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Professional Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cottage Health

Cook I

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$21 - $30.10/hr

Minimum: 3 years of experience as a professional cook. * Preferred: 5+ years of experience as a professional cook. About Us Cottage Health is a leading acute care hospital system, located on the ...

Granlibakken Tahoe

Breakfast Cook

Tahoe City, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

As a professional cook preferred. * Minimum 1-year experience cooking at a restaurant or full-service hotel * Culinary school 2-4 year degree preferred * Availability to work nights, weekends ...

Granlibakken Tahoe

Breakfast Cook

Tahoe City, CA

$23 - $25/hr

As a professional cook preferred. * Minimum 1-year experience cooking at a restaurant or full-service hotel * Culinary school 2-4 year degree preferred * Availability to work nights, weekends ...

Savant Senior Living

Lead Cook

Riverside, CA · On-site

$22 - $24.50/hr

... professional cook. • At least two years of culinary managerial experience required. • Business experience preferred. • Supervisory experience preferred. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES To ...

Randy's Chicken and Waffles, LLC

LINE COOK

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

We are looking for a professional individual to assist in preparing food to the chef's exact specifications and to set up stations for menu. Line cooks duties will consist of assisting the chef with ...

Randy's Chicken and Waffles, LLC

LINE COOK

Lancaster, CA

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

We are looking for a professional individual to assist in preparing food to the chef's exact specifications and to set up stations for menu. Line cooks duties will consist of assisting the chef with ...

Randy's Chicken and Waffles, LLC

LINE COOK

Lancaster, CA

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

We are looking for a professional individual to assist in preparing food to the chef's exact specifications and to set up stations for menu. Line cooks duties will consist of assisting the chef with ...

Bluegold

Line Cook

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Professional cooking skills: The cook must have a strong knowledge of professional cooking practice, including handling knifes and ensuring safety of food, team members, and customers * Knowledge of ...

Greenhorn Creek Resort

Line Cook

Angels Camp, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Professional cooking skills: The cook must have a strong knowledge of professional cooking practice, including handling knives and ensuring safety of food, team members, and customers. * Knowledge of ...

Ruby's Diner

Cook

Laguna Beach, CA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Understanding professional cooking and knife handling skills * Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure * Ability to take direction and work in a team environment * Graduate of a ...

L&L Hawaiian BBQ- Hb South Inc

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17/hr

Qualifications Knowledge 1. Basic understanding of professional cooking and knife handling skills. 2. Understanding and knowledge of safety, sanitation and food handling procedures. 3. Previous prep ...

Hb Grill Inc L&L Hawaiian BBQ

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Qualifications Knowledge 1. Basic understanding of professional cooking and knife handling skills. 2. Understanding and knowledge of safety, sanitation and food handling procedures. 3. Previous prep ...

Hb Grill Inc L&L Hawaiian BBQ

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Qualifications Knowledge 1. Basic understanding of professional cooking and knife handling skills. 2. Understanding and knowledge of safety, sanitation and food handling procedures. 3. Previous prep ...

Coast Range

Prep Cook

Solvang, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Strong understanding of professional cooking techniques, knife skills, and equipment. * Knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation regulations (California Food Handler Card required). * Ability to ...

Ruby's Diner

Cook

Laguna Beach, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Understanding professional cooking and knife handling skills * Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure * Ability to take direction and work in a team environment * Graduate of a ...

Ruby's Diner

Cook

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $19.25/hr

Must be 18 years of age or olderMinimum of 2 years' restaurant industry experience working on the lineUnderstanding professional cooking and knife handling skillsAbility to work calmly and ...

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All JobsProfessional Cook JobsProfessional Cook Jobs in California

Professional Cook information

See California salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do professional cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional 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 is the difference between Professional Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectProfessional CookLine Cook
CredentialsMay require culinary certifications or trainingOften no formal certification required
Work EnvironmentVaries from restaurants to catering, more supervisory rolesPrimarily kitchen station work in restaurants
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly across food service sectorsCommonly used in restaurant kitchens
Job FocusOversees food prep, manages kitchen operationsPrepares specific dishes on the line

While both roles involve cooking, a Professional Cook often has broader responsibilities, including supervision and menu planning, whereas a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes at a specific station in the kitchen. The Professional Cook typically requires more training or certification and may work in diverse food service settings, while the Line Cook is primarily hands-on in restaurant kitchens.

What does a professional cook do?

A professional cook prepares, cooks, and presents food in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They follow recipes, maintain food safety standards, and may specialize in specific cuisines or techniques. Strong skills in knife work, time management, and knowledge of kitchen equipment are essential for the role.

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

The most popular types of Cook jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Professional Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Professional Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,903 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Cook I

Santa Barbara, CA

Cottage Health System
See more jobs at Cottage Health Systemexternal

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital seeks a Cook II for their Nutrition department responsible for cooking, planning, and preparing products according to recipes that meet standards of quality and meets portion control guidelines. Also adheres to temperature control and sanitation guidelines and demonstrates and understands the importance of timeliness. Major accountabilities include:

  • Directs and prepares all food in sufficient quantities to cover all food service requirements, timing preparation to meet service schedules, and food handling in accordance with sanitation standards 
  • Measures and mixes ingredients according to standardized recipes, operating a variety of kitchen equipment such as blenders, mixers, grinders, and slicers to make sauces, soups, stews, and casseroles, which include modified diet foods. 
Cottage Health is a leading acute care hospital system, located on the central coast of California, widely known for our superior patient care, innovation, medical research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, CA, since 1888, and consists of three acute care hospitals, a Rehabilitation Hospital, multiple clinics and a multi-site Urgent Care system. Our mission is to serve the central coast communities with excellence, integrity, and compassion. Every day we touch thousands of lives in many different ways, resolute in our mission to put patients first. We take pride in helping our patients get back to living their lives - in the places they love.

*Pay for non-physician positions is determined based on related years of experience and internal equity. Eligible employees may also receive additional forms of compensation, including shift differentials, on-call pay, incentive pay, and bonus opportunities, where applicable. Manager and above positions may participate in Cottage Health's annual management incentive program. Physician compensation is determined based upon specialty and may include bonus potential. For more information on our comprehensive Total Rewards offerings, please visit https://cottagehealth.org/careers/total-rewards.

If you're already a Cottage Health employee, please apply on this link only.

All job qualifications listed indicate the minimum level necessary to perform this job proficiently. 

Education:

  • Preferred: Culinary Arts Associate's Degree.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

  • Minimum: Culinary Arts Certificate or Culinary Arts Associate's Degree; California Food Handlers Card or ServSafe certificate.
  • Preferred: ServSafe certificate.

Technical Requirements:

  • Minimum: Knowledge of cooking techniques, knife handling, and sanitation guidelines. 

Years of Related Work Experience:

  • Minimum: 3 years of experience as a professional cook.
  • Preferred: 5+ years of experience as a professional cook.

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