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Cooks Fast Food Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Jawny's

Be Seen First

Experienced Line Cook - Join the hottest fast food startup and grow

Sherman Oaks, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr (+ commission)

About Jawny's Jawny's is a fast-growing food brand specializing in authentic Philly cheesesteaks ... We are looking for reliable, hardworking Line Cooks to join our kitchen team and help us deliver ...

SkyChefs

Cooks First Production

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$22/hr

If you enjoy a fast paced, team-based environment with a focus on food quality and on-time delivery, Must be able to work under extreme temperatures Responsibilities and duties of Production Cook ...

SkyChefs

Cooks First Production

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$22/hr

If you enjoy a fast paced, team-based environment with a focus on food quality and on-time delivery, Must be able to work under extreme temperatures Responsibilities and duties of Production Cook ...

Urth Caffé

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Line Cooks - Urth Caffe

Laguna Beach, CA · On-site

$21/hr

... with food safety practices and regulations - Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced ... Cook and be part of a dynamic environment where your skills and dedication will contribute to ...

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Cooks Fast Food information

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$9

$16

$21

How much do cooks fast food jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks fast food in California is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $17.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cooks Fast Food vs Cooks Casual Dining?

AspectCooks Fast FoodCooks Casual Dining
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, high-volume kitchens, often in quick-service restaurantsModerately paced kitchens in sit-down restaurants with table service
Employer & Industry UsageFast food chains, quick-service restaurantsCasual dining restaurants, family restaurants
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Cooks Fast Food and Cooks Casual Dining require similar credentials and certifications, such as food safety training. However, Cooks Fast Food typically work in high-volume, fast-paced environments like quick-service restaurants, while Cooks Casual Dining work in more relaxed settings with table service. The roles overlap in skills but differ mainly in work pace and environment.

How much do fast food cooks make an hour?

Fast food cooks typically earn between $9 and $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Entry-level positions often start at the minimum wage, with pay increasing with skills and tenure.

What do fast food cooks do?

Fast food cooks prepare and cook menu items quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment. They operate kitchen equipment, follow food safety standards, and ensure orders are completed accurately and promptly.

What cities in California are hiring for Cooks Fast Food jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cooks Fast Food job openings:

Cooks Fast Food jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Fast Food job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,592 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Production Cook / Kitchen Team Member Plant Power Fast Food (Escondido)

Escondido, CA • On-site

Plant Power Fast Food
Restaurants • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Plant Power Fast Foodexternal

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Production Cook / Kitchen Team Member � Plant Power Fast Food (Escondido)
$20/hr to start + tips + free meals
We're Plant Power Fast Food, San Diego's original 100% plant-based fast food company. Since 2015 we've been proving that food good for people and the planet can also taste incredible. Our Escondido facility is primarily a commercial production kitchen: it's the Commissary where we make the large-batch recipes that supply our restaurants across California and Nevada. Attached to it is a small ghost kitchen where we prepare fresh food for guests through curbside pickup and delivery.
This is a production-focused role. If you take pride in making consistent, high-quality food at volume and like working fast without cutting corners, this is for you.
What you'd do (mostly production)
  • Make large-batch recipes for our commissary using specialized commercial equipment
  • Follow recipes precisely to hit consistent quality and yield across big batches
  • Portion, package, and label finished products for distribution
  • Keep storage organized using FIFO (first in, first out)
  • Maintain stock and proper pars

What you'd do (ghost kitchen)
  • Cook line items for guest orders: burgers, sandwiches, wraps
  • Make milkshakes and other drinks
  • Run curbside orders out to guests' vehicles
  • Keep orders accurate, allergen-aware, and out fast

What you bring
  • A San Diego County Food Handlers permit
  • A strong work ethic and dependability (showing up on time, every shift)
  • The ability to stay calm and decisive when it's busy
  • Commercial or production kitchen experience is a plus, but attitude and reliability matter most

The physical side (be ready for this)
  • Lifting up to 50 lbs
  • Prolonged standing, plus bending, twisting, pushing, and pulling
  • A fast-paced environment with exposure to hot and cold conditions and industrial cleaning products

What you get
  • $20/hr to start, plus tips
  • A free meal every shift
  • Medical (we cover 50% of the base/bronze plan); dental and vision also available
  • A consistent Tuesday�Saturday schedule
  • A team that communicates with respect and has a good time while doing excellent work

Schedule: Tuesday�Saturday, 10:30am�7pm or 12:30pm�9pm
Ready to make food worth believing in? Apply now.

Apply