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Home Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CHILDRENS RECEIVING HOME

Campus Cook

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Work cooperatively with the group home Residential Staff as an advisor to them regarding food ... Two years' experience cooking for and serving large groups of people is preferred. * School lunch ...

Corky's Kitchen & Bakery

Cook

Fontana, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

We are actively seeking a dedicated and skilled Line Cook to become an integral part of our home style cook team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate cook who thrives in a fast-paced ...

PACS

Cook

Placerville, CA · On-site

$19/hr

🍽️ Full-Time Cook - The Pines at Placerville Health Care Center 🍽️ 📍 1040 Marshall Way ... Why You'll Love Working With Us At The Pines, we believe mealtimes should feel like home. You'll be ...

MOMOFUKU

BOH Line Cook Commis

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.87/hr

... home cooks. About Super Peach by Momofuku Super Peach by Momofuku is a new restaurant opening in later this year at Westfield Century City. Part of the larger Momofuku family, Super Peach is an ...

DKN HOTEL GROUP

Cook

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Cook food as ordered, working on several different orders simultaneously. * Inventory food items ... Deliver DKN's "Home Away From Home" experience *Management retains the discretion to add or change ...

DKN HOTEL GROUP

Cook

Oxnard, CA

$18 - $21/hr

Cook food as ordered, working on several different orders simultaneously. * Inventory food items ... Deliver DKN's "Home Away From Home" experience *Management retains the discretion to add or change ...

Corky's Kitchen & Bakery

Line Cook

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

We are actively seeking a dedicated and skilled Line Cook to become an integral part of our home style cook team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate cook who thrives in a fast-paced ...

PRS Management, Inc.

Cook

Davis, CA · On-site

$17 - $20.91/hr

The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of cooking experience ... We are not a nursing home or retirement community. At our luxury, resort-like community, we are ...

THE OC LLC

Line Cook

San Diego, CA

$16.75 - $21/hr

Home & Away is looking for an ambitious Prep/Line Cook to join our team. We take the preparation and execution of our craft very seriously. You will perform routine kitchen tasks such as setting up ...

THE OC LLC

Line Cook

San Diego, CA

$16.75 - $21/hr

Home & Away is looking for an ambitious Prep/Line Cook to join our team. We take the preparation and execution of our craft very seriously. You will perform routine kitchen tasks such as setting up ...

West River Hospitality

Line Cook

Truckee, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

... like home, warm, generous, and worth slowing down for. That's why we cook with care, source with intention, and treat hospitality like a craft. Whether you're a regular or just passing through, we ...

WELLSPACE HEALTH

Cook

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$23 - $29.43/hr

Cook Department/Care Stream: Substance Use Disorder Residential and Withdrawal Management LIA ... Further, it is certified by the Joint Commission as a Primary Care Medical Home and a Behavioral ...

Embark Behavioral Health

Cook

San Martin, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

As the Cook, you will have the unique opportunity to prepare quality food, create a home like atmosphere, while fostering trusting relationships with our students and team. Join us at Embark at our ...

Embark Behavioral Health

Cook

San Martin, CA

$24 - $26/hr

As the Cook, you will have the unique opportunity to prepare quality food, create a home like atmosphere, while fostering trusting relationships with our students and team. Join us at Embark at our ...

Embark Behavioral Health

Cook

San Martin, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

As the Cook, you will have the unique opportunity to prepare quality food, create a home like atmosphere, while fostering trusting relationships with our students and team. Join us at Embark at our ...

Embark Behavioral Health

Cook

San Martin, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

As the Cook, you will have the unique opportunity to prepare quality food, create a home like atmosphere, while fostering trusting relationships with our students and team. Join us at Embark at our ...

WELLSPACE HEALTH

Cook

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$23 - $29.43/hr

Cook Department/Care Stream: Substance Use Disorder Residential and Withdrawal Management LIA ... Further, it is certified by the Joint Commission as a Primary Care Medical Home and a Behavioral ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsHome Cook JobsHome Cook Jobs in California

Home Cook information

See California salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do home cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for home 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 is a home cook?

Home cooks are individuals who prepare and cook meals primarily in their own homes, rather than in professional kitchens or restaurants. They may cook for themselves, their families, or friends, and often experiment with recipes, cuisines, and cooking techniques. Home cooks may be motivated by a love of food, a desire to eat healthier, or the enjoyment of creating meals from scratch. Unlike professional chefs, home cooks do not typically receive formal culinary training but develop their skills through practice, research, and shared family traditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a home cook?

To thrive as a Home Cook, you need a strong grasp of basic cooking techniques, food safety knowledge, and meal planning skills, typically developed through self-learning or culinary classes. Familiarity with kitchen appliances, utensils, and recipe management apps is beneficial. Creativity, time management, and adaptability help you create enjoyable meals and handle unexpected challenges in the kitchen. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and satisfying meal preparation for yourself and others.

What are some typical challenges home cooks face when preparing meals for clients, and how can they be addressed?

Home cooks often encounter challenges such as accommodating diverse dietary preferences, managing time efficiently, and ensuring food safety when preparing meals for clients. To address these, it's helpful to maintain clear communication with clients about their dietary needs, plan menus in advance, and stay organized with prep lists. Additionally, following proper food handling guidelines and investing in quality storage containers can help ensure meals are both safe and delicious. Building strong relationships with local suppliers can also support sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients.

What is the difference between Home Cook vs Personal Chef?

