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Cooker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Cook

Modesto, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Cook

Whittier, CA · On-site

$16 - $25/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Cook

Livermore, CA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Cook

San Jose, CA

$19.45 - $21.45/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Cook

Roseville, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $24/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first ...

Cook

Salinas, CA

$18.50 - $26/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first ...

Cook

Fresno, CA

$16.90 - $23/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first ...

Cook

Yuba City, CA

$16.90 - $25/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first ...

Cook

Vallejo, CA

$16.90 - $24/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first ...

Cook

Los Banos, CA

$20 - $26/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first ...

Cook

Sacramento, CA

$17 - $25/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first ...

Cook

Fresno, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $23/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first ...

Cook

Corona, CA

$17 - $18/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Cook

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $25/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first ...

Cook

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cooker information

See California salary details

$15

$18

$21

How much do cooker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooker in California is $18.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooker?

To thrive as a Cooker (Chef or Cook), you need a solid understanding of food preparation, cooking techniques, and food safety standards, often gained through culinary school or hands-on experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills that set exceptional cooks apart. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality dishes, and a safe dining environment for customers.

What is the difference between Cooker vs Chef?

AspectCookerChef
CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes certifications in food safetyFormal culinary education or extensive experience, culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotels, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesPreparing and cooking food according to recipesOverseeing kitchen operations, menu creation, supervising cooks

The main difference between a Cooker and a Chef lies in their roles and responsibilities. A Cooker typically focuses on preparing and cooking food, often with basic skills and certifications. A Chef, on the other hand, has advanced culinary training, oversees kitchen operations, and is responsible for menu development. While both work in similar environments, the Chef's role is more managerial and creative, whereas the Cooker primarily executes cooking tasks.

What are some common challenges a professional cooker faces in a high-volume kitchen, and how can they be managed?

In a high-volume kitchen, cookers often face challenges such as managing time efficiently, maintaining consistency in food quality, and handling pressure during peak service hours. To manage these, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, communicate clearly with kitchen staff, and stay calm under pressure. Many successful cookers also rely on prep work and mise en place to streamline service and ensure a smooth workflow. Building good relationships with team members helps foster a supportive environment, making it easier to overcome challenges together.

What does a cooker do?

A cooker, often referred to as a cook or chef, is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other dining establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring and mixing ingredients, monitoring food while it cooks, and ensuring meals are served at the right temperature and presentation. Cookers also maintain kitchen cleanliness and adhere to food safety standards. Depending on the workplace, their responsibilities may range from simple food preparation to creating complex dishes.

What cities in California are hiring for Cooker jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cooker job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooker job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,278 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

$26.04/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Sensient Technologies rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Come join the skilled team at Sensient Technologies. We are collaborative and hard working. We solve tough problems. And we will be better with you. 

We are seeking a Chili Cooker to join our team in Turlock, CA on swing shift! Are you a motivated and detail-oriented individual with a keen eye for detail? Responsibilities include starting up cookers, preparing products, and maintaining logs and paperwork. Ensuring product safety and quality tests are met is key. The candidate must be able to enter information into JDE and must be flexible to work varying shift based on the business need. If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you!

What you'll do:

  • Preparing the product to be used along with the tags following the companies Tag Collection Procedure. 
  • Prepare clean, sound, good barrels to be filled with cooked material. Maintains forms, logs, and paperwork associated with work area. Washes and sanitizes equipment as scheduled by the Production Supervisor.
  • Perform agtron test on each batch of product to ensure surface color meets specification. Perform moisture analysis on each batch to ensure the moisture is on target.
  • Fill barrels to proper weight (weight determined by operator). Knowledge of operating a forklift in a safe manner and working safely around heavy forklift traffic is necessary. You'll be responsible to perform job reclassification in JDE.  
  • Work closely with shift supervisor and/or lead person to ensure assigned duties are completed.

What you'll bring:

  • Ability to work a diverse range of tasks, from handling filled drums weighing 75 lbs. at a time to safely rolling drums weighing up to 190 lbs. Employees navigate extreme temperatures, loud noises, airborne food particles, and forklift fumes on a regular basis. 
  • Interest in being a part of an effective and productive manufacturing process. 
  • Ability to read, write with desire to continually learn and improve. 
  • Knowledge of Industrial Safety and Hygiene guideline with previous experience in plant production sites with added plus of exposure to food industry. 
  • At least 3 years of previous Manufacturing Operator experience.

What you'll get: 

  • Opportunity to collaborate with your colleagues, onsite 5 days per week
  • An excellent salary, benefit offering and development opportunities
  • A thorough and effective training experience during onboarding and beyond

About Sensient:

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.

About Sensient Agricultural Ingredients: 

Sensient Agricultural Ingredients is one of the largest producers and distributors in the world of dehydrated onion and garlic products as well as chili powder, paprika, chili pepper and dehydrated vegetables such as parsley, celery, and spinach. These ingredients are used in many of today's popular convenience foods. The Agricultural Ingredients unit is located in Turlock, California. 

The hourly rate for this position is $26.04 per hour USD. Pay within the range is based on several factors, which may include, but are not limited to, education, work experience, specialized training, and labor market conditions.  In addition to salary, Sensient is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to support the holistic well-being of our employees and their families. 

SPONSORSHIP: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in the US without the need for employment visa sponsorship.
RELOCATION: We are unable to offer relocation assistance. The successful candidate will be expected to work at the Turlock, California facility and must reside in the area or be willing to commute. 
THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies and will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions. 

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