1

Hospital Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hospital Cook

Glendora, CA · On-site

$24/hr

We are looking for a full time cook. This position is responsible for performing a variety of duties relevant to the food service operations in the Hospital Cafeteria. Weekends and holidays are ...

La Palma Intercommunity Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, offers incredible opportunities to ... Two (2) years experience in food service with commercial, institutional cooking experience ...

Garden Grove Hospital Medical Center, a member of Prime Healthcare, offers incredible opportunities ... Two (2) years experience in food service with commercial, institutional cooking experience ...

Cook - Per Diem

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$21 - $27.32/hr

COOK Vista Specialty Hospital Cook Summary: Prepares and serves food using proper food handling and food safety techniques for patients, employees and special events, resulting in foods that taste ...

Part-Time Cook - Hospital | Location: Stockton, CA 95203 Compensation: $23 per hour| Full-Time Schedule: Flexibility required; Work schedule will include nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Job ...

COOK

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Responsibilities BHC Alhambra Hospital Cook - Per Diem Are you caring, compassionate and hardworking? Apply today to join our amazing team! Schedule: Monday-Friday 3:00-7:00 pm Weekends as needed for ...

COOK

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Responsibilities BHC Alhambra Hospital Cook - Per Diem Are you caring, compassionate and hardworking? Apply today to join our amazing team! Schedule: Monday-Friday 3:00-7:00 pm Weekends as needed for ...

COOK

Rosemead, CA

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Responsibilities BHC Alhambra Hospital Cook - Per Diem Are you caring, compassionate and hardworking? Apply today to join our amazing team! Schedule: Monday-Friday 3:00-7:00 pm Weekends as needed for ...

Cook - Healthcare

Fresno, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Job Summary As a hospital Cook , you'll prepare nutritious, comforting meals that support patient recovery and nourish staff and visitors. You'll work in a collaborative kitchen environment ...

Cook - Healthcare

Fresno, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Job Summary As a hospital Cook , you'll prepare nutritious, comforting meals that support patient recovery and nourish staff and visitors. You'll work in a collaborative kitchen environment ...

Job Summary As a hospital Cook , you'll prepare nutritious, comforting meals that support patient recovery and nourish staff and visitors. You'll work in a collaborative kitchen environment ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Hospital Cook information

See California salary details

$5

$15

$19

How much do hospital cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for hospital cook in California is $15.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Hospital Cook?

The responsibilities of a hospital cook are similar to those of a chef working in any restaurant. However, strict adherence to nutritional requirements and healthcare plans are essential for all patients. As a hospital cook, your duties include working in a cafeteria and helping craft a menu that caters to various dietary requirements. You complete food preparation each morning and determine each meal plan, with help from doctors and nurses. You proportion meals onto trays based on provided instructions and ensure meals are delivered on time so that patients can take their medications. You also ensure that produce and other foods are rotated in a timely fashion to ensure freshness.

How much money do hospital chefs make?

Hospital cooks, also known as hospital food service workers or dietary aides, typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the hospital size and the complexity of food preparation required in healthcare settings.

What are hospital cooks?

Hospital cooks are food service professionals responsible for preparing meals for patients, staff, and visitors in a hospital setting. They follow specific dietary guidelines to accommodate various medical conditions and nutritional needs. Hospital cooks work as part of a team to ensure that food is safe, nutritious, and meets the standards set by healthcare providers. Their duties often include planning menus, cooking in large quantities, and maintaining cleanliness and food safety in the kitchen.

What is the difference between Hospital Cook vs Hospital Dietary Aide?

AspectHospital CookHospital Dietary Aide
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingFood safety training, basic dietary knowledge
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food prep areasDining areas, patient rooms, food service stations
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing meals, menu planning, cookingServing meals, assisting with food distribution, cleaning
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, long-term care, healthcare settings

Hospital Cooks focus on preparing and cooking meals according to dietary guidelines, requiring culinary skills and certifications. Dietary Aides assist with meal service and patient food distribution, often with less emphasis on cooking. Both roles are essential in hospital food service but differ mainly in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What are some common challenges Hospital Cooks face when preparing meals for patients with diverse dietary needs?

Hospital Cooks often encounter the challenge of accommodating a wide range of dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences while ensuring meals are both nutritious and appealing. They must strictly follow guidelines provided by dietitians and nutritionists, which can include preparing low-sodium, gluten-free, or diabetic-friendly options. Balancing these requirements while maintaining food safety standards and meeting tight meal schedules requires strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Effective communication with the dietary team and adaptability are key to success in this role.

