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Food Service Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Good Food Holdings

Food Service - Cook

Woodland Hills, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Food Service Cook Department: Food Service Reports To: Food Service Manager FLSA Status: Nonexempt Essential Duties and Responsibilities The Food Service Cook is responsible to perform duties and ...

Good Food Holdings

Food Service - Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Food Service Cook Department: Food Service Reports To: Food Service Manager FLSA Status: Nonexempt Essential Duties and Responsibilities The Food Service Cook is responsible to perform duties and ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Food Service Cook

San Francisco, CA

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Food Service Cook Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Food Service Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Food Service Cook Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Food Service Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Food Service Cook Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Food Service Cook

San Francisco, CA

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Food Service Cook Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Food Service Cook

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Food Service Cook at the Sacramento Zoo Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain ...

SSA Group

Food Service - Food Service Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Food Service Cook Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Food Service Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Food Service Cook Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Food Service Cook

San Francisco, CA

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Food Service Cook Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Food Service Cook

Sacramento, CA

$13 - $17/hr

Food Service Cook at the Sacramento Zoo Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Food Service Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Food Service Cook Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Food Service Cook

San Francisco, CA

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Food Service Cook Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Food Service Cook

San Francisco, CA

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Food Service Cook Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Food Service Cook

San Francisco, CA

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Food Service Cook Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

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All JobsFood Service Cook JobsFood Service Cook Jobs in California

Food Service Cook information

See California salary details

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$15

$21

How much do food service cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service cook in California is $15.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food service cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Service Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or culinary certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and compliance with ServSafe or similar food handling certifications is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safety, and efficient kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Food Service Cook vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Service CookKitchen Helper
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary training often preferredMinimal formal credentials required
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafeteriasSupport roles in same environments, assisting with prep and cleaning
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing meals, cooking, following recipesAssisting cooks, cleaning, basic food prep

The main difference is that Food Service Cooks are responsible for preparing and cooking meals, often requiring culinary skills and certifications. Kitchen Helpers support cooks by performing basic tasks like cleaning and prep work. Both roles work in similar environments, but Cooks have more advanced responsibilities and skills.

What does a food service cook do?

A Food Service Cook prepares and cooks meals in restaurants, cafeterias, schools, hospitals, and other food service establishments. Their responsibilities include following recipes, ensuring food safety and cleanliness, managing ingredients, and sometimes assisting with menu planning. They may also be responsible for plating food, maintaining kitchen equipment, and working with other kitchen staff to ensure timely meal preparation. Food Service Cooks play a crucial role in delivering quality meals to customers or clients.

What are some common challenges food service cooks face during busy meal periods, and how can they be managed?

Food Service Cooks often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, such as lunch or dinner rushes. Managing multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining food quality and safety can be challenging. Effective strategies include strong organizational skills, clear communication with kitchen staff, and prepping ingredients ahead of time to streamline workflow. Staying calm under pressure and being adaptable are essential for success in these fast-paced environments.
What are popular job titles related to Food Service Cook jobs in California? For Food Service Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Service Cook jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Food Service Cook jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Food Service Cook jobs? Cities in California with the most Food Service Cook job openings:
Food Service Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,143 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Food Service - Cook

Good Food Holdings

Woodland Hills, CA • On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Who Is Bristol Farms?
Since opening our first market in Rolling Hills, CA, Bristol Farms has brought people together around a love for cooking and sharing delicious food. We have worked to create a community of curious foodies - people who enjoyed exploring the aisles and discovering new and exciting ingredients. We know that in order to achieve this goal, we must provide the freshest, highest-quality, locally sourced meat, seafood, and produce, complement it with an awesome array of groceries in each aisle, and create an extraordinary experience for every guest.
To create that experience, we rely on our amazing team members and leaders to provide extraordinary service; and to create a fun, interactive, and engaging environment where we invite the guests to participate in the experience.
We seek out team members who not only enjoy food but are passionate about it. Team Members who thrive in a fast-paced environment and can still maintain a calm demeanor, who have a positive attitude, and who work well in a team environment. People who are warm, outgoing, authentically amazing, and want to be inspired, challenged, and proud of where they work. We look for team members who can connect with people and reach a level of hospitality that exceeds guests' expectations.
Ingredients You'll Bring to the Table
You love food and can create an experience that is beyond the everyday. You have a positive attitude and work well in a team environment. You can connect with people and reach a level of hospitality that exceeds guests' expectations. You are warm, outgoing, authentically amazing, and want to be inspired, challenged, and proud of where you work, You embody a spirit of entrepreneurship and mutual respect. You approach every situation with a YES! attitude and seek to find a solution to all opportunities that arise.
What Will Be On Your Plate?
Job Title: Food Service Cook
Department: Food Service
Reports To: Food Service Manager
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Food Service Cook is responsible to perform duties and responsibilities listed below (other duties may be assigned):
  • Preps, prepares and cooks all items needed for daily orders. Requisition supplies daily.
  • Follows all company's recipes, and portion sizes when preparing foods following exact specifications.
  • Peels, cleans and cuts fruits to be served for breakfast of compotes.
  • Cleans vegetables, fruits, and berries for salads, relishes, and gelatin desserts.
  • Mixes ingredients for green salads, fruit salads, and potato salad.
  • Prepares dressings such as Thousand Island, French, and Roquefort to be served on green salads.
  • Prepares cold sandwiches and cheeses.
  • If applicable, works sauté line, grill, pizza oven and other cook to order stations.
  • Follows the FIFO rotation system (First in, First out). Covers, labels, and dates all leftover foods. Utilizes leftover foods before opening new products.
  • Inspects food and food preparation; including measuring temperatures throughout the preparation process, to maintain quality and sanitation by the FDA and local health departmental codes and company's stringent standards.
  • Some dishwashing is required.

Customer Service Skills
Food Service Cooks are expected to provide customer service that is extra ordinary and exceeds the expectations of our customers. They are required to follow established policies and guidelines that go beyond simply smiling and greeting customers. Going above and beyond encompasses attitudes, respect, and flexibility. The Food Service Cook is expected to have a positive "can-do" attitude; treat others with respect; and easily adjust to changes in the workplace.
Education and/or Experience
One-year certificate from college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the Food Service Cook is regularly required to stand, walk, talk or hear, and taste or smell. The Food Service Cook frequently is required to sit and use their hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, or tools. The Food Service Cook is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop. The Food Service Cook must occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Why You'll Love Working at Bristol Farms:
  • Amazing earning potential, paid weekly!
  • A values-based culture that will engage and empower your growth and development
  • A strong training program that will build your guest service skills
  • Opportunity for growth within our family of brands
  • Benefits available - Including medical, dental, vision, and 401K
  • Numerous scholarship opportunities available to full & part time team members
  • 20% discount at all Bristol Farms and Lazy Acres locations
  • $60 credit to Shoes for Crews every 6 months of employment

Apply