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Line Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Highly Likely

Line Cook

Ojai, CA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Line Cook duties will consist of assisting the executive and kitchen manager with their daily tasks. Responsibilities * Set up and stocking stations with all necessary supplies * Prepare food for ...

Highly Likely

Line Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Line Cook duties will consist of assisting the executive and kitchen manager with their daily tasks. Responsibilities * Set up and stocking stations with all necessary supplies * Prepare food for ...

Highly Likely

Line Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Line Cook duties will consist of assisting the executive and kitchen manager with their daily tasks. Responsibilities * Set up and stocking stations with all necessary supplies * Prepare food for ...

Highly Likely

Line Cook

Ojai, CA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Line Cook duties will consist of assisting the executive and kitchen manager with their daily tasks. Responsibilities * Set up and stocking stations with all necessary supplies * Prepare food for ...

Original Roadhouse Grill

Line Cook

Victorville, CA · On-site

$16/hr

SUMMARY The Line Cook prepares, plates and garnishes all hot appetizers and entrees. Reports To: Restaurant Manager SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES * Sets up work area, equipment and utensils. * Reads ...

Original Roadhouse Grill

Line Cook

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

SUMMARY The Line Cook prepares, plates and garnishes all hot appetizers and entrees. Reports To: Restaurant Manager SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES * Sets up work area, equipment and utensils. * Reads ...

Original Roadhouse Grill

Line Cook

Victorville, CA · On-site

$16/hr

SUMMARY The Line Cook prepares, plates and garnishes all hot appetizers and entrees. Reports To: Restaurant Manager SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES * Sets up work area, equipment and utensils. * Reads ...

Original Roadhouse Grill

Line Cook

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$18/hr

SUMMARY The Line Cook prepares, plates and garnishes all hot appetizers and entrees. Reports To: Restaurant Manager SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES * Sets up work area, equipment and utensils. * Reads ...

Original Roadhouse Grill

Line Cook

Whittier, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

Free food & snacks SUMMARY The Line Cook prepares, plates and garnishes all hot appetizers and entrees. Reports To: Restaurant Manager SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES * Sets up work area, equipment and ...

Original Roadhouse Grill

Line Cook

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

SUMMARY The Line Cook prepares, plates and garnishes all hot appetizers and entrees. Reports To: Restaurant Manager SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES * Sets up work area, equipment and utensils. * Reads ...

Original Roadhouse Grill

Line Cook

Whittier, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $17.50/hr

SUMMARY The Line Cook prepares, plates and garnishes all hot appetizers and entrees. Reports To: Restaurant Manager SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES * Sets up work area, equipment and utensils. * Reads ...

Serenite Hospitality

Line Cook

Fish Camp, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Line Cook We are seeking a skilled and experienced Line Cook to join our team. As a Line Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes to our high standards. You will ...

Careers | Il Fornaio

Line Cook

Burlingame, CA

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

Hot line cooking experience in a full service restaurant is helpful but not required. Weekends are required. Join our team for the opportunity to be promoted to Lead Line Cook, Shift Supervisor or ...

Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana

Line Cook

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Hot line cooking experience in a full service restaurant is helpful but not required. Weekends are required. Join our team for the opportunity to be promoted to Lead Line Cook, Shift Supervisor or ...

Serenite Hospitality

Line Cook

Groveland, CA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Line Cook We are seeking a skilled and experienced Line Cook to join our team. As a Line Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes to our high standards. You will ...

Serenite Hospitality

Line Cook

Upper Lake, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Line Cook We are seeking a skilled and experienced Line Cook to join our team. As a Line Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes to our high standards. You will ...

Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana

Line Cook

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Hot line cooking experience in a full service restaurant is helpful but not required. Weekends are required.Join our team for the opportunity to be promoted to Lead Line Cook, Shift Supervisor or ...

Nara Hotels, Inc.

Line Cook

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Job Overview - Line Cook We are seeking motivated, experienced, and personable Cooks to assist in the opening of a 3-meal restaurant, breakfast buffet, lobby lounge, pool lounge, café marketplace ...

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All JobsLine Cook JobsLine Cook Jobs in California

Line Cook information

See California salary details

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How much do line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for line cook in California is $16.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a line cook?

Line cooks are culinary professionals who work in restaurant kitchens, responsible for preparing and cooking food according to recipes and standards set by the chef. They typically work at specific stations along the kitchen 'line,' such as grill, sauté, or fry, ensuring each dish is cooked correctly and presented well. Line cooks must manage their time efficiently, maintain food safety standards, and communicate effectively with other kitchen staff to ensure a smooth operation during busy service periods.

