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Cooking Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Cooking information

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$21

How much do cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking in California is $16.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cook do?

A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in a variety of settings, such as restaurants, cafeterias, or private households. Duties typically include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Cooks may also be involved in menu planning, inventory management, and collaborating with other kitchen staff to deliver high-quality meals on time.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the cooking industry, executive chefs or restaurant owners can earn $10,000 or more per month through high-end establishments or successful businesses, often requiring extensive experience, culinary skills, and business acumen rather than formal degrees. These roles typically involve long hours, leadership responsibilities, and a strong reputation in the culinary field.

What jobs can you do with cooking?

Jobs related to cooking include chef, line cook, pastry chef, sous chef, and kitchen manager. These roles typically require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and experience working in food service environments. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional food services.

What are some common challenges cooks face in a busy kitchen environment?

Cooks in fast-paced kitchens often deal with high-pressure situations, especially during peak dining hours when multiple orders need to be prepared quickly and accurately. Maintaining consistency in taste and presentation while juggling various tasks can be demanding. Communication and teamwork are crucial, as cooks must coordinate closely with other kitchen staff and servers to ensure timely service. Adapting to last-minute menu changes or handling special dietary requests can also add to the complexity of the role.

What is the difference between Cooking vs Food Preparation Worker?

AspectCookingFood Preparation Worker
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationsTypically no formal certifications needed
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringFood production lines, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Job DutiesPreparing, cooking, and presenting dishesChopping, assembling ingredients, basic food prep
Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesFood manufacturing, cafeterias, quick-service restaurants

Cooking involves preparing and cooking dishes, often requiring culinary skills and certifications. Food Preparation Workers focus on basic food assembly and prep tasks, usually without formal credentials. Both roles are essential in food service environments but differ in complexity and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook, foundational skills in food preparation, kitchen safety, and menu planning are essential, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for success in a busy kitchen environment. These abilities ensure consistent food quality, efficient operations, and a positive dining experience for customers.

What jobs can I do if I like to cook?

Jobs for those who enjoy cooking include chef, line cook, pastry chef, and kitchen assistant, often requiring culinary skills and food safety knowledge. Other options include catering, food styling, and food service management, which may involve working in restaurants, hotels, or catering companies. Certifications like a culinary degree or food handler's permit can enhance job prospects.

What cooking jobs make the most money?

Executive chefs and head cooks typically earn the highest salaries in cooking careers, often exceeding $70,000 annually, especially in high-end restaurants or hotel establishments. Specialized roles such as pastry chefs, sous chefs, and culinary directors with advanced skills and certifications can also command higher wages. Experience, location, and the size of the establishment influence earning potential in cooking jobs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in California? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Cooking jobs in California? For Cooking jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cooking jobs? Cities in California with the most Cooking job openings:
Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,116 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Dishwasher at Cooking School

Dishwasher at Cooking School

THE GOURMANDISE SCHOOL

Santa Monica, CA

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a part-time Dishwasher for our busy Cooking School. You must have availability evenings and weekends.  Your schedule will vary throughout the week based on your availability and our needs, and some morning/afternoon shifts may also be available.
The Dishwasher position is an integral part of our team! This position is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards for all our dishes, cookware and utensils, etc. using manual cleaning methods in the dishwashing area of our Santa Monica-based cooking school. This position also ensures the dishwashing area is maintained as a clean, safe and sanitary facility during our fast-paced cooking classes and private events.
Essential Functions
  1. Receive all incoming dirty materials including but not limited to: dishes, glassware, tableware, pots, pans, utensils and other cooking utensils during classes and events.
  2. Wash all items by hand according to Food Handler’s Certification standards, including scraping, washing, rinsing and drying all dirty materials.
  3. Sort, stack and return all clean materials to their proper area.
  4. Take garbage to dumpster.
  5. Set up or break down, and fully clean kitchen at the end of the day including sweeping and mopping the floor, wash down floor mats, clean sinks, wipe down walls.
  6. As needed, wash towels and aprons in a commercial washing machine/dryer, and fold dry items when finished.
  7. Maintain cleaning and safety standards as directed and according to Food Handler’s Certification safety protocols.
  8. Help with storage organization and other projects when needed.
  9. Other duties as directed.
Competencies
  1. High energy, and ability to hustle
  2. Positive attitude
  3. Customer/Client minded
  4. Team­ player
  5. Thorough
  6. Time management, must arrive on time to shifts.
Work Environment
This job operates in a fast-paced commercial kitchen environment located in a shopping mall. We have a fun, friendly and diverse team. You will most often work as a team with the Kitchen Assistants to ensure there are plenty of clean materials ready for the instructor and students to use in a 3-4 hour class or event. The team will operate together to clean up after classes and make sure all opening or closing procedures are completed. No team member leaves until the job is finished, thus they work together to get the job done efficiently. Employees in this role are frequently exposed to hot water, heavy items, sharp knives, and potentially slippery floors.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS - You must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and be on your feet for the majority of your shift.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE - Previous dishwashing experience in a commercial kitchen is preferred.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS - All of our employees are Vaccinated against Covid-19.
WORK HOURS - Part Time position approximately 5-15 hours a week. Days and hours of work vary based on need. Frequent evening and weekend work is required.
Our School is open 7 days a week from 10am-9pm. Dishwasher shifts can work as late as 11pm (very occasionally later).  
We are excited to meet you if this sounds like a position that interests you!