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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Proven ability to train new Prep Cooks in all aspects and responsibilities of the role. * Ability to assist the culinary team in receiving goods for the restaurant. * A proven track record of ...

Prep Cook

Sherman Oaks, CA · On-site

$18.42 - $22.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20 - $22.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

Pleasanton, CA

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA

$18.50 - $21.50/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $23.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

Temecula, CA

$17.30 - $22.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

Valencia, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $21/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.42 - $22/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

Canoga Park, CA · On-site

$18.42 - $22/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

Beverly Hills, CA

$16.90 - $22.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

Oxnard, CA

$16.90 - $20.75/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

Escondido, CA

$17.30 - $21.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Showing results 41-60

Cooks Prep Cooks information

What is a cook?

Cooks and prep cooks are culinary professionals who work in kitchens to prepare and cook food. Prep cooks focus on preparing ingredients by washing, chopping, and measuring, ensuring everything is ready for the main cooking process. Cooks, on the other hand, handle the actual cooking of dishes, following recipes and presentation standards. Both roles require attention to detail, good time management, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Together, they help ensure the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cook?

To thrive as a Cook or Prep Cook, you need solid food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, basic knife handling techniques, and adherence to food safety certifications like ServSafe are important. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and smooth workflow in fast-paced culinary environments.

What are some common challenges faced by prep cooks in a busy kitchen environment?

Prep cooks often work in fast-paced settings where managing time efficiently and maintaining attention to detail can be challenging. They must juggle multiple tasks, such as chopping ingredients, preparing sauces, and organizing supplies, all while adhering to strict food safety standards. Communication with chefs and other kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and prevent delays during service. Adapting to changing menus or last-minute requests is also a frequent part of the role, requiring flexibility and quick thinking.

What is the difference between Cooks Prep Cooks vs Line Cooks?

AspectPrep CooksLine Cooks
ResponsibilitiesPrepare ingredients, wash, chop, and set up stationsCook dishes during service, follow recipes, and manage station
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, food safety certification often preferredSimilar credentials, often with additional culinary training
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep areas, early shifts, less pressureFront-line cooking stations, during service hours, high-pressure environment
Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, catering, and hospitalityEssential in restaurant kitchens, culinary establishments

Prep Cooks focus on preparing ingredients and setting up stations, while Line Cooks handle cooking dishes during service. Both roles require similar credentials and work in busy kitchen environments, but their responsibilities differ based on the stage of food preparation.

Do prep cooks make good money?

Prep cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location and establishment, with median pay around minimum wage to slightly above. Experienced prep cooks or those working in high-end restaurants may earn higher wages, and some may receive tips or benefits. Overall, the pay is generally considered modest compared to more advanced culinary roles.

How much do prep cooks make a year?

Prep cooks typically earn an annual salary ranging from $20,000 to $30,000, depending on experience, location, and the establishment. Many prep cooks are paid hourly, with wages often between $10 and $15 per hour, and may receive benefits or overtime pay based on the employer's policies.

What qualifications do I need to be a prep cook?

Prep cooks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic cooking skills. Prior experience in food preparation, knowledge of kitchen safety, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions are often required. Some employers may also value food safety certifications such as ServSafe.

What are popular job titles related to Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in California?

For Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cooks Prep Cooks job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 65% Physical, and 35% Remote job distribution.

Prep Cook

MOMOFUKU

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Momofuku

Momofuku was founded by chef David Chang in 2004 with the opening of Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York City. Credited with “the rise of contemporary Asian-American cuisine” by the New York Times and named the “most important restaurant in America” by Bon Appétit magazine, Momofuku has restaurants in the New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas as well as Momofuku Goods, a line of restaurant-grade products for home cooks.

About Majordomo

Majordomo is a California restaurant by Momofuku, inspired by the rich and diverse culinary landscape of Los Angeles. Our space features a chef’s counter, bar, private dining room, and a heated patio. We embrace the concept of a "majordomo"—a person who takes charge, makes arrangements, and is always in the know. Our team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional dining experience that celebrates vibrant flavors of LA.

The Momofuku Prep Cook is an individual who assists the BOH staff in preparing food, maintains a safe and clean food environment and takes on other culinary tasks as delegated. The ideal Momofuku Prep Cook candidate is focused, driven, detail oriented and comfortable working in a kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare all food items as directed in a sanitary and timely manner in accordance to recipe, portion control and presentation specifications
  • Assist with cleaning, sanitation, organization and maintenance of kitchen and culinary equipment.
  • Maintain cleanliness of work areas, including and not limited to refrigeration, cooking equipment, and prep areas.
  • Demonstrate safe and proper use of all kitchen equipment, including knife cutting skills.
  • Maintain open and effective communication with BOH team and FOH team.
  • Support other team members and foster a positive work environment.

Required Qualifications

  • A positive and enthusiastic attitude, as well as a desire to learn, grow, and develop new skills.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
  • A passion for food, exceptional work ethic and dedication
  • Strong desire and ability to work on a successful and effective team.
  • Willing to accept guidance in a positive manner and implement the direction in a way that is productive for both you and the team.
  • Able to work in a standing/walking position for long periods of time.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 2+ years of experience as a Prep Cook, Commis, Line Cook, or similar role in a high volume, upscale restaurant.
  • Proven ability to train new Prep Cooks in all aspects and responsibilities of the role.
  • Ability to assist the culinary team in receiving goods for the restaurant.
  • A proven track record of dependability, a continuous focus on learning and development, and a history of consistently and successfully fulfilling all role responsibilities.

Physical Demands

  • The physical demands for this position are seeing, hearing, speaking, reaching, frequently lifting up to 25 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, sitting, standing, for 4 to 8 hours, bending, and moving intermittently during working hours. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodation.

The duties of this position may change from time to time. Momofuku reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Momofuku or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Momofuku is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or

Momofuku Prep Cooks employed in our Los Angeles operations function within a pay band of nineteen to twenty-one dollars ($19 - $21) per hour. The metrics for each individual pay is as follows:

If a candidate meets all of the Required Qualifications, he/she/they are considered qualified for the position and eligible to receive a rate of nineteen dollars ($19) per hour.

For each Preferred Qualification the candidate meets, he/she/they are eligible for an additional fifty cents ($0.50) per hour.