
Employer: Coast to Coast Commercial, LLC
SONIC and its independent franchise owners are Equal Opportunity Employers.
What Sonic Drive-In employees say
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