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Cooks Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

COOK (FULL- TIME)

Torrance, CA · 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 · 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

$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;

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19 - $21.50/hr

Description We're looking for cooks to work at our fun and casual resort restaurant. We need help with cooking, preparing and seasoning soups, meats, pizzas and so much more. We love creativity and ...

Prep Cook

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Prep cooks help maintain food quality and safety standards, follow recipes precisely, and stay organized throughout the day. Key Responsibilities * Follow prep lists and recipes to prepare ...

Cook - Full Time

Wildomar, CA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Qualifications MINIMUM ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE Ø One year experience as a cook or cook's helper in an institutional food service facility. REQUIRED LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS Ø Maintains certification ...

Cook - Full Time

Wildomar, CA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Qualifications MINIMUM ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE Ø One year experience as a cook or cook's helper in an institutional food service facility. REQUIRED LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS Ø Maintains certification ...

Cook - Per Diem

Wildomar, CA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Qualifications MINIMUM ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE Ø One year experience as a cook or cook's helper in an institutional food service facility. REQUIRED LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS Ø Maintains certification ...

Cook - Per Diem

Wildomar, CA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Qualifications MINIMUM ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE Ø One year experience as a cook or cook's helper in an institutional food service facility. REQUIRED LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS Ø Maintains certification ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooks Helper information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do cooks helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 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 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 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 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 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 63% Full Time, 36% 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 (FULL- TIME)

UHS

Torrance, CA • On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Universal Health Services rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 253 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

492nd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Responsibilities

                                                                                          Full Time Cook Position Opportunity

 

Del Amo Behavioral Health System, a subsidiary of UHS, offers a safe and compassionate environment for individuals looking for hope and healing from emotional, psychiatric and addiction issues.

Del Amo Behavioral Health offers a wide range of options, including inpatient, outpatient and specialty programs that includes children, adolescents, adults and seniors.  Whether addressing the needs of adults, adolescents or children, we are committed to providing our patients with treatment to help them find recovery that endures.  Our patients receive the same quality treatment from our thoughtful and compassionate team no matter the level of care.

Learn more and apply today by visiting our website at: www.delamohospital.com

Benefits include:

  • Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
  • 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
  • Educational Assistance up to $5,250
  • Challenging and rewarding work environment
  • Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!

This position prepares food for patients, hospital and medical staff, and maintaining the Food Services Department in a sanitary manner.


Qualifications

Education:             High School education diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience:           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;
  • Must have strong verbal, reading and written communication, and customer service skills.
  • Must be able to collaborate with other multidisciplinary team members in an appropriate fashion;
  • Must have math skills to enable calculation of recipes and diets;
  • Must be willing to work flexible hours if necessary to support coverage in the department due to increased census or other unforeseen circumstances.
  • Must be able to adhere to facility and department policies and procedures and comply with the Corporate Compliance Program and Standards of Conduct.

About Universal Health Services

One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance, growing since its inception into a Fortune 500 corporation. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has 99,000 employees. Through its subsidiaries, UHS operates 28 acute care hospitals, 331 behavioral health facilities, 60 outpatient and other facilities in 39 U.S. States, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Avoid and Report Recruitment Scams

We are aware of a scam whereby imposters are posing as Recruiters from UHS, and our subsidiary hospitals and facilities. Beware of anyone requesting financial or personal information.

At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skill set and experience with the best possible career path at UHS and our subsidiaries. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (e.g., Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. Our recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc.

If you suspect a fraudulent job posting or job-related email mentioning UHS or its subsidiaries, we encourage you to report such concerns to appropriate law enforcement. We encourage you to refer to legitimate UHS and UHS subsidiary career websites to verify job opportunities and not rely on unsolicited calls from recruiters.

Qualifications:

Education:             High School education diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience:           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;
  • Must have strong verbal, reading and written communication, and customer service skills.
  • Must be able to collaborate with other multidisciplinary team members in an appropriate fashion;
  • Must have math skills to enable calculation of recipes and diets;
  • Must be willing to work flexible hours if necessary to support coverage in the department due to increased census or other unforeseen circumstances.
  • Must be able to adhere to facility and department policies and procedures and comply with the Corporate Compliance Program and Standards of Conduct.

About Universal Health Services

One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance, growing since its inception into a Fortune 500 corporation. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has 99,000 employees. Through its subsidiaries, UHS operates 28 acute care hospitals, 331 behavioral health facilities, 60 outpatient and other facilities in 39 U.S. States, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Avoid and Report Recruitment Scams

We are aware of a scam whereby imposters are posing as Recruiters from UHS, and our subsidiary hospitals and facilities. Beware of anyone requesting financial or personal information.

At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skill set and experience with the best possible career path at UHS and our subsidiaries. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (e.g., Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. Our recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc.

If you suspect a fraudulent job posting or job-related email mentioning UHS or its subsidiaries, we encourage you to report such concerns to appropriate law enforcement. We encourage you to refer to legitimate UHS and UHS subsidiary career websites to verify job opportunities and not rely on unsolicited calls from recruiters.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Universal Health Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Universal Health Services logo

About Universal Health Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Universal Health Services (UHS) is a major player in the healthcare industry, based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Founded in 1978, UHS offers hospital and healthcare services. Their diverse services range from acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers nationwide. The company's mission of enhancing the health and well-being of their patients is reflected in their commitment to 'Helping Individuals Live Longer, Healthier and Happier Lives'. Universal Health Services' consistent growth and success in their industry have been recognized on numerous occasions, including being ranked amongst the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

King of Prussia, PA, US