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Union Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Gategroup

Cook - $22/hour

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22/hr

A Head Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking various food items according to recipes and ... Membership in the American Airlines Credit Union * Employee Assistance Program * Discounts with ...

gategroup

Cook - $22/hour

San Diego, CA

$22/hr

A Head Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking various food items according to recipes and ... Membership in the American Airlines Credit Union * Employee Assistance Program * Discounts with ...

Gategroup

Cook - $22/hour

San Diego, CA

$22/hr

A Head Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking various food items according to recipes and ... Membership in the American Airlines Credit Union * Employee Assistance Program * Discounts with ...

Palomar Health

Cook

Poway, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Food Services Union: CHEU Shift: 8-hour Shift - Variable (United States of America) Hours Per Pay ... The Cook coordinates, preps a volume production of meals for patients, cafeteria, catering/special ...

Palomar Health

Cook

Escondido, CA · On-site

$23 - $28.95/hr

Food Services Union: CHEU Shift: 8-hour Shift - Variable (United States of America) Hours Per Pay ... The Cook coordinates, preps a volume production of meals for patients, cafeteria, catering/special ...

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All JobsUnion Cook JobsUnion Cook Jobs in California

Union Cook information

See California salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do union cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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 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 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 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 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 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:
Union Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,903 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Cook - $22/hour

Gategroup

San Diego, CA • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

We're looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone's journeys better.
Job Summary:
A Head Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking various food items according to recipes and monitors cooks production acting as a lead
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assembles equipment according to airline specifications following procedures and assembly diagrams.
  • Packages and prepares alcoholic beverages for airline flights.
  • Keeps production areas in compliance with sanitation standards and customer requirements
  • Documents inventory in compliance with requirements
  • Follows directions.
  • Works as a member of a team.
  • Supports Hot Food leadership in monitoring team's production quality and efficiencies
  • Additional duties may be assigned as deemed necessary by management

Qualifications
Education:
  • Culinary degree and/or cook certification is preferred

Work Experience:
  • At least 2 years of experience cooking in a high volume institutional catering environment is preferred
  • Experience with maintaining temperature logs for all food items prepared.
  • Recipe conversion experience required to accommodate the kitchen's daily production needs.

Technical Skills: (Certification, Licenses and Registration)
  • Not applicable

Language / Communication Skills:
  • Read, write, and follow food specifications and menu guidelines
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors and co-workers

Requirements of the Job:
  • Handle various food products such as seafood, beef, pork, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Handle knives and kitchen tools properly.
  • Work assigned schedule which may vary and could include weekends and holidays
  • Work overtime when required
  • Arrive to work on-time
  • Completes paperwork and related administrative duties
  • Complies with company policies

Work Environment
  • Handles pork, poultry, meat and fish products
  • Will be exposed to extreme temperature changes and noise.
  • Must be able to lift, push, pull, and move product, equipment and supplies up to fifty (50) pounds frequently during shift.
  • Regularly stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during shifts of 8+ hours.

Additional benefits of Joining the Gate Gourmet Team:
  • Free on-site cafeteria with hot and healthy meals
  • Free parking
  • Free uniforms and uniform laundering
  • Weekly pay with option to use pay card
  • Employee referral bonuses
  • Company sponsored $10k Life Insurance (basic and supplemental available as well)
  • Vacation and sick benefits after 1 year
  • Holiday pay after 1 year
  • Recognition program including company merchandise
  • Optional employee paid benefits include:
  • Medical coverage, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account-, short- and long-term disability
  • 401k with up to 3% company match for most locations and employees
  • Membership in the American Airlines Credit Union
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Discounts with T-Mobile
  • Discount program with wide variety of vendors

Union language:
Please keep in mind: Our workforce needs to remain flexible in your shifts and days off, as your schedule may fluctuate during peak seasons to meet production needs, requirements of the industry or to accommodate a shift bid in accordance with the Union contract.
Dues and Initiation Fees are taken the first Thursday of the month, after the required probation period.
Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position
Employees at gategroup are expected to live our Values of Excellence, Integrity, Passion and Accountability. To demonstrate these Values, we expect to observe the following from everyone:
  • We treat each other with respect and we act with integrity
  • We communicate and keep each other informed
  • We put our heads together to problem solve and deliver excellence as a team
  • We have passion for our work and we pay attention to the little details
  • We foster an environment of accountability, take responsibility for our actions and learn from our mistakes
  • We do what we say we will do, when we say we are going to do it
  • We care about our coworkers, always taking an opportunity to make someone's day better

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
gategroup is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or other category under applicable law.
For further information regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
We are accepting applications for this position on an ongoing basis.
For California Residents, please click here to view our California privacy notice.
If you want to be part of a team that helps make travel and culinary memories, join us!

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