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Lead Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lead Cook Location: ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN UPA, PASADENA - 31524001 Workdays/shifts : Afternoon/evenings - varying days, and rotating weekends. More details will be provided during the ...

Lead Cook

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$20 - $25.79/hr

Lead Cook Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time ...

Lead Cook

Foster City, CA

$18.50 - $25.79/hr

Lead Cook Location: GILEAD SCIENCES HQ, FOSTER CITY - 95945001 Workdays/shifts : Weekdays - morning shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Lead Cook Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Lead Cook Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours, and rotating weekends. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay ...

Lead Cook

Foster City, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $25.79/hr

Lead Cook Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts : Weekdays - morning shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $18.50 - $25.79 ...

Lead Cook

San Ramon, CA

$16.90 - $22/hr

Lead Cook SUMMARY This position coordinates culinary activities within the kitchen with primary responsibility for coordinating the daily operations of the kitchen line, including, but not limited to ...

Lead Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Lead Cook Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Lead Cook

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Lead Cook Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Lead Cook Location: EDISON INTERNATIONAL UPA, ROSEMEAD - 65122001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Lead Cook Location: CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY-SAN MARCOS - 16631009 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Lead Cook

Palos Verdes Estates, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Opportunity for advancement Job Summary We are seeking a Lead Cook to join the team at our busy restaurant. In this position, you will be responsible for the shifts team while using high-quality ...

Lead Cook 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Join Our Team as a Lead Cook II Opportunities in California , Texas & Arizona Are you ready to be the backbone of our kitchen? At Luna Grill , we're looking for Lead Cook Level 2s to oversee ...

Lead Cook 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Join Our Team as a Lead Cook II Opportunities in California , Texas & Arizona Are you ready to be the backbone of our kitchen? At Luna Grill , we're looking for Lead Cook Level 2s to oversee ...

Join Our Team as a Lead Cook II Opportunities in California , Texas & Arizona Are you ready to be the backbone of our kitchen? At Luna Grill , we're looking for Lead Cook Level 2s to oversee ...

Join Our Team as a Lead Cook II Opportunities in California , Texas & Arizona Are you ready to be the backbone of our kitchen? At Luna Grill , we're looking for Lead Cook Level 2s to oversee ...

* We are hiring immediately for full time LEAD COOK positions. * Location : 350 Ellis Street, Mountain View, CA, 94043. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time; Monday through ...

Lead Cook

Yountville, CA · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Position Summary - Pay Range $26.00 - $29.00/hour DOE Lead Cook is a seasoned professional, responsible for overseeing the preparation of all food items, based on standardized recipes, while ...

Lead Cook

Duarte, CA

$18 - $23/hr

The Lead Cook will accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for various meal periods: to include Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Special ...

Lead Cook

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Cook food as ordered, working on several different orders simultaneously. * Inventory food items and report on supplies to be ordered. * Control inventory for loss, waste and spoilage. * Clean food ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Cook information

See California salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead cook in California is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead cook?

A lead cook is the head of the kitchen who oversees restaurant operations and the other cooks. As a lead cook, you work closely with restaurant managers, cooks, and front of house staff to coordinate food preparation and ensure the operations of the dining facility are running smoothly. Depending on the work environment, you may create menu dishes, order food supplies and equipment, review food and beverage purchases, and train other cooks. You typically need to gain several years of experience working as a line cook before beginning a career as a lead cook. Educational requirements vary, but professional training through vocational programs, culinary institutes, and degree programs may offer a competitive edge. Additional qualifications include excellent knowledge of cuisine, communication and organizational skills, and the ability to lead and manage others.

How does a lead cook typically collaborate with kitchen staff and management to ensure smooth kitchen operations?

A Lead Cook plays a central role in coordinating kitchen activities by communicating clearly with line cooks, prep staff, and servers to ensure that dishes are prepared correctly and timely. They work closely with management to implement menu changes, manage inventory, and uphold food safety standards. Effective collaboration involves training team members, delegating tasks based on skill level, and addressing any issues that arise during service. This teamwork not only keeps the kitchen running efficiently but also fosters a positive work environment.

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

To thrive as a Lead Cook, you need strong culinary skills, experience with food preparation, kitchen management, and often a culinary degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety systems, and inventory management software is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and the ability to work under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and a positive team environment in fast-paced settings.

What is the difference between Lead Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectLead CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentKitchen leadership, supervising staff, managing kitchen operationsPreparing dishes on the line, following recipes, working under supervision
ResponsibilitiesOversees kitchen staff, ensures quality, manages inventoryPrepares specific dishes, maintains station, follows head chef instructions

The main difference between a Lead Cook and a Line Cook is that the Lead Cook has supervisory responsibilities and oversees kitchen operations, while the Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes at their station. Lead Cooks often have more experience and may be responsible for training staff, whereas Line Cooks execute specific tasks within the kitchen. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Lead Cook's role includes leadership and management duties.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Cook jobs in California? For Lead Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Cook jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Cook jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lead Cook jobs? Cities in California with the most Lead Cook job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Cook jobs in CA? For Lead Cook jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lead Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,455 per year, or $19 per hour.

$20 - $25/hr

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Re-posted 24 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 482 rated business services


Job description

Lead Cook


Location: ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN UPA, PASADENA - 31524001

Workdays/shifts: Afternoon/evenings - varying days, and rotating weekends. More details will be provided during the interview process.

Employment Type: Full-time

Pay Range: $20 per hour - $25 per hour


Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. 


What You’ll Do: As a Lead Cook at Sodexo, you are a team player and food waste reducer. You’ll prepare and create nutritious dishes while putting customer service at the heart of everything you do. Your passion for food and warm smile will make a positive impact and brighten the day of those you serve.


Responsibilities include:

  • Accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for various meal periods, may include Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Special/Catered Events.
  • Read and follow basic recipes and/or product directions for preparing various food items
  • May prepare food and serve customers at an a la carte and/or operate a grill station
  • May support management in the daily oversight of key functions and employees during the normal course of business
  • Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity
  • Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements.


What You Bring:

  • Successful candidates will be team-oriented, adaptable, reliable, and nurturers of a healthy/safe working environment for all.
  • 3 – 4 years of related work experience preferred


Link to full Job description 


What We Offer:

  • Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life’s important moments.
  • Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career
  • Full array of benefits that support you and your family’s wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more. 
  • In addition to Sodexo’s standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free “shift” meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking. 


Link to benefits summary


Overall, Sodexo strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo’s benefit offerings during the interview process. 


Who we are:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. 


Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form. 




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