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Lead Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lytton Rancheria

Lead Cook

San Pablo, CA · On-site

$25/hr

The lead cook will also ensure that necessary supplies are available to other cooks. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (include but not limited to the following) * Monitors or adjusts daily ...

Discovery Land Company

Market Lead Cook

La Quinta, CA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

The Market Lead Cook is responsible for preparing and executing high-quality food items in a Luxury Private Club market or food service environment. This role ensures food quality, consistency ...

Sodexo

Lead Cook

Orange, CA

$20 - $25.79/hr

Lead Cook Location: CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY - 52404002 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Lead Cook

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$7.25 - $25.79/hr

Lead Cook Location: Manufacturing Company - 48902001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Lead Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$7.25 - $30.22/hr

Lead Cook Location: Nourish - 79488001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Lead Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Lead Cook Location: BRITISH AIRWAYS LOUNGE - SFO - 30193001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours, and rotating weekends. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Lead Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$30.22/hr

Lead Cook Location: Nourish - 79488001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Lead Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Lead Cook Location: AMERICAN EXPRESS LOUNGE - LAX - 48897011 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

New

Sodexo

Lead Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Lead Cook Location: BRITISH AIRWAYS LOUNGE - SFO - 30193001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours, and rotating weekends. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Lead Cook

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

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 ...

SodexoMagic

Lead Cook

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

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 ...

Sodexo

Lead Cook

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$20 - $25.79/hr

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 ...

Stoneridge Creek

Cook III [Lead Cook]

Pleasanton, CA

$28 - $30/hr

Cook III / Lead Cook Location: Stoneridge Creek Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours/week w. 2 days off Shifts: Mon- Sat.11:30 AM - 8:00 PM, Sun 7:30am-4:00pm (varied schedule, weekends and holidays ...

UHS

LEAD COOK

Madera, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Responsibilities POSITION SUMMARY The lead cook is responsible for the preparation of meals for patients and facility staff in accordance with approved menu cycles and production sheets, providing ...

lunagrill

Lead Cook 2

La Canada Flintridge, 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 ...

The Bridges Golf Club

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 ...

UHS

LEAD COOK

Madera, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Responsibilities POSITION SUMMARY The lead cook is responsible for the preparation of meals for patients and facility staff in accordance with approved menu cycles and production sheets, providing ...

Sodexo

Lead Cook

Orange, CA · On-site

$20 - $25.79/hr

Lead Cook Location: CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY - 52404002 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Lead Cook

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$20 - $25.79/hr

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 ...

Sodexo

Lead Cook

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$20 - $25.79/hr

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 ...

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All JobsLead Cook JobsLead Cook Jobs in California

Lead Cook information

See California salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.

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.

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 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.

More about Lead Cook jobs

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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:

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Cities in California with the most Lead Cook job openings:

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Lead Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,455 per year, or $19 per hour.

Lead Cook

Lytton Rancheria

San Pablo, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Monitor and adjust daily kitchen assignments and work schedules for team members.

  • Oversee food preparation, ensure quality, and approve all preparations before they leave the kitchen.

  • Coordinate inventory, requisitions, and receipt of food items, especially meat and poultry.

Job description

SUMMARY: 

To provide the most responsive, knowledgeable, and courteous service possible through assuming production activity in the kitchen. Monitors kitchen preparations. Serves as a communication liaison between the other shifts and management, monitoring to ensure that work assignments, breaks, and meal periods occur as dictated by the schedule. The lead cook will also ensure that necessary supplies are available to other cooks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (include but not limited to the following)

  • Monitors or adjusts daily assignments for all kitchen team members; monitor entrance and departure times of team members.
  • Tests and approves all preparations with the Asian Cuisine Chef, Executive Sous Chef or Executive Chef before they leave the kitchen.
  • Responsible in coordinating the Accurate Ticket Time and Food Quality.
  • Monitors setup work for the kitchen and all food line.
  • Must learn/know all food container sizes in order to fill out requisition properly.
  • Work closely with the kitchen management in specifying and selecting meat.
  • Double-checks the receipt of meat and poultry of specification.
  • Controls the distribution and inventory of meat and food items, and fills out requisition sheets.
  • Consults and advises with the Management on any changes.
  • Oversees and monitors all food preparation in the production kitchen.
  • Assumes responsibility for kitchen in absence of Executive Chef and Asian Cuisine Chef.
  • Ensures that all customers are provided with the most responsive, knowledgeable and courteous service possible.
  • Contribute suggestions and observations on the efficient and effective operation of the department and casino.
  • Complies with all the rules and regulations of the casino and those specific to the department.
  • While the Lead Cook will not be allowed to directly discipline other cooks, he/she will report to the Management any violations of rules, acts of insubordination, or other infractions of company policy, at which time Management may investigate and take action as deemed necessary.
  • Observes all work and craft rules outlined in the respective Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  • Observes all safety rules and regulations. Reports any and all accidents, safety hazards or potential safety hazards to Manager or Security Department immediately.
  • Adheres to the dress code, grooming and hygiene standards. Maintains the cleanliness and professional presentation of workstation.
  • Attends all mandatory department meetings and training session.
  • Familiar with proper preparation of most international and domestic dishes.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and implement daily prep sheets with the Executive Chef.
  • Ability to fill out required paper work.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Good working knowledge of the fundamentals of hot food preparation.
  • Good working knowledge of accepted standards of sanitation.
  • Knowledge of operating all kitchen equipment i.e. stove ovens, broilers, slicers, steamers, kettles, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

  • The team member must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

  • Any combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. High school Diploma preferred. Culinary or apprenticeship program preferred.
  • Must have at least one-year proficient full time (40 hours week) work experience on hot line and must be technically proficient.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other team members of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY 

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

Ability to obtain any government required licenses or certificates.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 
  • While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to back of the house and office areas to moderate on the Gaming floor.
  • Should be able to adapt well to the casino environment, involving large numbers of people, loud and continuous high noise level. Must also be able to psychologically handle the concepts of persons occupying an establishment for the purposes of gambling, drinking, and eating.