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1St Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$31.87/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

Bronx, NY · On-site

$32.74 - $33.27/hr

Performs a variety of tasks and operations to prepare and cook foods for patients, visitors, employees and others as directed, following standard practices and procedures in compliance with ...

First Cook

Bronx, NY · On-site

$32.74 - $33.27/hr

Overview Performs a variety of tasks and operations to prepare and cook foods for patients, visitors, employees and others as directed, following standard practices and procedures in compliance with ...

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

Roslindale, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or a manager, the Floating First Cook provide support to different schedules, campuses and assignments to fill in open cook's position. This position is ...

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

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

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15 - $24/hr

Cook for Established Highland's Bardstown Road restaurant. We are looking to hire a line cook with at least five years experience. You must be proficient in high volume grilling and sauting. This ...

First Cook

Camden, NJ · On-site

$33/hr

Short DescriptionAccurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for all meal periods including patient service, retail, and catering. Assist ...

First Cook

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Individual will possess advanced cooking skills, including: knife skills, charbroiling, and poaching, deep-frying, sautéing, braising, roasting and par-cooking. Ideal candidates will look forward to ...

First Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$21.97 - $29.28/hr

Summary The First Cook role performs a variety of duties normally performed in serving customers, preparing food, transporting and emptying trash receptacles, cleaning the kitchen, serving and ...

Accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for all meal periods including patient service, retail, and catering. Assist with the ...

First Cook

Roslindale, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or a manager, the Floating First Cook provide support to different schedules, campuses and assignments to fill in open cook's position. This position is ...

First Cook

Lowell, MA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

This position is responsible to accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a ... We balance the first-rate care of a premier medical center with the warmth of a four-time Magnet ...

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

Roslindale, 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

Portland, ME · On-site

$21.97 - $29.28/hr

Summary The First Cook role performs a variety of duties normally performed in serving customers, preparing food, transporting and emptying trash receptacles, cleaning the kitchen, serving 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

Lowell, MA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

This position is responsible to accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a ... We balance the first-rate care of a premier medical center with the warmth of a four-time Magnet ® ...

Showing results 21-40

1St Cook information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do 1st cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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 is a 1st cook?

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:
What job categories do people searching 1St Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 1St Cook jobs are:
Infographic showing various 1St Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

$31.87/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


NYU Langone Health rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 247 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

NYU Langone Health is a fully integrated health system that consistently achieves the best patient outcomes through a rigorous focus on quality that has resulted in some of the lowest mortality rates in the nation. Vizient Inc. has ranked NYU Langone the No. 1 comprehensive academic medical center in the country for three years in a row, and U.S. News & World Report recently placed nine of its clinical specialties among the top five in the nation. NYU Langone offers a comprehensive range of medical services with one high standard of care across 6 inpatient locations, its Perlmutter Cancer Center, and over 320 outpatient locations in the New York area and Florida. With $14.2 billion in revenue this year, the system also includes two tuition-free medical schools, in Manhattan and on Long Island, and a vast research enterprise with over $1 billion in active awards from the National Institutes of Health.
For more information, go to NYU Langone Health, and interact with us on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Position Summary:
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 which involves a variety of cooking operations as instructed by immediate supervisor or designee. Oversees and leads all other cooks.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Plans work assignments accordantly and utilizes time effectively. Completes assignments within allotted time frames. Adjusts well to changes in work schedule, work flow and priorities.
  • Attends meetings and in-services for food production employees. Assures management of attendance at meeting and in-services by signing attendance sheet. Is aware and understands material and instructions given.
  • Prepares and cooks a wide variety of food including meats, poultry, and seafood. Sets up assigned work are by collecting and assembling food and supplies needed to complete duties. Sets up and prepares equipment for use in food production. Follows proper cooking procedures in accordance with the standardized recipe cards and the supervisors instructions to produce a uniformed product. Implements procedures necessary to satisfy all patient dietary restriction. Garnishes the food properly. Assists in the timely set-up of food delivery to user areas according to production sheets and the supervisors instructions.
  • Utilizes all types of kitchen equipment to prepare food. Uses the appropriate following equipment: broilers, ovens, deep-fat fryers, slicers, choppers, steamers, steam kettles, tilt fry kettles, mixers, robo coup, pumping station, and miscellaneous small equipment such as knives, paddles, whips, etc. Uses the appropriate equipment for the proper preparation and service of food.
  • Oversees preparation of all foods. Oversees and insures the timely set-up of food delivery to all users according to the production sheets and the supervisors instructions. Reviews the food prepared by the 2nd cook, 3rd cook and cooks helper and adherence to daily menu and set established guidelines. Brings discrepancies to the attention of the supervisor.
  • Maintains open communication and good relationships with others. Listens carefully to others in order to respond appropriately, answer questions, or obtain needed information. Works well with all levels of staff. Works at establishing a good rapport and professional working relationship with all departmental personal; maintains appropriate interdepartmental communications.
  • Follows established departmental sanitation standards. Follows HACCP code compliance, and all food safety standards. Applies correct sanitary procedures.
  • Provides assistance and contributes new ideas to the department. Volunteers assistance to others. Seeks additional assignments when work is completed. Demonstrates an ability to learn and adapt to changes in hospital functions, management style or routines.

Minimum Qualifications:
To qualify you must have a Minimum Qualifications:High School Diploma or the equivalent. Must be able to understand and communicate effectively in English. Thorough knowledge of portion control, forecasting procedures and recipe adherence with an emphasis on the timely production of items. Must be knowledgeable about all kitchen equipment. A minimum of four years of responsible cooking experience in high volume health care facility or commercial food service institution.

Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:Culinary degree preferred.

Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.
NYU Langone Health provides its staff with far more than just a place to work. Rather, we are an institution you can be proud of, an institution where you'll feel good about devoting your time and your talents.

At NYU Langone Health, we are committed to supporting our workforce and their loved ones with a comprehensive benefits and wellness package. Our offerings provide a robust support system for any stage of life, whether it's developing your career, starting a family, or saving for retirement. The support employees receive goes beyond a standard benefit offering, where employees have access to financial security benefits, a generous time-off program and employee resources groups for peer support. Additionally, all employees have access to our holistic employee wellness program, which focuses on seven key areas of well-being: physical, mental, nutritional, sleep, social, financial, and preventive care. The benefits and wellness package is designed to allow you to focus on what truly matters. Join us and experience the extensive resources and services designed to enhance your overall quality of life for you and your family.
NYU Langone Health is an equal opportunity employer and committed to inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration. We require applications to be completed online.

View Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal.

NYU Langone Health provides a salary range to comply with the New York state Law on Salary Transparency in Job Advertisements. The salary range for the role is $31.87 - $31.87 Hourly. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, specialty, education, and hospital need. The salary range or contractual rate listed does not include bonuses/incentive, differential pay or other forms of compensation or benefits.

To view the Pay Transparency Notice, please click here


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