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Cooker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

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

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

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

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

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 ...

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

Sacramento, 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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Hayward, CA

$19.50 - $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

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$20 - $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

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20 - $27/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 ...

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

Stockton, 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

Napa, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Cook

Hayward, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooker information

See California salary details

$15

$18

$21

How much do cooker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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.

$16.90 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


IHOP rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

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 and foremost a skilled, organized, and creative cook. We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and organizational skills are paramount.

A good candidate for this job is a person with attention to detail who can keep the kitchen tidy and clean all while preparing, cooking, and arranging food together with the rest of our kitchen staff. We pride ourselves in our exceptional service, and we expect nothing less from our cooks.

Cook Job Requirements::

Prior experience as a cook a plus.

Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment.

Must be skilled in various cooking techniques.

Must know and follow sanitation procedures.

Must showcase teamwork and communication skills.

Must showcase great organizational skills.

Must be able to multitask and act quickly.

Responsibilities of a Cook::

Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen.

Preparing workstations for cooking.

Preparing and maintaining kitchen equipment.

Checking the quality of the ingredients.

Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques.

Cooking food using various culinary techniques.

Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation.

Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders.

Benefits:

Competitive Pay

Flexible Hours

Extensive Training

Real Advancement Opportunities

International House of Pancakes began making people smile in 1958 when it opened its doors in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Fifteen years later, a new marketing campaign introduced the acronym \IHOP\, and since then it's been the name people know as the place they can enjoy their favorite breakfast experience-any time of day.

Education:no requirementsEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What IHOP employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


IHOP logo

About IHOP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The shortest distance between two people is a smile, so our logo changed to include one! Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. No matter what menu items they order, there's one ingredient that's always constant -- a smile.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

2003