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Temporary Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$23/hr

Do you enjoy cooking and being creative in the kitchen? Do you like working with a team in a high ... Ensures all temp logs and waste logs are maintained daily * Directs personnel assisting in ...

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Cooks

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Line Cook Duties: * Prepare and cook menu items to recipe specifications and quality standards ... Temp-to-hire opportunities available * Professional and supportive staffing team Apply Today!

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Cooks

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Line Cook Duties: * Prepare and cook menu items to recipe specifications and quality standards ... Temp-to-hire opportunities available * Professional and supportive staffing team Apply Today!

Cook

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Temporary Full-Time A.M. Line Cook III needed at Private Golf Club $25.00-$29.00 per hour depending on experience: * Standard shift is Wednesday-Sunday, 6:30 am/3:00 pm, with Mondays and Tuesdays off.

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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.

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Cook: Brewery (TEMP) Department: Brewery Reports To: Brewery Sous Chef FLSA Status: Nonexempt Cooks II $19 and up per hour (DOE) Full Time Team Member eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life ...

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Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Maintains a safe, orderly, and sanitized kitchen by setting quat-sanitizer stations, assists in monitoring and journaling temp-logs and using gloves, food safety tools and best practices when cooking ...

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Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Maintains a safe, orderly, and sanitized kitchen by setting quat-sanitizer stations, assists in monitoring and journaling temp-logs and using gloves, food safety tools and best practices when cooking ...

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Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Maintains a safe, orderly, and sanitized kitchen by setting quat-sanitizer stations, assists in monitoring and journaling temp-logs and using gloves, food safety tools and best practices when cooking ...

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Cook II, FT Days

Whittier, CA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Cooks' food to proper cooking temps per HACCP guidelines. Follows HACCP guidelines for food preparation and service. Familiar with modified diets. Assists with service for upscale catered events.

Senior Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

Follows HACCP program to include: proper storage, preventing cross contamination, proper food storage, thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating temps, wrapping, labeling & date marking, documentation of ...

Cook II, FT Days

Whittier, CA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Cooks' food to proper cooking temps per HACCP guidelines. Follows HACCP guidelines for food preparation and service. Familiar with modified diets. Assists with service for upscale catered events.

Cook II, FT Days

Whittier, CA · On-site

$23 - $30.64/hr

Cooks' food to proper cooking temps per HACCP guidelines. Follows HACCP guidelines for food preparation and service. Familiar with modified diets. Assists with service for upscale catered events.

... temps for proteins) Prior line cook or fast-paced kitchen experience preferred Able to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays Strong work ethic, reliability, and a ...

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Mornings Flexible, temp Position Job Summary As a Hospital Cook , you'll prepare nutritious, comforting meals that support patient recovery and nourish staff and visitors. You'll work in a ...

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Cook

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$19.38 - $24.23/hr

Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program ... cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.

Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$19.38 - $24.23/hr

Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program ... cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.

Cook

Hemet, CA · On-site

$18.57 - $23.22/hr

Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program ... cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.

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Temporary Cook information

See California salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do temporary cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary 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 a Temporary Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Cook, you need strong food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and experience with various cooking techniques, often supported by a food handler’s certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food storage protocols is typically required. Adaptability, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills for success in fast-paced, changing environments. These competencies ensure efficient service, food quality, and seamless integration into different kitchen teams.

What is the difference between Temporary Cook vs Full-Time Cook?

AspectTemporary CookFull-Time Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredSame as temporary; often requires additional experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentShort-term assignments in various settings like events, catering, or seasonal kitchensLong-term employment in restaurants, hotels, or institutional kitchens
Employment DurationTemporary, project-based, or seasonalPermanent, ongoing employment
Employer UsageEvent companies, catering services, temp agenciesRestaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools

Temporary Cooks typically work on short-term or seasonal projects, often through agencies or for specific events, while Full-Time Cooks are employed permanently in a consistent work environment. Both roles require similar credentials and certifications, but their employment terms and work settings differ significantly.

What are temporary cooks?

Temporary cooks are culinary professionals hired for a limited period to prepare and cook food in a variety of settings, such as restaurants, catering events, hotels, or institutional kitchens. They often fill in during staff shortages, busy seasons, or special events. Temporary cooks may be employed through staffing agencies or directly by employers, and their assignments can range from a single shift to several weeks. They are expected to adapt quickly to different kitchen environments and follow the specific recipes, safety, and hygiene standards of each workplace.
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 Temporary Cook jobs in California? For Temporary Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Cook jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Cook jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Cook jobs? Cities in California with the most Temporary Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Temporary Cook job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 26% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,903 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

$23/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

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Job description


Do you enjoy cooking and being creative in the kitchen? Do you like working with a team in a high paced environment? We are hiring for a hotel kitchen Cook!


What We Offer:

  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Employee discounts
  • Competitive pay
  • Daily Pay
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Comprehensive benefits for you and your family including (medical, vision, dental, 401k, Profit Sharing)
  • Paid vacation

SUMMARY

Prepares food orders and coordinates kitchen activities by performing the following duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Cooks or otherwise prepares food according to recipe
  • Cooks food in quantities according to menu and number of persons to be served.
  • Inventories food, supplies and equipment weekly
  • Orders kitchen supplies as needed
  • Ensures all temp logs and waste logs are maintained daily
  • Directs personnel assisting in preparation and serving of meals
  • Receives, dates, and examines foodstuffs and supplies to ensure quality and quantity meet established standards and specifications
  • Ensures kitchen is clean and tidy
  • Stocks kitchen at end of each shift
  • All other duties as assigned


What we are looking for:

  • 0 – 1+ year of customer service experience
  • 0 – 1+ year of similar Cooking experience
  • Passionate about hospitality and cooking
  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment
  • Open Availability
  • Eligible to obtain alcohol serving certification
  • High School degree or better