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Entry Level Line Cook Jobs in Arcadia, CA (NOW HIRING)

Food Service

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$13.50 - $19.92/mo

Prepares, cooks, and portions breakfast and lunch items according to standardized recipes and ... Food Service: Serves students and staff from the cafeteria line, ensuring meals meet USDA ...

Line - Jr. Sous

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $21.73/hr

The Jr. Sous position is an entry level leadership development position for Team Members seeking to ... We welcome one and all to our table, where craveable food is cooked from scratch with quality ...

Showing results 41-46

Entry Level Line Cook information

See Arcadia, CA salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do entry level line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level line cook in Arcadia, CA is $17.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $19.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level line cook?

Entry level line cooks are kitchen staff who assist in the preparation and cooking of food under the supervision of chefs or more experienced cooks. They typically work at specific stations, such as grilling, sautéing, or assembling dishes, and are responsible for following recipes, preparing ingredients, and maintaining cleanliness in their work area. These positions are often the starting point for a culinary career, offering opportunities to learn kitchen techniques and gain practical experience in a professional setting.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Line Cook, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and hygiene, often supported by a food handler certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and common culinary tools is typically required. Strong teamwork, the ability to follow directions, and time management are vital soft skills in this fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining kitchen efficiency, food safety, and delivering a consistent dining experience.

What are some common challenges new entry level line cooks face, and how can they overcome them?

New entry-level line cooks often face challenges such as working efficiently under pressure, mastering kitchen equipment quickly, and accurately following recipes in a fast-paced environment. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and actively seek feedback from more experienced cooks. Building good time management skills and being open to learning will help you adapt quickly and become a valuable member of the kitchen team.

What is the difference between Entry Level Line Cook vs Prep Cook?

AspectEntry Level Line CookPrep Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skills
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchen stations during servicePrepping ingredients before service, often in a separate area
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, cafes, hotelsRestaurants, catering, hotels
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Line Cooks and Prep Cooks both require basic culinary skills and work in restaurant kitchens. The main difference is that Line Cooks work during service at specific stations, while Prep Cooks focus on preparing ingredients beforehand. Both roles are essential for smooth kitchen operations and often overlap in skills and environment.

How to become an entry level line cook with no experience?

To become an entry level line cook with no experience, focus on gaining basic kitchen skills, such as knife handling and food safety, through online courses or volunteering. Apply to restaurants that offer on-the-job training and demonstrate a strong work ethic and willingness to learn during interviews.

What cities near Arcadia, CA are hiring for Entry Level Line Cook jobs?

Cities near Arcadia, CA with the most Entry Level Line Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Line Cook job openings in Arcadia, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, and 62% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,982 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

$19 - $20.98/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Set up the serving line according to the daily menu and replenish food items during service.

  • Wash, cut, assemble foods such as salads and sandwiches, and assist with meal preparation tasks.

  • Clean up after meals, including cleaning counters, equipment, and washing pots and pans.


