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Short Order Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ParkVista CoreCare V

Cook III - Temporary

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$24/hr

... short order cook. * Responsible for preparing & serving meals in accordance with physician prescribed order, if applicable. * If applicable, preparation of therapeutic meals to include but not ...

Novelle

Luxury Senior Living Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$23.96 - $27.55/hr

Company-paid short & long-term disability insurance. * Pet insurance and team member discounts ... Uses batch-cooking and cook to order where appropriate to ensure a fresh product. * Prepares all ...

Macare Inc

Breakfast/Brunch Line Cook

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

This is a fast-paced, short-order environment-- speed, consistency, and organization are critical ... Prepare and cook breakfast and lunch menu items to recipe specifications * Maintain cleanliness and ...

Macare Inc

Breakfast/Brunch Line Cook

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

This is a fast-paced, short-order environment-- speed, consistency, and organization are critical ... Prepare and cook breakfast and lunch menu items to recipe specifications * Maintain cleanliness and ...

Macare Inc

Breakfast/Brunch Line Cook

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

This is a fast-paced, short-order environment-- speed, consistency, and organization are critical ... Prepare and cook breakfast and lunch menu items to recipe specifications * Maintain cleanliness and ...

Chapman Care Center

Korean Cook

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

Korean Cook Job Location: Garden Grove, California Company: Chapman Care Center Job Summary: We are ... Manage inventory of ingredients and supplies, minimizing waste and optimizing ordering * Provide ...

WINDSOR CAPITAL GROUP

Comp Bkft -Cook

Temecula, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Takes orders from customers and cooks food requiring short preparation time, according to customer requirements. * Completes order from steam table and serves customer at table or counter. * May ...

WINDSOR CAPITAL GROUP

Comp Bkft -Cook

Temecula, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Takes orders from customers and cooks food requiring short preparation time, according to customer requirements. * Completes order from steam table and serves customer at table or counter. * May ...

The Orchards

Line Cook II - Full Time

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

... bakes, and short order cook. * Responsible for preparing & serving meals in accordance with physician prescribed order, if applicable. * Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, fish ...

Talented Medical Solutions

Cook

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$1.3K - $1.3K/wk

Job Summary Cook Variable days of the week - 5 x 8s - Line cooking/short order cooking. ""Room Service Model"" Two Shifts - AM 5:00am - Full-time, Part-time, Contract, Temporary In-Office | St.

SUNSHINE CAFE

Cook

Wasco, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.50/hr

Ordering Supplies. (Snacks and Beverages) * Provides customer engagement in a positive and ... cooking, & dishwashing * Food Handlers Card Required * Flexibility to work various shift times ...

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Short Order Cook information

See California salary details

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$16

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How much do short order cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for short order cook in California is $16.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a short order cook?

Short order cooks are kitchen professionals who specialize in quickly preparing simple dishes that are typically easy to assemble and cook, such as breakfast items, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. They usually work in diners, cafes, or fast-food restaurants where speed and efficiency are essential. Short order cooks must be able to multitask, work well under pressure, and maintain high food quality and safety standards. Their role is crucial for establishments that offer quick service to customers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a short order cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Short Order Cook, you need solid knowledge of food preparation, safe handling practices, and the ability to work quickly in high-pressure kitchen environments, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment such as grills, fryers, and point-of-sale (POS) systems is typical, and food safety certification is highly valued. Strong multitasking, communication, and teamwork skills help you excel during busy service times. These abilities are crucial for maintaining food quality, safety, and efficient service in fast-paced restaurant settings.

What are some common challenges short order cooks face during busy meal periods, and how can they manage them effectively?

