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Cooking Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

... and cooking dishes promptly and consistently, adhering to the outlet's recipes and standard operating procedures while maintaining health department standards. What you'll do: * Inspect food ...

Line Cook

Turlock, CA

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

You will be preparing food the Red Robin way, which includes cutting, sauteing, broiling, frying, and cooking various meals including meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, soups, salads, and other ...

Popeyes - Cook

Turlock, CA ยท On-site

$20/hr

Ability to practice safe cooking procedures * Accurately count the number of drops * Coordinate the cooking times corresponding with timer * Filter and freshen the fryer shortening daily, following ...

Cook (Dietary)

Chowchilla, CA ยท On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

... scale cooking operation, preferred. * One year's work experience in long term care preferred. RESPONSIBLITIES * Prepares meal items according to planned menus and standardized recipes; refers to ...

Cook

Chowchilla, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Our Panda Cook associates are important leaders of our team and the heart of our kitchen. You are responsible for creating food with passion, service with heart and ambiance with pride. As a Cook for ...

Cook

Turlock, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Our Panda Cook associates are important leaders of our team and the heart of our kitchen. You are responsible for creating food with passion, service with heart and ambiance with pride. As a Cook for ...

Cook

Turlock, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Our Panda Cook associates are important leaders of our team and the heart of our kitchen. You are responsible for creating food with passion, service with heart and ambiance with pride. As a Cook for ...

Cook

Los Banos, CA

$25 - $28/hr

Our Panda Cook associates are important leaders of our team and the heart of our kitchen. You are responsible for creating food with passion, service with heart and ambiance with pride. As a Cook for ...

Line Cook

Merced, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $29/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Line Cook

Turlock, CA

$16.90 - $29/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Line Cook

Merced, CA

$16.90 - $29/hr

As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and plate presentation to delight our guests. Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest ...

Line Cook

Merced, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $29/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Line Cook

Turlock, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $29/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Line Cook

Turlock, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $29/hr

As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and plate presentation to delight our guests. Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest ...

Black Bear Diner- Cook

Turlock, CA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Portion food products prior to cooking according to standard portion sizes and recipe specifications. Maintain a clean and sanitary work station area including tables, shelves, grills, broilers ...

Line Cook

Merced, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $29/hr

As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and plate presentation to delight our guests. Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest ...

Line Cook

Merced, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $29/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Line Cook

Turlock, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $29/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Prep Cook

Merced, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $28.25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Showing results 41-60

Cooking information

See Merced, CA salary details

$10

$18

$23

How much do cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking in Merced, CA is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 three careers in cooking?

Three careers in cooking include becoming a professional chef, a pastry chef, or a culinary instructor. These roles involve preparing food in restaurants, bakeries, or educational settings, often requiring culinary training and certifications. Each career offers different specialties and work environments within the food industry.

What jobs can you do if you like cooking?

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 food handler's permit can enhance job prospects in this field.

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Cooking jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Cooking job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooking job openings in Merced, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,576 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Part-Time Line Cook - Mainzer

Merced, CA โ€ข On-site

El Capitan Hotel
Traveler Accommodation

$18.10/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

MAINZER is hiring for a PART-TIME LINE COOK
Eat, drink, play, observe, and listen like nobody's watching. Mainzer offers comfort food, craft cocktails, a regional beer wall, and entertainment unbounded. Here, you'll find weekly movies, live bands, and plenty of games to whet your competitive spirit.
JOB OVERVIEW
A Line Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking dishes promptly and consistently, adhering to the outlet's recipes and standard operating procedures while maintaining health department standards.
What you'll do:
  • Inspect food preparation and serving areas to ensure safe, sanitary food-handling practices
  • Prepare, season, and cook dishes promptly and consistently, adhering to the outlet's recipes and procedures
  • See to each guest's special needs, including any noted allergies or dietary restrictions
  • Ensure the cleanliness and proper sanitization of work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, and silverware
  • Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage
  • Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas
  • Assist in the restocking and replenishing of supplies
  • Observe and test food to determine if it has been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, temperature checks or piercing them with utensils
  • Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes, using various kitchen utensils and equipment
  • Portion, arrange, and garnish food
  • Regulate temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters
  • Estimate expected food consumption, requisition or purchase supplies, or procure food from storage as
    directed

Who you are:
  • You have state-issued food handling certification as required.
  • You have related experience in the culinary or hospitality industry preferred.
  • You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) of the workplace.
  • You are able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • You are able to speak effectively before guests and groups of co-workers.
  • You are able to apply concepts of math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

BENEFITS
We are proud to offer competitive wages and the following benefits for full-time employees:
  • Up to 3 weeks paid time off annually
  • 50% off discount at most New Waterloo restaurants
  • Health, vision + dental benefits
  • 401K matching
  • Paid holidays
  • Volunteer pay
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Referral bonuses
  • Discounts at our shops, hotels + local partnerships

ABOUT NEW WATERLOO
New Waterloo is a community-centric independent hospitality company based in Austin, Texas. We use our platform to intentionally empower and get behind the choices of our people and communities - creating environments that sustain lasting social impact. Our team of hospitality experts provides the resources, talent, passion, and collaboration necessary to foster thoughtful places and thriving businesses.
New Waterloo is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
We will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis until a candidate is selected for this role.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.