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1St Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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First Cook

Mullica Hill, NJ · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Busy South Jersey Restaurant looking for a First cook to complete our team. Candidate should be well rounded in sautee, pasta making and also some short order cookery. Looking for a candidate that ...

Be Seen First

First Cook

Mullica Hill, NJ · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Busy South Jersey Restaurant looking for a First cook to complete our team. Candidate should be well rounded in sautee, pasta making and also some short order cookery. Looking for a candidate that ...

Touhy Ave., Des Plaines, IL60018 FIRST COOK Job Requirements &Responsibilities The First Cook is a key member of our culinary team and works in close cooperation with our team of Chefs and Second ...

First Cook

Bennington, VT · On-site

$22.96/hr

The First Cook is responsible for the preparation of all menu items for assigned meals and general food production. All dining employees must comply with applicable sanitation, health, and safety ...

First Cook

Bennington, VT · On-site

$22.96/hr

The First Cook is responsible for the preparation of all menu items for assigned meals and general food production. All dining employees must comply with applicable sanitation, health, and safety ...

First Cook

Bennington, VT · On-site

$22.96/hr

The First Cook is responsible for the preparation of all menu items for assigned meals and general food production. All dining employees must comply with applicable sanitation, health, and safety ...

First Cook

New York, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a First Cook. In this role, the successful candidate is responsible for performing work of moderate difficulty in preparation of various menu items ...

First Cook

Boston, MA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

As a member of the Room Service team, in the role as First Cook, the individual will be tasked to assist and deliver in a pleasant, friendly, and timely manner patient specific high-quality food and ...

First Cook

Dedham, MA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Follow modified diets in accordance with diet spreads as approved by Sous Chef / First cook, or the consulting dietitian. * Read and execute Banquet Event Orders (BEO) to handle functions ...

First Cook

Ithaca, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Cook menu items in cooperation with the rest of the kitchen staff. * Answer, report and follow the ... Date, FIFO (First In, First Out) * Take and document temperatures of all refrigerators and freezers ...

First Cook

Ithaca, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Cook menu items in cooperation with the rest of the kitchen staff. * Answer, report and follow the ... Date, FIFO (First In, First Out) * Take and document temperatures of all refrigerators and freezers ...

First Cook

Dedham, MA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

First Cook Position Summary: Prepares, cooks and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the ...

First Cook

Dedham, MA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Follow modified diets in accordance with diet spreads as approved by Sous Chef / First cook, or the consulting dietitian. * Read and execute Banquet Event Orders (BEO) to handle functions ...

First Cook

Needham, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Dedham, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Easton, MA

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Lexington, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Concord, MA

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Boston, MA

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

First Cook

Dedham, MA

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

First Cook Position Summary: Prepares, cooks and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the ...

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1St Cook information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do 1st cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st cook in the United States is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a 1st Cook, and how can they be addressed?

A 1st Cook often faces challenges such as managing high-pressure situations during peak service times, coordinating with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal preparation, and maintaining consistency in food quality. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and adaptability are key to overcoming these obstacles. Proactively preparing ingredients, delegating tasks efficiently, and staying calm under pressure can help ensure smooth kitchen operations and successful service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 1st Cook, you need a solid background in culinary techniques, food safety standards, and menu planning, often supported by a culinary diploma or certificate. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and HACCP protocols is typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and leadership skills help a 1st Cook excel in a fast-paced kitchen environment. These abilities ensure high-quality food preparation, efficient kitchen operations, and a safe dining experience for guests.

What are 1st Cooks?

A 1st Cook is a senior kitchen staff member responsible for preparing and cooking food according to recipes and quality standards. They often oversee other cooks, ensure food safety and cleanliness, and coordinate meal production during busy service times. 1st Cooks may also assist with menu planning, inventory management, and training new staff. Their experience and leadership are essential in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What is the difference between 1St Cook vs Sous Chef?

Aspect1St CookSous Chef
CredentialsCooking experience, culinary certifications often preferredSimilar credentials, often with more experience
Work EnvironmentKitchen, restaurant, hotel kitchensSame as 1St Cook, often with supervisory duties
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesSame as 1St Cook, with added leadership role

The 1St Cook and Sous Chef roles are closely related, both requiring culinary skills and experience in professional kitchens. The main difference is that the Sous Chef typically holds a supervisory position, assisting the Executive Chef and overseeing kitchen operations, while the 1St Cook focuses on preparing dishes and maintaining quality standards. Both roles are essential in culinary establishments, with the Sous Chef often acting as the second-in-command.

What cities are hiring for 1St Cook jobs? Cities with the most 1St Cook job openings:
What states have the most 1St Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for 1St Cook jobs include:
Infographic showing various 1St Cook job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

First Cook

blueplate

Mullica Hill, NJ • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

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Job description

Busy South Jersey Restaurant looking for a First cook to complete our team. Candidate should be well rounded in sautee, pasta making and also some short order cookery. Looking for a candidate that has great communication skills working with Chef. 

40 Hour work week, standard days off

These are the core responsibilities:

Food Preparation

  • Prepare dishes as described
  • Follow recipes, prep lists, and chef instructions exactly
  • Set up and stock your station before service

Cooking & Service

  • Cook menu items during service to quality and time standards
  • Plate food consistently and correctly
  • Communicate with the kitchen team during service

Food Safety & Hygiene

  • Follow food safety standards (temperature control, storage, labeling)
  • Maintain personal hygiene and wear proper uniform
  • Food Safety Certificate a plus

Station & Equipment Care

  • Keep your station clean and organized at all times
  • Use kitchen equipment safely (knives, fryers, grills, ovens)
  • Clean equipment and work areas during and after shifts

Inventory & Waste Control

Company Description

20 Years in business, long time employees. We are a friendly, family business who owners and employees love what they do!