Short order cooks often experience fast-paced, high-pressure environments, especially during peak meal times. Managing multiple orders simultaneously, maintaining consistency and speed, and communicating efficiently with waitstaff can be challenging. Successful short order cooks prioritize organization, keep their workstations prepped, and use clear short-hand with team members to stay on top of orders. Adapting quickly and staying calm under pressure are essential for delivering quality food and ensuring customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Short Order Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectShort Order CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, quick-service restaurants, diners, cafesRestaurants, cafes, hotels, often working on specific station
Job DutiesPrepare quick, simple dishes like burgers, sandwiches, breakfast itemsPrepare a variety of dishes on a specific station, often more complex
Industry UsageCommon in casual dining and fast-food settingsCommon in full-service restaurants and hotels

Both roles require similar certifications and work in fast-paced environments, but a Short Order Cook focuses on quick, simple dishes in casual settings, while a Line Cook handles more complex dishes on a specific station in full-service restaurants.

How do you become a short order cook?

To become a short order cook, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in food preparation. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and skills such as multitasking, knife handling, and knowledge of food safety are important. Some may pursue culinary courses or certifications to enhance their prospects.

How much does a short order cook make?

A short order cook typically earns an average hourly wage between $10 and $15, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $20,000 to $30,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and the establishment's size and type.

Is being a short order cook hard?

Being a short order cook involves fast-paced work, multitasking, and attention to food safety and cleanliness. The job requires quick decision-making, stamina, and the ability to work under pressure, often during busy meal times. Experience with kitchen tools and basic cooking skills are helpful for success in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Short Order Cook jobs in California?

For Short Order Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Short Order Cook jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Short Order Cook jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Short Order Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Short Order Cook job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Short Order Cook jobs in CA?

For Short Order Cook jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Short Order Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Short Order Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,539 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Line Cook - Full Time

University Village Thousand Oaks CCRC LLC

Thousand Oaks, CA • On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Full Time: 5 days a week (weekends required)

Monday-Saturday shifts: 10AM-8PM

Sunday shifts: 7AM-3:30PM

  • $21 - $24 per hour based on experience
  • LOTS of Opportunity in a Stable & Beautiful work environment.
  • Fulltime Benefits include PTO, Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and more.
  • 401k with Employer Match.
  • Tuition Assistance.
  • Talent development reviews and growth opportunities.
  • Commuter Reimbursement

Principle Duties

  • Responsible for preparing and serving all food items based on standardized recipes to include, but not limited to: sauces, sautés, boils, braises and roasts items as well as fries, steams, grills, bakes, and short order cook.
  • Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, fish, vegetables and other food items for cooking, assuming 100% responsibility for quality of products served.
  • Assist in food prep assignments to include daily prep, special functions, banquets, catering, holiday and special events.
  • Stocks and maintains sufficient levels of food products at line stations to assure a smooth service period.
  • Plans food production to coordinate with meal serving hours and determines amount and type of food and supplies required for daily menus. Ensures that excellence, quality, temperature and appearance of food are preserved.
  • Follows all safety procedures when handling kitchen equipment and complies with department sanitation standards and personal hygiene/uniform standards.
  • Performs other duties as required and assigned by Chefs and/or supervisor.

Why you’ll love University Village

University Village Thousand Oaks is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offering a variety of villas and apartment homes to hundreds of residents. Full services are provided, including restaurant dining, housekeeping and laundry, maintenance services, transportation, fitness classes, wellness programs, and numerous activities. We strive to make sure our employees are reaching their goals and working in the role they enjoy. We provide the perfect environment for learning and opportunities for growth. We listen to feedback and make changes to ensure the best work environment.

What you will bring

Our ideal candidate will be reliable and follow safety procedures and duties assigned by a supervisor.

  • Minimum of three years experience as a cook in a hotel, restaurant, retirement community or similar institution.
  • Ability to plan and organize work, to interpret instructions, recipes, specifications and standards.
  • Knowledge of kitchen equipment operations and maintenance. Some knowledge of nutrition and diet.
  • Culinary education preferred.

Please apply to this job or look at other available positions using the link below!

https://uvto.com/current-openings/

Our company is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

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