AspectHome CookPersonal Chef
CredentialsNone required, cooking skills often self-taught or informalMay have culinary training or certifications
Work EnvironmentHome kitchens, personal settingsClient homes, private events
Employer & IndustryIndividuals or familiesHigh-net-worth clients, private households
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Home Cooks typically prepare meals for their own families or friends without formal training, working in home kitchens. Personal Chefs, on the other hand, often have culinary certifications and work professionally in clients' homes, providing personalized meal services. While both roles involve cooking in private settings, Personal Chefs usually offer tailored menus and may have formal culinary backgrounds, making them distinct in credentials and service scope.

How much do home cooks make in the US?

Home cooks in the US typically do not earn a formal salary, as many work informally or part-time, often earning minimum wage or tips if working in restaurants or catering. Those who operate their own catering or meal prep services may set their own prices, with earnings varying widely based on experience, location, and client base.

What are the duties of a home cook?

A home cook prepares meals by planning menus, selecting ingredients, and cooking food according to recipes or personal preferences. They may also handle food safety, kitchen organization, and cleaning to maintain a hygienic cooking environment. Basic cooking skills and knowledge of food handling are essential for this role.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Home Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Home Cook job openings:

Home Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Home Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,903 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Campus Cook

CHILDRENS RECEIVING HOME

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:
The Campus Cook is responsible for preparing and serving attractive, nutritionally balanced meals for the children. This position is responsible for maintaining high standards of quality food production and portion control using standard recipes and for appropriate quantities of food needed to meet menu requirements. In addition to assisting the children during their mealtimes, encouraging, and teaching portion control, the Campus Cook encourages the children to try new foods and observe basic nutrition habits as they make their own salads from a selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
The Campus Cook will possess a Food Handler Certificate, following all guidelines set forth by Community Care Licensing, USDA National Breakfast & Lunch School Program. This position also performs a variety of maintenance tasks such as sweeping, light mopping, and maintaining refrigerators, freezers, and storerooms in a neat and clean order. In the absence of the Kitchen Supervisor, this position may be responsible for the food service department.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Food Preparation and Serving
  • Under direction of the Kitchen Supervisor, plans, prepares and serves attractive and nutritionally balanced meals for the children, promoting and reinforcing good nutritional habits; trying new foods, portion control and a balanced diet.
  • Utilize Production Worksheets to plan proper amounts of ingredients to prepare menu items sufficient for the number of clients to be served.
  • Adhere to ingredients, measurements and cooking methods as stated on the recipes to meet the nutritional requirements (maintain 30% total fat content of meals).
  • Ensure that food supplies are securely stored.
  • Meet Title 22 sanitation requirements, including but not limited to:
    • Wear proper cooking attire (i.e., apron, hat or hair net, gloves, etc.).
    • Instruct others to wear proper attire during food handling.
    • Uses proper dishwashing methods.
    • Cleans kitchen areas after each meal is served.
  • Alert the Kitchen Supervisor or Maintenance Department to maintenance requests asking for unsafe equipment to be removed and/or assistance with cleaning difficult to clean food preparation areas.
  • Assist the Kitchen Supervisor with ordering food and supplies as necessary.

Supervision of Children
  • Provides direct childcare to the clients, reinforcing safety and sanitation while providing supervision and guidelines to clients while working in the kitchen.
  • Provide supervision to children who are assigned to assist in meal preparation. Responsible for creating

a favorable group climate in which the child's safety, emotional nurturing and healthy development are of primary concern.
  • Assist children in understanding nutritional principles, work ethics, safety, and basic job skills.
  • Work cooperatively with the group home Residential Staff as an advisor to them regarding food preparation of all meals on the menu.
  • Provides the following specialized services while maintaining the parental function of safety and supervision of all children working in his/her area:
    • Trains and assists clients with life skills such as how to prepare nutritious meals and food safety.
    • Acts as a supervisor and role model to children while working together to accomplish the above job duties.
    • Intervene in crisis situations as learned in Agency approved Crisis Intervention training to ensure the safety of clients and staff.

Other
  • Attends staff training as required.
  • Attends appropriate staff meetings as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Ability to work varied hours including nights, weekends, and holidays. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education/Experience:
Required
  • Must possess a valid California Driver's License. Must be able to meet the Agency's fleet rules and be eligible to drive for business. The Agency's insurance carrier reserves the right to exclude applicant based on their driving record.
  • Must have a clean Driving Record.
  • A High School Diploma or GED is required.
  • Two years' experience cooking for and serving large groups of people is preferred.
  • School lunch experience is preferred.
  • Licenses, Certifications, Registrations:
  • Food Handlers Certification required within the first three months of employment.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must pass First Aid certification course before start of employment. Certification can be completed through the Children's Receiving Home.
  • Must pass CPR within the first six weeks of employment.
  • Must pass Bloodborne Pathogens and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) certification courses offered through the Children's Receiving Home within the first three months of employment.
  • Must maintain TCI, CPR, First Aid and BBP Certification throughout employment.
  • Must complete online Mandated Reporter Training within first week of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Abilities:
  • Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
  • Must possess a valid California Driver's License. Must be able to meet the Agency's rules and be eligible to drive for business. The Agency's insurance carrier reserves the right to exclude applicants based on their driving record.
  • Knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and web browsers effectively.
  • Knowledge of recipe development, general nutrition, and large quantity food preparation.
  • Thorough knowledge of Title 22 and OSHA regulations related to safety and sanitation for food service.
  • Knowledge of the CDE Meal Program requirements with respect to adherence to menus, recipes and portion size.
  • Knowledge of and ability to apply basic food preparation methods.
  • Ability to maintain all equipment used in cooking, food preparation, food storage and cleaning/sanitation in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Ability to adapt to changes (i.e., food substitutions and numbers served).

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