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Line Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Anaheim, CA

$16.50 - $20.75/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 Diego, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.25/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

Sherman Oaks, CA · On-site

$23.42 - $25.42/hr

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

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $24.50/hr

Pay Rate: $17.75- $19.75/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 ...

Line Cook

Temecula, CA · On-site

$21.90 - $23.90/hr

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

Coronado, 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

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 ...

Line Cook

Marina Del Rey, CA · On-site

$23.47 - $25.47/hr

Pay Rate With Tips: $23.47 - $25.47/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

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

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.25/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

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

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

Ventura, CA · On-site

$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

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

The Line Cook plays a critical role in the kitchen operations at Native by preparing high-quality food items efficiently and consistently. This position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced ...

Line Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19/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

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$23.47 - $25.47/hr

Pay Rate With Tips: $23.47 - $25.47/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

Manhattan Beach, 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 ...

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $24.50/hr

Pay Rate: $17.75 - $19.75/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 ...

Line Cook

Carlsbad, 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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 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.