Job description

About the Employer
In Glendale Unified schools, we focus on maximizing student achievement, fostering students' social and emotional growth, and creating a vibrant, inclusive environment where all children can learn and thrive. Glendale Unified is the third largest school district in Los Angeles County. We proudly serve 25,000 students in preschool through 12th grade and beyond.
We proudly offer dual immersion programs in seven languages; Armenian, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. Glendale Unified also offers six magnet schools focused on technology, world languages, and visual and performing arts, and a wide variety of Career and Technical Education pathways beginning in middle school. Through a collaborative partnership with Glendale Community College, Glendale Unified offers students multiple opportunities to earn college credit before they graduate from high school, including our Hoover Early College Academy and Glendale High Cloud Computing and Computer Science Academy. We are excelling together to provide our students with endless pathways for success! Several of our schools are recipients of prestigious awards such as: National Blue Ribbon Schools, California Distinguished Schools, California Gold Ribbon Schools, and Title I Academic Achieving Schools.
Glendale Unified is a diverse school district that welcomes students and families from all over the world. Our students come from a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds and speak 35 different languages.
Job Summary
Performs entry level, repetitive meal preparation and service assignments in a school cafeteria including assembling sandwiches, serving on a meal line, washing pots and pans, and heating prepared foods and operating a point-of-sale computer terminal.
Job Description / Essential Elements:
GLENDALE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASS DESCRIPTION
CAFETERIA WORKER I
DEFINITION
Performs entry level, repetitive meal preparation and service assignments in a school cafeteria including assembling sandwiches, serving on a meal line, washing pots and pans, and heating prepared foods and operating a point-of sale computer terminal.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS AMONG RELATED CLASSES
A Cafeteria Worker I performs entry level, repetitive assignments in a school cafeteria.
A Cafeteria Worker II operates point-of-sale computer terminals, handles prepayments, prepares reports, and performs all other cafeteria worker functions.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Immediate supervision is provided by higher-level food services personnel.
No supervision is exercised over regular District personnel.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Sets up serving line according to daily menu. Washes and cuts foodstuffs for cooking.
Assembles salads and sandwiches.
Assists a Cook/Baker and helps on serving line.
Replenishes food on serving line.
Heats prepared food.
Counts leftover food items and records information.
Cleans up after meals, cleans counters and equipment, and washes pots and pans.
CLASS QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
General food preparation practices and procedures.
Kitchen utensils and equipment.
Ability to:
Wash, heat, cut, and assemble foods and ingredients.
Follow applicable health and sanitation requirements.
Perform work efficiently during rush conditions.
Follow oral and written instructions.
Operate a point-of-sale computer terminal.
Do simple arithmetic and count.
Work cooperatively with others.
Lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Minimum Requirements:
None.
Desirable:
Written and oral proficiency in a second language.
CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Employees who work an average of minimum 20 hours per week:
Each year at least 6 hours of annual continuing education/training including topics such as:
Free and reduced price eligibility.
The identification of reimbursable meals at the point of service.
Nutrition, health, and safety standards.
Any specific topics required by the USDA, Food Nutrition Services as needed to address Program integrity or other critical issues.
Employees who work fewer than 20 hours per week:
Each year, at least 4 hours of annual continuing education/training (regardless of the number of part-time hours worked).
The required continuing education/training will be paid for by the district.
04/1973 - Classification established
07/1979 - Change in Entrance Qualifications
12/1987 - Major Revision
01/1990 - Title Change
05/26/1999 - Minor Revision
10/13/2015 - Continuing Education/Training Requirements
06/13/2017 - Minor Revision to Employment Standards
09/10/2019 - Revision to Class Qualifications weight lifting requirements
07/14/2025 - Minor Revisions
Requirements / Qualifications
Comments and Other Information
To apply: Visit www.gusd.net: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/gusd
Step-by-step online employment application guide: https://www.schooljobs.com/home/applicationguide
Phone inquiries are welcome at (818) 241-3111, Ext. 1378.
Prior to employment, a candidate must submit proof of freedom from tuberculosis. Also required after an offer of employment are a pre-employment physical exam (district-paid) and fingerprint clearance with the Department of Justice.
STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973): The Board of Education is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs, activities and services shall be free from unlawful discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, and/or bullying based on actual or perceived sex, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation, sexual preference, ancestry, ethnic group identification, gender, gender expression, gender identity, physical or mental disability, marital or parental status, or on the basis of a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or sexual harassment in any district service, program and/or activity that receives or benefits from state financial assistance. The Board shall promote programs which ensure that unlawful discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities. The District will take steps to assure that the lack of English will not be a barrier to admission and participation in district programs. A copy of the District's Uniform Complaint Policy is available by calling (818) 241-3111, Ext. 1457. Complaints alleging noncompliance with this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the following personnel:
Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Kelly King, 223 North Jackson, (818) 241-3111, Ext. 1209, titleix@gusd.net
Section 504 Coordinator: Dr. Narineh Khemichian, 223 North Jackson, (818) 241-3111, Ext. 1500, nkhemichian@gusd.net
Title II/ADA: Dr. Kelly King, 223 North Jackson, (818) 241-3111, Ext. 1209, kking@gusd.net