ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Overnight Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

loco

Cook

Santa Ana, CA

$14.75 - $19/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Fullerton, CA

$14.75 - $19/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

La Verne, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Corona, CA

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Orange, CA

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Los Angeles, CA

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Los Angeles, CA

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Inglewood, CA

$15 - $19/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Inglewood, CA

$14.75 - $19/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Santa Ana, CA

$14.75 - $19/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Bell Gardens, CA

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Hawthorne, CA

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Walnut, CA

$14.75 - $19/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

El Pollo Loco

Cook

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $21.50/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Pomona, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Anaheim, CA

$15 - $19/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Ontario, CA

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

loco

Cook

Garden Grove, CA

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

No overnight hours * Employee discount on food * Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) * Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsCook JobsOvernight Cook JobsOvernight Cook Jobs in California

Overnight Cook information

See California salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do overnight cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for overnight cook in California is $15.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an overnight cook?

To thrive as an Overnight Cook, you need strong culinary skills, a solid understanding of kitchen safety, and experience with food preparation, often supported by a food handler’s permit or similar certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory tracking systems, and recipe management software is frequently required. Attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work independently during late hours are important soft skills for success. These skills and qualities ensure quality meals are consistently prepared and delivered safely, even during less supervised shifts.

What is a typical work environment and schedule like for an overnight cook?

Overnight Cooks generally work through late night and early morning hours, often in establishments that operate 24/7 such as hospitals, hotels, diners, or manufacturing facilities with round-the-clock cafeterias. The work environment is typically quieter than daytime shifts, requiring cooks to work more independently or with a small team. Responsibilities include preparing and cooking meals, managing inventory, cleaning workspaces, and sometimes handling breakfast prep for the upcoming day. Due to fewer staff on duty, Overnight Cooks must be comfortable multitasking and handling a broad range of kitchen duties. This role is well-suited to those who prefer working during non-traditional hours and can lead to advancement into lead or supervisory kitchen positions.

What is an overnight cook?

An Overnight Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking meals during late-night and early-morning hours, typically in restaurants, hotels, or hospitals. They ensure food quality, follow safety standards, and maintain a clean kitchen. Their duties may include prepping ingredients, cooking made-to-order dishes, and storing food properly for the next shift. This position often requires working independently or with a small team in a quiet yet fast-paced environment.

What does an overnight cook do?

An overnight cook prepares and cooks food during nighttime hours, often in restaurants, hotels, or catering services. They handle tasks such as food prep, cooking, cleaning, and ensuring food safety standards are met while working a late or overnight shift.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in California? The most popular types of Cook jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Overnight Cook jobs in California? For Overnight Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Overnight Cook jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Overnight Cook jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Overnight Cook jobs? Cities in California with the most Overnight Cook job openings:
Overnight Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Overnight Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,903 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Cook

loco

Santa Ana, CA

$14.75 - $19/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

At El Pollo Loco, we don’t just serve fire-grilled chicken — we serve careers that bring the heat. As a Grill Master, you’re not just cooking chicken; you’re igniting the El Pollo Loco experience. You’ll bring your passion, ideas, and energy to every order, following our flame-grilled standards to serve craveable flavors and unforgettable guest moments. Ready to ignite your flamin’ good career? Apply now and let’s cook up some delicious chicken!

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Grill Master (Cook) creates "Best in Class" guest experience at El Pollo Loco by preparing grilled and hot food items, following precise Company standards for preparation and presentation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Prepare, marinate, season, cook, stock and rotate chicken and other grilled proteins according to company standards. 
  • Receive orders, cut cooked chicken, and arrange proteins for proper presentation on the plate or in the applicable packaging apparatus.
  • Monitor holding time for grilled proteins and take corrective actions when hold time expires or when product quality fails to meet company standards.
  • Maintain and ensure that all cooked proteins are at proper serving temperature.   
  • Inspect chicken and other raw proteins for acceptable quality standards prior to marinating or grilling.
  • Clean and sanitize the entire work area including all equipment, tools, storage containers, grills and hoods.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by management to support restaurant operations.

 

QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required. 

 

Certifications

Obtain Food Handler Certification promptly upon hire, adhering to EPL policy and state regulations.

 

Education/Work Experience:

Previous experience in customer service or food service is preferred but not required.

 

What’s in it for you?

  • Competitive pay
  • No overnight hours
  • Employee discount on food
  • Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within)
  • Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance*
  • Paid vacation**
  • Paid sick time
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible spending accounts, Legal Insurance, and Pet Insurance*
  • 401(K) plan with match and immediate vesting (must be at least 21 to participate)
  • Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more...

*Eligibility for these benefits is based on the number of average hours worked per week within a 12-month period.

 

**Eligibility begins after completing at least 12 months of employment averaging 33 hours of work per week.

Why work for us?

When it comes to our people, our motto is: Let them cook. In fact, we see you as our secret ingredient. While our chicken is fire, it’s our people

Who set us ablaze. You’re the ones bringing the passion, ideas and energy–the flavor–whether cooking in the restaurant or working in the support center. That’s why we take pride in providing a place where you can express, develop and belong… all while enjoying a healthy balance. Here, fire-grilled chicken makes flamin’ good careers.

Apply