1

Union Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$26.21/hr

Follows set standards for cooking and presenting all food items from his / her station. * Assists in food procurement, delivery, storage and usage of items. Puts away delivery when necessary ...

Line Cook

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Located in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, Union is a lively, yet intimate neighborhood Italian ... cooking. Everything at Union - from our starters and field selections to our handmade pastas and ...

New

Line Cook

Pasadena, CA

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Located in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, Union is a lively, yet intimate neighborhood Italian ... cooking. Everything at Union - from our starters and field selections to our handmade pastas and ...

COOK

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$19 - $21.40/hr

Union Rescue Mission (URM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the Los Angeles ... COOK ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Prepare, cooking and serve meals. * Food prepared must meet quality and ...

Cook II

Monterey, CA · On-site

$24.80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ... Union Benefits (offered through the Union): * Life Insurance - Coverage is provided through the ...

Cook I

Monterey, CA

$24.02/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ... Union Benefits (offered through the Union): * Life Insurance - Coverage is provided through the ...

Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$31.34/hr

A Cook has the same responsibilities as a Chef (Cook Lead) except he/she is not in charge of the ... This is an on-call union position, and all individuals in this role are represented by UNITE HERE!

Cook

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

$24.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Credit Union Membership * Tuition Reimbursement * Professional Counseling & Family Support * Growth and Development Opportunities * *Benefit Eligibility will vary by position Site Specific Perk:

$21.20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Credit Union Membership * Tuition Reimbursement * Professional Counseling & Family Support * Growth and Development Opportunities * *Benefit Eligibility will vary by position Site Specific Perks

Cook

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

$24.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Credit Union Membership * Tuition Reimbursement * Professional Counseling & Family Support * Growth and Development Opportunities * *Benefit Eligibility will vary by position Site Specific Perk:

Cook

Escondido, CA · On-site

$21.20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Credit Union Membership * Tuition Reimbursement * Professional Counseling & Family Support * Growth and Development Opportunities * *Benefit Eligibility will vary by position Site Specific Perks

Cook 1 - The Bench (Full Time)

Pebble Beach, CA · On-site

$26.43 - $31.09/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The Cook 1 produces hot and cold foods prepared to the highest standards set by the Lodge kitchen ... Benefits are provided by the Unite Here Union* and include health and retirement. * We encourage ...

Floating Cook 1

Claremont, CA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Employees must join union upon hire. QUALIFICATIONS: * Education: Any combination of education ... to cook, measure, mix, wash, peel, cut, shred, and store a variety of food items such as meats ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Union Cook information

See California salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do union cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for union 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 union cook?

Union Cooks are culinary professionals who are members of a labor union, typically working in environments such as hotels, restaurants, schools, or other food service establishments. Being part of a union means they benefit from collective bargaining agreements that often provide better wages, benefits, job security, and working conditions compared to non-union positions. Union Cooks are responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food according to established standards and safety regulations. They may also participate in union meetings and activities to ensure their workplace rights are protected. Their role is vital in maintaining high-quality food service and ensuring fair labor practices in the industry.

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

To thrive as a Union Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and typically a high school diploma or culinary certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and often ServSafe certification is important for daily operations. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, compliance with regulations, and a harmonious, productive kitchen environment.

What are some common challenges faced by union cooks in a large-scale kitchen environment?

Union Cooks in large-scale kitchen environments often face challenges such as managing high-volume food production while maintaining quality and consistency. They must also adhere strictly to safety and sanitation standards, which can be demanding during busy service periods. Additionally, Union Cooks frequently work as part of a coordinated team, requiring strong communication and adaptability to changing menus or special dietary requests. These challenges are balanced by structured schedules and clear delineation of responsibilities, which help support a collaborative and organized work environment.

What is the difference between Union Cook vs Non-Union Cook?

AspectUnion CookNon-Union Cook
CredentialsMay require union-specific certifications, apprenticeship programsTypically no union-specific credentials needed
Work EnvironmentWorks in unionized facilities with collective bargaining agreementsWorks in non-unionized settings, often with more flexibility
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large hotels, casinos, and institutional kitchensMore prevalent in small restaurants and independent eateries
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for benefits, wages, job securityCompared for flexibility, independence, and pay

Union Cooks are employed in unionized environments with collective bargaining, often enjoying better benefits and job security. Non-Union Cooks work in non-union settings, which may offer more flexibility but less job security. The choice depends on individual preferences for benefits versus independence.

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 Union Cook jobs in California?

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Union Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Union Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Union 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.

$26.21/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Hourly Rate: $26.21

Hourly Wage: $26.21

Shift: 2nd; must be available to work weekends and holidays

Position type: Full Time

Responsibilities:

  • Directly procures all food items and follows standard recipes and line check sheets to properly set up and maintain his / her station as set forth according to daily prep sheets.
  • Maintains a professional appearance with a positive attitude at all times.
  • Follows daily prep lists and production schedules for each day's service according to visual inventory, banquet sheets and reservations.
  • Works with Chef / supervisors to prepare menus and specials.
  • Consistently maintains high standards of quality, cost, eye appeal and flavor.
  • Follows daily work schedule.
  • Follows organized sanitation procedures for all areas of kitchen.
  • Is trained to work on a hot line and cold line stations
    • Butchery, sauce and soup production.
    • Proficient in the production of prep for any of the hot line stations to include, fryer, griddle, char broiler, oven and middle, as well as banquet production
    • Prep production of all hot line items to include fryer and griddle.
  • Insures all sanitation procedures are followed at end of shift. To include clean and of station and or line area.
  • Follows set standards for cooking and presenting all food items from his / her station.
  • Assists in food procurement, delivery, storage and usage of items. Puts away delivery when necessary.
  • Assist Chef / Sous Chef in preparation and serving of cold food at banquets and other clubhouse functions when needed

Requirements:

  • Energetic team player must be reliable.
  • Willing to work a flexible schedule, days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

This position requires standing for long periods
Site Specific Perk:

  • Free On-Site Parking

  • Uniform laundering, stipend for work shoes

  • Complimentary meal and soft drink per shift

  • Department celebrations

  • Associate Appreciation Week

  • Monthly associate recognition and reward programs

  • Monthly cell phone stipend

Hyatt Vacation Ownership is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture.