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Line Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

  • Medical

Yang's Kitchen Line Cook Overview Company Mission At Yang's Kitchen, we cook Asian American cuisine with intention, rooted in seasonal, local, and ethically grown ingredients. Every day, we strive to ...

Line Cook

Sonora, CA · On-site

$17/hr

We are looking for Line Cooks who want to make great money and have fun while cooking for our guests! The Line Cooks will assist the Chef/Kitchen Manager in preparing food for all food outlets on the ...

Line Cook

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

PM Line Cook Camden Spit & Larder | Sacramento, CA Camden Spit & Larder is looking for an experienced PM Line Cook to join our dinner service team. We're an independently owned restaurant focused on ...

Line Cook

Sacramento, CA

$16.75 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

PM Line Cook Camden Spit & Larder | Sacramento, CA Camden Spit & Larder is looking for an experienced PM Line Cook to join our dinner service team. We're an independently owned restaurant focused on ...

Line Cook

Sierra Madre, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Line Cook Job Responsibilities: * Sets up and stocks food items and other necessary supplies. * Prepares food items by cutting, chopping, mixing, and preparing sauces. * Cooks food items by grilling ...

The Line Cooks prepare our wide array of food offerings with care and consistency. Line cooks impact the dining experience immensely as the responsibility of quality food preparation of the majority ...

Line Cook

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

Line Cook We are looking for an experienced Line cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our kitchen. We are looking for someone to work as a team ...

Line Cook

Roseville, CA · On-site

$21.90 - $23.90/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Pay Rate: $16.90 - $18.90/hr With Tips: $21.90 - $23.90/hr Line Cooks are invited to join the Burger Lounge team! Tips average $4-6 on top of the hourly rate. With our Instant Pay benefit, you work ...

Line Cook

Del Mar, CA · On-site

$22.10 - $24.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Pay Rate With Tips: $22.10 - $24.10/hr Line Cooks are invited to join the Burger Lounge team! Tips average $4-6 on top of the hourly rate. With our Instant Pay benefit, you work today and get paid ...

Line Cook

Northridge, CA · On-site

$23.42 - $25.42/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Pay Rate With Tips: $23.42- $25.42/hr Line Cooks are invited to join the Burger Lounge team! Tips average $4-6 on top of the hourly rate. With our Instant Pay benefit, you work today and get paid ...

LINE COOK

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $16.90/hr

Line Cook Position Overview: The Line Cook is responsible for preparing dishes according to the restaurant's recipes and standards. The ideal candidate works efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen, has ...

Line Cook

El Macero, CA · On-site

$18/hr

We are looking for Line Cooks who want to make great money and have fun while cooking for our guests. Summary: The Line Cooks will assist the Chef/Kitchen Manager in preparing food for all food ...

Line Cook

Northridge, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

The Line Cook plays a critical role in the kitchen by preparing and cooking high-quality dishes in a fast-paced environment, ensuring that all meals meet the restaurant's standards for taste ...

Line Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$22.60 - $24.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Pay Rate: $17.60 - $19.60/hr With Tips: $22.60 - $24.60/hr Line Cooks are invited to join the Burger Lounge team! Tips average $4-6 on top of the hourly rate. With our Instant Pay benefit, you work ...

Line Cook

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Brief The Line Cook is a self-starter with leadership qualities who thrives in a fast paced, growing environment. Pay range: $19.00-$23.00 Santa Monica Seafood Company is looking to hire ...

Line Cook

Chino Hills, CA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

The Line Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Line Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Line Cook

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

We are looking for a Line Cook with remarkable hard skills and engaging people skills. The right person for this job should be able to multitask. Our restaurant prides itself in providing excellent ...

Showing results 21-40

Line Cook information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$21

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.

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:

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

Yang's Kitchen

Alhambra, CA • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Other

Medical

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Yang’s Kitchen Line Cook Overview


Company Mission

At Yang’s Kitchen, we cook Asian American cuisine with intention, rooted in seasonal, local, and ethically grown ingredients. Every day, we strive to create meaningful experiences of health, hospitality, and growth for our staff, guests, and partners.


