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Line Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Manhattan Beach, CA

$16.75 - $21/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

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $23.25/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 ...

Line Cook

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · On-site

$17 - $21.50/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

Cerritos, CA

$16.50 - $20.50/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

Los Angeles, CA

$17 - $21.25/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 ...

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

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$22.10 - $24.10/hr

Pay Rate: $17.10 - $19.10/hr 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 ...

Line Cook

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $24.50/hr

Pay Rate: $17.50- $19.50/hr With Tips: $22.50 - $24.50/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 ...

Join the Team at Woody's Classic Grill as a Line Cook! Are you passionate about crafting delicious meals and working in a fast-paced kitchen environment? Woody's Classic Grill, a beloved dining spot ...

New

Line Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$22.60 - $24.60/hr

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

Venice, CA · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Line Cook KASSI - Venice Beach Located at Hotel Erwin Venice, CA KASSI is seeking a talented and dependable Line Cook to join our team in Venice Beach. We are looking for culinary professionals with ...

Line Cook

Sierra Madre, CA

$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 ...

Line Cook

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$22.60 - $24.60/hr

Pay Rate 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 today and get paid ...

Line Cook

Campbell, CA · On-site

$23.45 - $25.45/hr

Pay Rate: $18.45 - $20.45/hr With Tips: $23.45- $25.45/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

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Line Cook (Griddle & Fry Station) Schedule: Full-time / Part-time | Morning, Swing, Overnight Shifts Overview: The Line Cook will work primarily on the griddle and fry stations, executing menu items ...

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 ...

Line Cook

Burbank, CA

$16.75 - $21.25/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

Valencia, CA

$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

Irvine, CA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/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 ...

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Line Cook information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 are some 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.

Do line cooks make a lot of money?

Line cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location and experience, with median pay around minimum wage to slightly above, and some earning tips that can increase total income. Experienced line cooks working in busy restaurants or with specialized skills may earn higher wages, but overall, the position is considered an entry-level culinary role with moderate pay. Advancement opportunities and tips can significantly impact total earnings.

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.

What are line cooks?

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 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 is the job of a line cook?

A line cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food on the restaurant's line, following recipes and quality standards. They work in a fast-paced environment, often using commercial kitchen tools and equipment, and must adhere to food safety regulations. Strong knife skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential for this role.

What Are Line Cooks?

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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,116 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

$16.75 - $21/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:

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, stocking, preparing ingredients, preparing simple dishes, and presenting dishes according to Wood Ranch’s recipes and specification. 

 

Line Cook Responsibilities:

  • Setting up and sanitizing workstations.
  • Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools.
  • Prepare food according to Wood Ranch recipes and health department standards.
  • Ensuring all food items are labelled, properly stored, and easily accessible. 
  • Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.
  • Season and cook food according to Wood Ranch recipes and standards.
  • Perform culinary duties, including slicing, chopping, frying, broiling, and grilling. 
  • Communicate openly with management regarding any work-related concerns. 
  • Ensures and promote kitchen safety, hygiene codes, and cleanliness. 
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Minimum of 6 months’ experience as a line cook or prep cook in a full-service restaurant.

 

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Basic understanding of or the ability to learn basic sanitation and regulations for workplace safety.
  • Basic understanding of or the ability to learn food handling techniques, preparation, and cooking procedures.
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
  • Ability to work quickly and efficiently. 
  • Ability to work well as part of a team.
  • Ability to follow instructions and respond positively to feedback. 
  • Ability to maintain personal hygiene.

Physical Requirements:

  • Physically able to stand and move around for extended periods of time. 
  • Exposure to extreme heat, steam, and cold present in a kitchen environment.
  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. at times. 
  • Must be able to work late nights and unpredictable hours.
  • Manual dexterity to cut and chop foods and perform other related tasks.
  • Physically able to continuously bend, reach, and twist. 

Salary:

  • Starting at minimum wage, with wage increases based on experience.