What is a line cook?

A line cook is a restaurant staff member who works in the kitchen, usually working a particular station on the line during service. As a line cook, your responsibilities and duties may include setting your station mise en place, firing food to order, and plating food. Line cooks work at a station, for example, the grill or fryer, but they are cross-trained to work any position in the kitchen. Your job is to work as a team with the entire kitchen staff to prepare meals that are consistently high in quality and delivered rapidly to the front of the house.

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

To thrive as a Line Cook, you need strong culinary skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of food safety, typically gained through experience or culinary training. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and health code certifications such as ServSafe are often required. Teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to perform well under pressure are essential soft skills in this fast-paced role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality food, and a safe dining experience for customers.

What are common challenges faced by line cooks, and how can they be overcome?

Line cooks often face fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are essential. Managing multiple orders simultaneously and maintaining consistency in food quality can be challenging, especially during peak hours. Building strong communication with the kitchen team and staying organized at your station can help you overcome these challenges. Additionally, developing efficient prep habits and staying calm under pressure will contribute to your success as a line cook.

What is the difference between Line Cook vs Prep Cook?

AspectLine CookPrep Cook
ResponsibilitiesPrepares menu items during service, follows recipes, manages stationPrepares ingredients, washes, chops, and preps food for cooking
Work EnvironmentKitchen during service hours, fast-pacedKitchen during prep hours, less hectic
CredentialsFood handler’s permit often required, culinary training optionalFood handler’s permit, basic culinary skills
Industry UsageCommonly employed in restaurants, hotels, cateringFound in similar settings, supports line cooks

While both roles work in kitchens and require food safety knowledge, a Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service, whereas a Prep Cook focuses on preparing ingredients beforehand. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Do line cooks make money?

Line cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location, experience, and establishment, with many earning between minimum wage and $15-$20 per hour. Some may receive tips, which can significantly increase total earnings, especially in busy restaurants. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in high-end or high-volume kitchens.

How to get hired as a line cook?

To get hired as a line cook, candidates should have basic cooking skills, knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation, and experience with kitchen equipment. Preparing a resume highlighting relevant experience and certifications, such as food safety training, can improve chances. Applying directly to restaurants or through job boards and demonstrating a strong work ethic are also important steps.
More about Line Cook jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Line Cook jobs in California?

The most popular types of Line Cook jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Line Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Line Cook job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Line Cook jobs in CA?

For Line Cook jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Line Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Line Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,116 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Line Cook

Highly Likely

Ojai, CA • On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Job brief

We are looking for a professional Line Cook to prepare food to the exact chef's specifications and to set up stations for menu. Line Cook duties will consist of assisting the executive and kitchen manager with their daily tasks.

Responsibilities
  • Set up and stocking stations with all necessary supplies
  • Prepare food for service (e.g. chopping vegetables, butchering meat, or preparing sauces)
  • Cook menu items in cooperation with the rest of the kitchen staff
  • Answer, report and follow kitchen manager's instructions
  • Clean up station and take care of leftover food
  • Stock inventory appropriately
  • Ensure that food comes out simultaneously, in high quality and in a timely fashion
  • Comply with nutrition and sanitation regulations and safety standards
  • Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers and customers
Requirements and skills
  • Proven cooking experience, including experience as a Line Chef, Restaurant Cook or Prep Cook
  • Excellent understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and procedures
  • Accuracy and speed in executing assigned tasks
  • Familiar with industry's best practices
Frequently asked questionsWhat does a Line Cook do?

A Line Cook prepares food and makes sure Servers deliver each dish to customers in a timely manner. A Line Cook is responsible for that station's workflow and getting meals out on time. They oversee the cooking process from start to finish and determine how much time each step requires.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a Line Cook?

Line Cooks must know all the steps for their station to time their food preparation steps correctly. They get food and components ready for cooking by frying, grilling, baking, or sauteing. A Line Cook must set up and stock their cooking area with all the essential items.

What makes a good Line Cook?

A successful Line Cook pays close attention to detail and utilizes active listening skills to follow the process their Kitchen Manager provides. They always keep their station clean, tidy, and well-stocked to ensure food safety and high-quality dishes.

Who does a Line Cook work with?

A Line Cook works with the Kitchen Manager and other Line Cooks. The Chef will give the Line Cook their duties and assignments at the start of the shift. Line Cooks also work with other Line Cooks to sync preparation times and ensure food makes it out of the kitchen on time.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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