ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Service Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The GEO Group

P/T FOOD SERVICE WORKER COOK

Adelanto, CA

$24.86/hr

Under direct supervision, this Food Service Worker/Cook is a non-security related position that performs a variety of tasks associated with the cooking, preparation and serving of foods and beverages ...

Smoking Pig BBQ

Cook / Dishwasher / Lead Cook

San Jose, CA

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

... of service to customers and associates at all times; performs all other responsibilities as ... Tastes products, follow menus, estimate food requirements, check production and keep records in ...

Moffitt

COOK

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $24.04/hr

Summary The Food Service Cook works in the Food Service department supporting high quality production, safety and service of food for our patients, guests and staff. Our focus is on safety and ...

Best Pizza and Brew

Kitchen Team (Cook, Dishwasher)

Vista, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

If you enjoy preparing delicious food, providing great customer service in a cool environment, and ... Prepares batches of food that are cooked to order or kept warm until ordered and sold; this may ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsFood Service Cook JobsFood Service Cook Jobs in California

Food Service Cook information

See California salary details

$8

$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.

P/T FOOD SERVICE WORKER COOK

The GEO Group

Adelanto, CA

$24.86/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

The GEO Group rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 43 rated prisons

Job description

Overview

Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working for the industry's global leader in evidenced based rehabilitation.

Who We Are:

GEO provides complementary, turnkey solutions for numerous government partners worldwide across a spectrum of diversified correctional and community reentry services. From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and evidence-based rehabilitation to the post-release reintegration and supervision of individuals in the community, GEO offers fully diversified, cost-effective services that deliver enhanced quality and improved outcomes.

Why Work for GEO:

  • We believe that work is more than a place you go to every day. It is about being inspired and motivated to achieve extraordinary things.
  • Employee benefits play an important role in making The GEO Group a great place to work. At GEO, we believe in the three pillars of employee wellbeing: physical, emotional, and financial. With comprehensive benefits and competitive wages, we trust that you will find all the resources you need here to be successful.

Responsibilities

Summary:

Under direct supervision, this Food Service Worker/Cook is a non-security related position that performs a variety of tasks associated with the cooking, preparation and serving of foods and beverages, including but not limited to cooking meals and preparing/making salads, sauces, desserts, coffee, and tea. Responsible for standard food preparation, cooking and service work including sanitation duties, and various peripheral responsibilities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • The Food Service Worker/Cook may be required to perform any of the following food/beverage cooking and preparatory work: washing, peeling, scraping and cutting vegetables and fruits; preparing simple salads and slicing cakes and pies; making coffee, tea, and other beverages; and making sure correct recipes are extended to the facility population.

  • May be required to serve portions of food on trays or plates and pours beverages.

  • May be required to perform any of the following cleaning work: scraping, washing, and sorting dishes, glassware, and silverware; cleaning kitchen equipment, pots and pans, counters, and tables; sweeping and mopping the floor.

  • The Food Service Worker/Cook assists management in simple inventory counts and similar information needed for the placement of food and supply orders. Receives deliveries and takes inventory.

  • Responsible for the preparation of various documentation required in the food service operation including preparation and inventory pull sheets, production/service documentation, sanitation records, and meal delivery records.

  • Assists management in conducting orientation and training for staff and detainee workers.

  • Monitors and directs detainee workers in tray preparation, cleanup, sanitation, and other related duties to the operation of the food service area.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.


Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent certification required.

  • One (1) year food production experience in commercial, military, or institutional setting is preferred. Experience in the field of corrections/detainee management and prior correctional food service training is preferred.

  • Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing to maintain records, files and prepare simple reports required.

  • Must be a United States citizen.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.

What The GEO Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom