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Entry Level Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an Entry Level Line Cook to bring expertise and precision to our culinary brigade. This role is ideal for a seasoned cook ready to contribute at a high level in a fine dining kitchen ...

AM Bank Café Line Cook SUMMARY A Bank Cook is an intermediate level cook who has mastered basic cooking skills and entry level cooking stations. A Bank Cook will comfortable with advanced cooking ...

Cook

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $20/hr

Previous experience in a restaurant/bakery (entry level employees also welcome) * A desire to work in a supportive fun work environment We offer Cook a complimentary meal per shift and: * Competitive ...

Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.45 - $18.75/hr

Previous experience in a restaurant/bakery (entry level employees also welcome) * A desire to work in a supportive fun work environment We offer Cook a complimentary meal per shift and: * Competitive ...

Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

Roseville, CA · On-site

$20/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$20/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$20/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

Roseville, CA · On-site

$20/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$20/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We welcome entry-level, intermediate & experienced cooks! College students highly encouraged to apply. Weekend availability preferred. Pay Rates: $24.00 - $27.00 per hour (depending on experience)

Cook

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$20/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Cook

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $17.25/hr

Our Cook / Kitchen Staff is responsible for preparing and executing recipes to standard by ... Previous experience in a restaurant/bakery (entry level employees also welcome) * Strong knowledge ...

Cook

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $17.25/hr

Our Cook / Kitchen Staff is responsible for preparing and executing recipes to standard by ... Previous experience in a restaurant/bakery (entry level employees also welcome) * Strong knowledge ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Cook information

See California salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in California is $15.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level cook?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cook, you need basic cooking skills, familiarity with food safety standards, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions, often gained through high school education or culinary training programs. Exposure to kitchen equipment like grills, fryers, ovens, and knowledge of food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically expected. Attention to detail, reliability, strong communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications help ensure delicious, safe meals are prepared efficiently while maintaining a positive, productive kitchen environment.

What does an entry level cook do?

As an Entry Level Cook, your workday often starts with prepping ingredients and setting up your workstation according to the day's menu. Throughout your shift, you'll prepare and cook dishes under the supervision of senior cooks or kitchen managers, assist with cleaning and organization, and restock supplies as needed. The pace can be fast, especially during meal rushes, and you’ll frequently collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure orders are accurate and timely. This hands-on experience helps you build essential culinary skills and fosters a strong understanding of team operations in a professional kitchen.

What is an entry level cook?

An Entry Level Cook is responsible for basic food preparation and assisting in the kitchen under the supervision of senior chefs. Duties may include chopping ingredients, following recipes, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards. This position helps individuals gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen setting. It is a great starting point for those looking to advance in the culinary field.

How do I start working as an entry level cook with no experience?

To start as an entry level cook with no experience, focus on gaining basic kitchen skills, such as knife handling and food safety, through online courses or volunteering. Apply for entry-level positions at restaurants or cafeterias, emphasizing your willingness to learn and work in a team; some employers may provide on-the-job training. Obtaining a food handler's permit can also improve your chances of employment.

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

The most popular types of Cook jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cook jobs in California?

For Entry Level Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cook jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cook jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,903 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Part-Time Dinner & Meal Prep Cook in San Francisco

Rose's Agency

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Location: San Francisco, California
Schedule: Monday–Friday, Evening Hours
Compensation: Competitive Hourly Rate, DOE

Position Overview

A health-conscious gentleman in San Francisco is seeking an experienced Part-Time Cook to prepare fresh, simple, and nutritious dinners Monday through Friday evenings. The ideal candidate is passionate about clean eating and enjoys creating wholesome, flavorful meals using high-quality, seasonal ingredients. This is not a fine dining or entertaining position—the focus is on consistently preparing healthy, balanced meals and providing lunch meal prep for the following day.

The successful candidate will be organized, dependable, and able to independently plan menus, grocery shop, and maintain a clean, well-stocked kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare fresh, healthy dinners five evenings per week.
  • Prepare nutritious lunch meal prep for the following day's meals.
  • Develop weekly menus centered around whole foods, lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and seasonal ingredients.
  • Accommodate dietary preferences and nutritional goals while providing variety throughout the week.
  • Grocery shop and source fresh, high-quality ingredients.
  • Maintain an organized, clean, and sanitary kitchen at all times.
  • Properly store, label, and rotate food items.
  • Monitor pantry and refrigerator inventory and restock staples as needed.
  • Minimize food waste through thoughtful meal planning and organization.
  • Communicate proactively regarding menus, grocery needs, and scheduling.

Qualifications

  • Previous experience as a private cook, personal chef, or in a health-focused culinary role.
  • Strong understanding of healthy cooking techniques and balanced nutrition.
  • Ability to prepare flavorful, uncomplicated meals without relying on heavy sauces or rich ingredients.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.
  • Professional, reliable, discreet, and detail-oriented.
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred.
  • Excellent professional references.
  • Open to entry level cooks!

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate enjoys preparing nourishing, everyday meals rather than elaborate cuisine. They understand that consistency, freshness, and attention to nutritional detail are more important than complexity and take pride in creating delicious meals that support a healthy lifestyle.

Compensation

  • Competitive hourly compensation, dependent upon experience (DOE)
  • Long-term, part-time opportunity with a respectful and appreciative principal
  • Consistent Monday–Friday evening schedule

Rose’s Agency logo

About Rose’s Agency

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are all about making the best possible match and we feel it starts with our relationships with both clients and candidates. Placing people into homes and personal lives is all about knowing the type of person that fits best with our client's lifestyle, values, and needs. Building our business around strong, long term relationships is fundamental to us.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1988

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