What does a cook do at a hospital?

A hospital cook prepares and cooks meals for patients, staff, and visitors, ensuring dietary restrictions and nutritional needs are met. They follow specific menus, maintain food safety standards, and often work in a fast-paced environment requiring attention to hygiene and proper food handling. Certification in food safety may be required.

What is a hospital cook called?

A hospital cook is typically referred to as a dietary aide, food service worker, or hospital cook. They prepare meals according to dietary guidelines, often working in a hospital kitchen environment and following food safety standards. Certification in food handling may be required depending on the facility.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Hospital cooks typically do not earn $4,000 a week; most earn lower wages. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree include certain sales roles, real estate agents, commercial pilots, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers with experience. These positions often require specialized skills, certifications, or licenses rather than formal degrees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hospital Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hospital Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often a food handler’s certification or related training. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, dietary management systems, and inventory tools is typical for the role. Strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with staff and patients set standout candidates apart. These competencies ensure safe, nutritious meals are prepared efficiently, supporting patient health and meeting strict healthcare standards.
What are popular job titles related to Hospital Cook jobs in California? For Hospital Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hospital Cook jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Hospital Cook jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Hospital Cook jobs? Cities in California with the most Hospital Cook job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Hospital Cook jobs in CA? For Hospital Cook jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Hospital Cook job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,925 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Hospital Cook

Glendora Hospital

Glendora, CA • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 hours ago


Job description

College Medical Center is proud to be part of College Health and is expanding rapidly. We are dedicated to the highest quality of customer services delivered with a sense of warmth friendliness and organizational pride. Become part of a team that provides a respectful environment, flexibility, a tight knit group and autonomy to utilize your knowledge and experience.

We are looking for a full time cook. This position is responsible for performing a variety of duties relevant to the food service operations in the Hospital Cafeteria. Weekends and holidays are required.

  • Setting up service lines, pre-plating foods, preparation of meals, cooking, working the grill, and serving hospital staff.

  • Review menus, production sheets, recipes and tallied items to verify needs for the day.

  • Bake, roast, grill, boil and steam meat, fish, vegetables and other foods as required.

  • Clean, peel, cut, slice, dice, weigh and measure ingredients as required.

  • Plate and/or garnish food for attractive presentation.

JOB SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Follows proper procedure and food safety procedures for receiving food and supplies.

  • Properly stores food and supplies following established procedures.

  • Follows quantity recipes.

  • Properly cooks and holds foods at the proper temperature.

  • Properly thaws hazardous food / meat storage.

  • Monitors all refrigeration, ensuring accurate labeling and dating.

  • Prepares special and therapeutic diets according to recipes and procedures.

  • Reads meal tally’s and patient meal tickets accurately to account for varying textures and allergies.

  • Identifies PI measures, as well as follows sanitization, TJC and facility policies and procedures.

  • Demonstrates awareness of, and adherence to, safety and legal requirements established at the facility and department level, as well as demonstrating a competence in the provision of care specific to the age and understanding of the patients.

  • Completes and submits appropriate reports, tasks, assignments and activities in a consistent and timely manner. If requested by Director, serves on facility committees, task forces and work group.

  • Completes follow-up activities thoroughly and in a timely manner.

  • Demonstrates respectful communication with all staff at all times.

  • Reports directly to Dietary Supervisor and Director.

  • Attends and participates in monthly In-Service trainings.

  • Maintain employee/patient confidentiality according to HIPPA guidelines.

Placement in the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications. In addition to base pay, there may be additional compensation available for CMC roles, including but not limited to shift differential and other special pay practices, etc. The posted compensation for the position is a reasonable estimate that extends from the lowest to the highest pay that CMC in good faith believes it might pay for this particular job, based on the circumstances at the time of posting.


EEO Statement

All College Medical Center subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. College Medical Center subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  

Notice

We are aware of a scam whereby imposters are posing as Recruiters from College Medical Center, and our subsidiary hospitals and facilities. Beware of anyone requesting financial or personal information.

At College Medical Center and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skill set and experience with the best possible career path at College Medical Center and our subsidiaries. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (e.g., Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. Our recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc. Email correspondence will come from the domains @collegemedicalcenter.com or @glendorahospital.com.

If you suspect a fraudulent job posting or job-related email mentioning College Medical Center or its subsidiaries, we encourage you to report such concerns to appropriate law enforcement. We encourage you to refer to legitimate College Medical Center  subsidiary career websites to verify job opportunities and not rely on unsolicited calls from recruiters.