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Short Order Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Palomar Health

Cook

Poway, CA · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Internal candidates must apply by midnight on the Closing Date in order to have bidding rights ... The Cook coordinates, preps a volume production of meals for patients, cafeteria, catering/special ...

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Culver City, CA

$24/hr

Line cook, fry cook, catering cook, and short order cook experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $22.00 per hour to $24.00 per hour We Make Applying Easy! Want ...

Eurest

COOK (FULL TIME)

Culver City, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Line cook, fry cook, catering cook, and short order cook experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $22.00 per hour to $24.00 per hour We Make Applying Easy! Want ...

Hamilton Families

Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$23.50/hr

Previous experience as a short order cook, line cook, or in a commercial kitchen preferred * Knowledge of basic cooking techniques and kitchen equipment * Understanding of food safety and sanitation ...

Loma Linda University Health

Cook/Baker

Redlands, CA

$14.75 - $19/hr

The Cook/Baker prepares food items according to menu and production forecast. Assures accuracy and ... Able to distinguish colors and hear sufficiently in order to safely complete job duties. Able to ...

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Culver City, CA

$24/hr

Line cook, fry cook, catering cook, and short order cook experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $22.00 per hour to $24.00 per hour We Make Applying Easy! Want ...

Loma Linda University Health

Cook/Baker

Redlands, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

The Cook/Baker prepares food items according to menu and production forecast. Assures accuracy and ... Able to distinguish colors and hear sufficiently in order to safely complete job duties. Able to ...

Loma Linda University Health

Cook/Baker

Redlands, CA · On-site

$25 - $26.91/hr

The Cook/Baker prepares food items according to menu and production forecast. Assures accuracy and ... Able to distinguish colors and hear sufficiently in order to safely complete job duties. Able to ...

hr360

Food Services - On-Call Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

The On-Call Cook plays an integral role in the program by working both independently and ... Order food within budget. Transportation and Logistics * Drive Food Services van to transport food ...

High Tech High

Cook (Part Time)

San Diego, CA

$20.60 - $25.11/hr

Cook, Food and Nutrition Services Department: Food & Nutrition Services Location: High Tech Mesa ... Physical Demands Ability to smell, taste and feel, in order to determine quality of raw and ...

High Tech High

Cook (Full Time)

San Diego, CA

$20.60 - $25.11/hr

Cook, Food and Nutrition Services Department: Food & Nutrition Services Location: High Tech Mesa ... Physical Demands Ability to smell, taste and feel, in order to determine quality of raw and ...

High Tech High

Cook (Part Time)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20.60 - $25.11/hr

Cook, Food and Nutrition Services Department: Food & Nutrition Services Location: High Tech Mesa ... Physical Demands • Ability to smell, taste and feel, in order to determine quality of raw and ...

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Short Order Cook information

See California salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do short order cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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.

How much does a short order cook make?

A short order cook typically earns between $10 and $15 per hour, with wages varying based on experience, location, and establishment. Some may receive tips, which can significantly increase overall earnings, especially in busy restaurants or diners.

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 having skills in multitasking, knife handling, and knowledge of food safety are important. Some may pursue culinary courses or certifications to improve job prospects.

Is being a short order cook hard?

Being a short order cook involves fast-paced work, multitasking, and attention to food safety and cleanliness. It requires good knife skills, the ability to work under pressure, and often involves early or long shifts, making it physically demanding but manageable with experience. Success depends on efficiency, teamwork, and familiarity with kitchen equipment.

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 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.

Cook

SUNSHINE CAFE

Wasco, CA • On-site

$19 - $24.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Positions are available at:  Wasco State Prison (WSP) Snack Bar

Experienced Minimum (1) Years in Kitchen Prep and Cooking

LOOKING FOR POSITIVE ATTITUDE PERSON

Starting $16.00 to $17.00

We love feeding people. If you have a passion for food and serving others, see what your future can hold at Sunshine Cafe.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
• Operation Hours are Monday thru Sunday 05:00 AM to 05:00 PM

• Must be available on Weekends and Holidays 

• Ordering Supplies. (Snacks and Beverages)

• Provides customer engagement in a positive and approachable manner.

• Assists in maintaining clean salesfloor and kitchen

• Stocks shelves and recovers merchandise on the sales floor.

• Accurately handles customer funds and processes transactions using the POS system.

• Assist in food preparation, cooking, & dishwashing

• Food Handlers Card Required

• Flexibility to work various shift times between the times of 4:30 am-5 pm Monday-Sunday

• Must have (1) year of experience working in a restaurant, cafeteria, or fast food environment

• Must pass a background check, reference check, and drug screening

• Bilingual is a plus

*Not a State employee

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