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Cooks Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cook Helper

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$17.65/hr

Cook Helper Reports To: Food Services Supervisor Department: Food Services FLSA STATUS ... Non-Exempt Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of ...

Cook Helper

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$17.65/hr

Non-Exempt Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of ... helping to rotate perishable items at the end of the shift, to help ensure fresh product. โ€ข ...

Cook Helper

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$17.65/hr

Cook Helper Reports To: Food Services Supervisor Department: Food Services FLSA STATUS ... Non-Exempt Primary Position Objectives Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of ...

Dishwasher / Cook Helper

Camarillo, CA ยท On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

We are seeking a Dishwasher / Cook Helper to join our dedicated kitchen staff! You will assist in the cooking preparation, dishwashing and cleaning in the restaurant. Responsibilities: * Dishwashing ...

Dishwasher / Cook Helper

Camarillo, CA ยท On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

We are seeking a Dishwasher / Cook Helper to join our dedicated kitchen staff! You will assist in the cooking preparation, dishwashing and cleaning in the restaurant. Responsibilities: * Dishwashing ...

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Kitchen Helper

Glendora, CA ยท On-site

$20/hr

Responsibilities * Assist with food preparation tasks to support chefs and cooks * Maintain cleanliness of the kitchen by cleaning surfaces, equipment, and utensils * Help manage and stock inventory ...

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Cooks

Westlake Village, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Whether prepping ingredients or cooking on the line, you'll help create excellent dining experiences. Responsibilities: Line Cook Duties: * Prepare and cook menu items to recipe specifications and ...

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Cooks

Westlake Village, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Whether prepping ingredients or cooking on the line, you'll help create excellent dining experiences. Responsibilities: Line Cook Duties: * Prepare and cook menu items to recipe specifications and ...

COOK (FULL- TIME)

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Experience as a cook or cook's helper in an institutional food service facility is required. Knowledge/Skills: * Must be able to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures;

COOK (FULL- TIME)

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Experience as a cook or cook's helper in an institutional food service facility is required. Knowledge/Skills: * Must be able to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures;

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Cooks Helper information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do cooks helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks helper in California is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cooks helper?

Cooks Helpers assist chefs and cooks in the preparation and serving of food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing and chopping vegetables, preparing ingredients, cleaning work areas, and sometimes helping with basic cooking tasks. They play a vital role in ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently by supporting the culinary team with day-to-day tasks. Cooks Helpers may also be responsible for stocking supplies and disposing of kitchen waste. This position is often an entry point for those interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts.

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

To thrive as a Cooks Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and inventory systems is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills that help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient kitchen operations, ensuring food safety, and supporting chefs in delivering quality meals.

What are some common challenges faced by a cooks helper, and how can they be addressed?

As a Cook's Helper, one common challenge is working efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment, especially during peak hours. Staying organized, communicating clearly with chefs and fellow kitchen staff, and mastering time management are key to overcoming this. Additionally, adapting quickly to changing priorities and maintaining strict food safety standards are essential. Seeking feedback and being proactive in learning new tasks can also help you succeed and potentially advance to higher kitchen positions.

What is the difference between Cooks Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCooks HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafeteriasCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageFood service establishments, hotels, hospitalsFood service establishments, catering, hospitality
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Cooks Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles typically require similar credentials and work in fast-paced kitchen environments. While their duties may overlap, Cooks Helpers often assist with food prep and basic cooking tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may focus more on cleaning, prep work, and supporting kitchen staff. Understanding these differences can help job seekers find the right position in the food service industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cooks jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cooks Helper jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cooks Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooks Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,434 per year, or $17 per hour.

Cook Helper

Bizzell Group

Long Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

$17.65/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description:

Position: Cook Helper

Reports To: Food Services Supervisor

Department: Food Services

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt


Primary Position Objectives

Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining facility, equipment, and surfaces.


Position Responsibilities

Administration Procedures

• Responsible for the set up and breakdown of serving line.

• Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized.

• Notify staff of items that need to be replenished and restocked.

• Responsible for helping to rotate perishable items at the end of the shift, to help ensure fresh product.

• Responsible for serving students, staff, and guests in a pleasant, efficient, courteous and professional manner.

• Responsible for assisting with dishes when necessary.

• Responsible for the changing and emptying of trash receptacles.

• Responsible for coming to work neat and clean and in proper attire.

• Be familiar with the communication system in the event of an emergency.

• Responsible for assisting with some programming and activity events when required.

• Assists workers engaged in preparing foods by performing any combination of duties to include washing, peeling, cutting, and seeding vegetables and fruits.

• Cleans, cuts, and grinds meats, poultry, and seafood.

• Dips food items in crumbs, flour, and batter to bread them.

• Stirs and strains soups and sauces. weighs or measures designated ingredients.

• Carry pans, kettles, and trays of food to and from workstations, stove, and refrigerator.

• Stores foods in designated areas, utilizing knowledge of temperature requirements and food spoilage.

• Clean and sanitize kitchen and commons area(s), equipment and utensils, segregates and removes garbage, and steam-cleans or hoses garbage containers.

• Distributes supplies, utensils, and portable equipment, using hand truck.

• Assists in inventory of expendable and non-expendable supplies and materials.

• Operate kitchen equipment including dishwasher, slicer, mixer, etc.

• Know and follow all safety and sanitary rules and regulations related to food handling.

• Works towards meeting performance standard goals.

• Follows CDSS plan and Code of Conduct system daily.

• Adheres to required property control policies and procedures.

• Maintains good housekeeping/sanitation in all areas and complies with safety practices.

• Complies with all DOL guidelines, OFCCP regulation, Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) Bizzell’s policies and procedures, Job Corps notices and bulletins, and Center policies and procedures.

• Demonstrates and abides by The Bizzell Group’s core values and operating principles.

• Models, mentors, and monitors appropriate career success skills.

• Helps students become more employable through continuous reinforcement.

• Participation in PRH mandated staff training is mandatory. Failure to participate may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Performance Standards/Results

Effective Communication

• Presents information both clearly and concisely and regularly confirms correct interpretation of information.

• Very high standard of communication skills both written and verbal for the presentation of facts and ideas.

• Shows professional non-verbal body language and actively listens to others.


Organization of Work

• Action oriented. Demonstrates the ability to handle several projects simultaneously with decision making, flexibility, and problem solving.

• Implements the key principles of time management, task allocation and priority assignment in addition to personal organization.

• Shows attention to detail and ability to complete work with the highest level of accuracy and efficiency.

• Continually seek ways to improve employment service provided via development of professional skills and personal growth.


Professionalism

• Demonstrates professional interpersonal skills when interacting with others. Abides by The Bizzell Group’s Healthy Workplace Environment policy.

• Acts as team player and builds professional relationships with coworkers to achieve goals.


Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Knowledge of basic sanitation and cleaning procedures.

Ability to work under direction of senior personnel.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

High level of organization, interpersonal, and communication skills.


Experience

One to three months food service/preparation or related experience.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

NRA Food Service Sanitation or equivalent/Serve Safe. Valid State Driver’s License.


Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk; to reach with hands, arms, talk, and listen. The employee is occasionally required to sit; to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; to taste and to smell. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision capabilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision. Physical stamina required for a full shift of working in an industrial kitchen.


Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in this work environment is moderate to loud.