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Entry Level Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Raising Cane's

Cook

Los Angeles, 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 ...

The Party Staff

San Jose - Cook

San Jose, CA

$24 - $27/hr

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)

Boudin Bakery

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 ...

Boudin Bakery

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 ...

Hyatt

Cook 1 - Entry Level ($24.50/hour)

San Diego, CA

$24.50/hr

About the Role - Cook 1 Cook 1 is an entry level culinary position that requires basic culinary skills or related cooking experience, along with strong communication abilities. This is typically a ...

SpaceX

Cook

Hawthorne, CA

$26.50/hr

COOK This is an entry-level line cook position for individuals who are familiar with basic cooking principles and techniques, have a firm understanding of all basic food safety principles, and can ...

Boudin Bakery

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 ...

Boudin Bakery

Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.18 - $19.50/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 ...

Boudin Bakery

Cook

Roseville, 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 ...

Boudin Bakery

Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.18 - $19.50/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 ...

Boudin Bakery

Cook

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $17.25/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 ...

Boudin Bakery

Cook

San Marcos, 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 ...

Boudin Bakery

Cook & Kitchen Position

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$18.21 - $18.50/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 ...

Boudin Bakery

Cook

Sacramento, 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 ...

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Entry Level Cook information

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How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Cook position, and why are they important?

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 a typical workday look like for an Entry Level Cook?

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 job?

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.

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:
Entry Level Cook jobs near you
Cook

Cook

Raising Cane's

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 1,528 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 103 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

Starting hiring pay at: $20.00
As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising Cane's is a fun and fast paced environment. Crank up the music and have some fun while you are working hard to prepare the highest quality chicken finger meals for our customers to enjoy. Starting out in the back of the house at Raising Cane's can lead to many promotional opportunities for Cooks to grow their career by moving into advanced roles like Bird Specialist or Certified Trainer.
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: opening shifts, closing shifts and everything in between. Whether you have previous experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive-thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a position for you. We offer competitive pay and benefits for all positions. Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no experience required) and we provide paid training for every new Restaurant Cook on the team. We will make sure you are prepared to grow your Restaurant career with us.
Within your first year of working in the Restaurant, you can earn up to an extra $1.50 per hour in pay increases through additional training, certifications, and performance evaluations! If you want to be at Restaurant that is a FUN place to work, that values your growth and provides opportunities to impact your community, we want you on our team
Qualities of awesome Canes Restaurant Cook:
  • Team player
  • Excellent communicator
  • Happy, Courteous and Enthusiastic
  • Hard working and attentive
  • Responsible and dependable
  • Authentic and genuine
  • Takes pride in doing a good job

Benefits available for hourly Crew:
  • Access to voluntary benefits through an insurance marketplace, including Medical & Pharmacy, Dental, Vision Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Legal Insurance, Auto and Renter's Insurance, and ID Theft Protection
  • OnePass Gym Membership Program
  • 401(k) With Safe Harbor Employer Match (age 21 & older)
  • Access to financial advisors for budget and retirement planning
  • Crewmember Assistance Program
  • Education assistance
  • Pet Insurance

Perks & Rewards for hourly Crew:
  • Paid Time Off*
  • Closed for all major holidays**
  • Early closure for company events
  • Casual Work Attire
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Perkspot Employee Discount Program

*Must satisfy hours requirement per year
**Locations may vary
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
The intellectual and physical demands described below are representative of what must be met by Crewmembers to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Lift and carry, push or pull heavy objects up to 50 pounds
  • Kneel, bend, twist or stoop
  • Ascend or descend stairs
  • Reach and grasp objects (including above head and below waistline)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Ability to show up to scheduled shifts on time
  • Cleaning tables, floors and other areas of the Restaurant
  • Taking orders from Customers and processing payments efficiently
  • Follow proper safety procedures when handling and/or preparing food
  • Ability to multitask

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be 16 years of age or older
  • Provide all Customers with quick and friendly service
  • Work together as a team, assisting other Crewmembers in completion of tasks and assignments to ensure continuity of service
  • Work under pressure and at a fast pace
  • Align with Raising Cane's culture by balancing Working Hard and Having Fun
  • Take initiative
  • Comply with Company policies

Raising Cane's appreciates & values individuality. EOE

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