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Cooker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

You will cook dishes that will delight our customers with their taste and timely delivery. An excellent cook must be able to follow instructions in cooking and delivering well-prepared meals.

Apply Early

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 ...

Apply Early

Cook

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$17 - $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 ...

Apply Early

Cook

Madera, CA

$16.90 - $22/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 ...

Apply Early

Cook

Sacramento, CA

$18 - $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

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

Roseville, CA · On-site

$18 - $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 ...

Apply Early

Cook

Roseville, CA

$18 - $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

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 ...

Cook

Vacaville, 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

Vacaville, 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 ...

Apply Early

Cook

Napa, CA

$19 - $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 ...

Apply Early

Cook

Stockton, 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 ...

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

$18 - $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 ...

Apply Early

Cook

Sacramento, CA

$18 - $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

Bakersfield, CA

$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 ...

Apply Early

Cook

Sacramento, CA

$17 - $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

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$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

Madera, CA

$16.90 - $22/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 Jul 3, 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, and why are they important?

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 are popular job titles related to Cooker jobs in California? For Cooker jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooker jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cooker jobs in California are:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,278 per year, or $18.9 per hour.
Cook

Cook

HKs Bar and Grill

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

We are looking for a skilled Cook to prepare delicious meals according to the menu. You will cook dishes that will delight our customers with their taste and timely delivery.

An excellent cook must be able to follow instructions in cooking and delivering well-prepared meals. Individual must be adept at moving around the kitchen and apt in multi-tasking. Experience in using various ingredients and cooking techniques is also important.

The goal is to help preserve and enhance our reputation so we can expand our clientele.

Responsibilities

  • Set up workstations with all needed ingredients and cooking equipment
  • Prepare ingredients to use in cooking (chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc.)
  • Cook food utilizing various kitchen utensils, grills and stove top
  • Prepare side items needed for main dishes
  • Ensure great presentation by dressing dishes before they are served
  • Keep a sanitized and orderly environment in the kitchen
  • Ensure all food and other items are stored at proper temperatures
  • Monitor stock and place orders when there are shortages

Requirements

  • Proven experience as a Cook
  • Experience in using knives, deli slicer, scale, high speed blender
  • Knowledge of various cooking procedures and methods (grilling, baking, boiling etc.)
  • Ability to follow all sanitation procedures
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Very good communication skills
  • Excellent physical condition and stamina
  • High school diploma or equivalent; Diploma from a culinary school will be an advantage