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Temporary Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PIH Health

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.

PIH Health

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.

PIH Health

Cook II, FT Days

Whittier, CA · On-site

$23 - $31.71/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.

Belmont Shore

Full time cook

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Cooking and plating foods to temp and spec * Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment. * Collaborating with the kitchen team to uphold our high standards of quality and consistency.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$19.38 - $24.23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Ontario, CA · On-site

$18.57 - $23.22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Hemet, CA · On-site

$18.57 - $23.22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Whittier, CA · On-site

$19.38 - $24.23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$19.38 - $24.23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

Greenhorn Creek Resort

Line Cook

Angels Camp, CA

$19 - $20/hr

Observes and temps' foods being cooked by tasting, smelling, and inserting thermometer. * Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipe to prepare soups, salads, gravies, salad dressings ...

Moody's Bistro & Beats

Lunch Cook

Truckee, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

The Lunch cook knows temp by touch, can saute and is familiar with using a fryer and has good knife skills. $16/hr or more DOE plus tips. Hours are 7 am to 3 pm. Moody's Bistro Bar & Beats is the ...

WELLSPACE HEALTH

Cook

Sacramento, CA

$23 - $29.43/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cook Department/Care Stream: Substance Use Disorder Residential and Withdrawal Management LIA ... Temporary FLSA: Non-Exempt Location: AHS Pay Range: $23.00 - 29.43/hr EEO-1: Service Worker ...

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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 Aug 17, 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 is a temporary cook?

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 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 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:

Temporary Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,903 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Cook II, FT Days

PIH Health

Whittier, CA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

PIH Health rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

The Cook II performs a variety of tasks associated with the preparation, cooking, baking, cake cutting and panning of food for patients, cafeteria, catering and Jazzman's.  Utilizes standardized recipes and serving schedules.  Controls waste and under/overproduction of foods.  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.  Functions as "back-up" to senior cook and assumes responsibility for food production in their absence.  Cleans work area.  May be asked to do other tasks associated with food service as the need arises.

PIH Health is a nonprofit, regional healthcare network that serves approximately 3 million residents in the Los Angeles County, Orange County and San Gabriel Valley region. The fully integrated network is comprised of PIH Health Downey Hospital, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, PIH Health Whittier Hospital, 37 outpatient medical office buildings, a multispecialty medical (physician) group, home healthcare services and hospice care, as well as heart, cancer, digestive health, orthopedics, women's health, urgent care and emergency services. The organization is nationally recognized for excellence in patient care and patient experience, and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) has identified PIH Health as one of the nation's top hospital systems for best practices, cutting-edge advancements, quality of care and healthcare technology. For more information, visit PIHHealth.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

What PIH Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

PIH Health logo

About PIH Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

* PIH Health is a nonprofit health and wellness network serving Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Our integrated system consists of 747 beds at two acute care hospitals and a multi-specialty medical group. * Strong community reputation * 2014, 2015 Favorite Workplace * Innovative, transparent, family-like culture

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Whittier, CA, US

Year founded

1959

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