Role Mission

The Line Cook’s mission is to execute food consistently and efficiently while maintaining a clean, organized station that supports smooth service and upholds Yang’s Kitchen standards.


Line Cook Job Description

The Line Cook’s primary responsibility is to prepare, cook, and plate food according to Yang’s Kitchen standards while maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient station. This includes setting up the station before service, executing dishes during service, and breaking down and cleaning the station afterward.


Line cooks also support the kitchen as a whole by completing opening and closing checklists, contributing to prep and family meal as needed, and assisting other stations to ensure smooth service flow.


Line Cook Responsibilities


Work Standards

  • Works to Yang’s Kitchen standards of quality, consistency, and professionalism
  • Maintains a clean, organized, and well-stocked station at all times
  • Works clean and follows proper food safety and sanitation practices
  • Uses kitchen equipment and chemicals properly and safely
  • Follows Department of Health and Yang’s Kitchen hygiene standards
  • Completes opening and closing checklists accurately and consistently

Station Setup & Mise en Place

  • Sets up station on time with correct pars and tools
  • Ensures all mise en place is prepared correctly and tastes right before service
  • Maintains proper organization, labeling, and storage throughout the shift
  • Communicates shortages or prep issues early to avoid service disruption

Cooking & Execution

  • Cooks and plates dishes accurately, consistently, and to standard
  • Follows recipes and training exactly; executes tasks properly every time
  • Maintains consistency across plates, timing, and presentation
  • Holds down their station independently without unnecessary assistance
  • Adjusts pacing and execution to match service flow and volume
  • Assists with new dishes or specials as directed

Cleanliness & Organization

  • Keeps station clean, organized, and clutter-free during service
  • Puts away food and equipment properly (labels, FIFO, consolidation, time/temperature, food safety)
  • Completes assigned deep cleaning tasks thoroughly and correctly
  • Assists dish and prep as needed to support overall kitchen cleanliness

Communication & Teamwork

  • Communicates clearly with teammates about line-related issues (ordering, taste, inventory, pars)
  • Coordinates with expo and other stations to ensure smooth service flow
  • Supports other stations when needed, including other line cooks, prep cooks, dishwasher, FOH, etc.
  • Helps put away deliveries, assist with prep, and support the dish pit as needed
  • Contributes to family meal when assigned
  • Asks for help when appropriate and offers help proactively

Efficiency & Focus

  • Works efficiently and purposefully throughout the shift
  • Combines tasks effectively (hands in, hands out)
  • Multitasks appropriately while maintaining quality and safety
  • Works with a sense of urgency and awareness
  • Avoids unnecessary distractions or excessive chatting during service

Certifications

  • Valid Food Handler’s Certificate

Line Cook Expectations Summary

  • Sets up and maintains a clean, organized, and ready station
  • Executes dishes consistently and to standard
  • Communicates proactively with the team
  • Works independently while supporting the kitchen as a whole
  • Maintains urgency, focus, and professionalism throughout service

Dresscode

  • Hat, bandana, or hair net as needed
  • Long pants, sleeved shirt (t-shirt okay, no sleeveless)
  • Wear provided apron
  • Non-slip shoes

Qualifications

  • 1–2 years of kitchen experience preferred, but not required
  • Basic knife skills
  • Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn
  • Team-oriented, open to feedback, and committed to improvement
  • Sense of urgency and pride in quality
  • Must have or obtain a Food Handler’s Certificate within 30 days of hire

Compensation

  • $17.00 – $20.00+ per hour, plus tips, depending on experience, performance, and tenure
  • Tip pool allocation is based on performance and tenure

Benefits

Health insurance available after 60 days for:

  • Part-time employees (24–28 hours/week)
  • Full-time employees (28+ hours/week)

Growth & Development

At Yang’s, we believe in growth and promotion from within. Staff who show consistency, teamwork, and initiative can expect to crosstrain in different positions and potentially develop into leadership positions.

More detail about Yang's Kitchen, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/246357-Yang%2527s-Kitchen