ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

1St Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2LIFE COMMUNITIES

First Cook

Framingham, MA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

GENERAL SUMMARY As a Line/Prep Cook, you'll play a key role in creating fresh, delicious meals for our residents while supporting the daily operations of the vibrant 2Life Dining Program. This is ...

UCP of Long Island

FIRST COOK

Commack, NY · On-site

$17.16 - $20.59/hr

UCP Long Island is a not for profit agency whose mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of persons with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. We are proud to ...

Putnam Hospital Center

First Cook

Carmel, NY · On-site

$17 - $28.50/hr

Description Position at Putnam Hospital Center Attach Company: Putnam Hospital Center Org Unit: 1208 Department: Dietary Exempt: No Salary Range: $17.00 - $28.50 Hourly

Nathan Littauer Hospital

First Cook

Gloversville, NY · On-site

$18.48 - $20.61/hr

Description Job Purpose: The purpose of the job is to supervise the production staff, prepare and present food for patients, residents, customers and increase satisfaction results. Education: High ...

Putnam Hospital Center

First Cook - FT

Carmel, NY · On-site

$22.20/hr

Requires two (2) years of experience as a First Cook. Institutional experience required. including hospital, nursing home, college feeding and full service restaurants. * License: N/A. Working ...

Stella Maris

Cook (Nursing Home)

Timonium, MD

$27.20/hr

We are currently recruiting for a First Cook to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to join our mission driven organization to provide excellent care to our residents. The First Cook ...

Stella Maris

Cook (Nursing Home)

Timonium, MD · On-site

$17.99/hr

We are currently recruiting for a First Cook to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to join our mission driven organization to provide excellent care to our residents. The First Cook ...

Northwell Health

First Cook - FT

Carmel, NY · On-site

$22.20/hr

Requires two (2) years of experience as a First Cook. Institutional experience required. including hospital, nursing home, college feeding and full service restaurants. * License: N/A. Working ...

Northwell Health

First Cook - FT

Carmel, NY · On-site

$22.20/hr

Requires two (2) years of experience as a First Cook. Institutional experience required. including hospital, nursing home, college feeding and full service restaurants. * License: N/A. Working ...

Putnam Hospital Center

First Cook - FT

Carmel, NY · On-site

$22.20/hr

Requires two (2) years of experience as a First Cook. Institutional experience required. including hospital, nursing home, college feeding and full service restaurants. * License: N/A. Working ...

Stella Maris

Cook (Nursing Home)

Timonium, MD

$27.20/hr

We are currently recruiting for a First Cook to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to join our mission driven organization to provide excellent care to our residents. The First Cook ...

Stella Maris

Cook (Nursing Home)

Timonium, MD · On-site

$17.99/hr

The First Cook facilitates the service of meals and ensures excellent customer service to our residents. First Cook - Part time Check out some of our benefits offered: • Paid time off (PTO ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All Jobs1St Cook Jobs

1St Cook information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do 1st cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 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.

How do I start working as a cook with no experience?

To start working as a first cook with no experience, focus on gaining basic culinary skills through online tutorials or cooking classes, and seek entry-level kitchen positions such as prep cook or dishwasher to build experience. Demonstrating a willingness to learn, good work ethic, and basic knowledge of food safety can help you secure an initial role in a kitchen environment.

How much does a beginner cook make?

A beginner cook, such as an entry-level 1st Cook, typically earns between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on the location and establishment. Starting salaries may increase with experience, skills, and certifications like food safety training.

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 does a first cook do?

A first cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food according to recipes and standards, supervising kitchen staff, and ensuring food quality and safety. They often oversee kitchen operations, manage inventory, and may assist in menu planning. Strong cooking skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and leadership abilities are essential for this role.

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 is 1st cook and 2nd cook?

A 1st cook, also known as a head or executive cook, is responsible for overseeing kitchen operations, preparing complex dishes, and supervising other kitchen staff. A 2nd cook assists the 1st cook by preparing ingredients, cooking simpler dishes, and supporting kitchen workflow. Both roles require culinary skills, with the 1st cook typically having more experience and leadership responsibilities.
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:
1St Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various 1St Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
First Cook

First Cook

2LIFE COMMUNITIES

Framingham, MA • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY


As a Line/Prep Cook, you'll play a key role in creating fresh, delicious meals for our residents while supporting the daily operations of the vibrant 2Life Dining Program. This is more than just a cooking job — it's an opportunity to make a real impact through food, teamwork, and community care.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS*

  • Effectively communicate with the 2Life team and staff to ensure resident needs and requests are met

  • Communicates effectively and with empathy with residents and stakeholders, and effectively receives feedback

  • Conveys appropriate action plans and enforces policies and SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures)

  • Assists in the planning and execution of menus and special diets

  • Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of meals and special diets

  • Assists the Executive Chef in ordering food and equipment for the kitchen and dining areas

  • Ensures the timely and orderly service of meals and proper nutritional diets

  • Ensures that the kitchen, food storage, and dining areas are maintained in compliance with applicable health codes, regulations, and department policies

  • Accounts for all kitchen stores, equipment, and utensils

  • Maintains the cleanliness of all kitchen, storage, and dining areas, equipment, and utensils

  • Participates in mandatory training

  • Other related duties as the Executive Chef may assign


PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Must meet one or more of the following criteria:

    • three or more years’ experience as a Cook or Chef preparing food for large numbers of people;

    • a degree or certificate from a culinary arts institution

  • ServSafe Certification

  • Willingness to work with and train team in food preparation

  • Flexibility and ability to learn and perform new duties and skills as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Ability to stand on your feet for up to 8 hours

  • Ability to lift items weighing between 10 to 50 pounds

  • Constant bending and reaching as high as 8 feet, using step ladder if necessary

  • Ability to walk through and deliver meals through overheated hallways

  • Ability to handle equipment at temperatures as high as 500 degrees

  • Ability to handle temperatures as low as 10 below zero

  • Will be handling knives and other sharp objects


Qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply here


Beyond the Paycheck: Why You’ll Love Working Here:

We don’t just offer a job; we invest in your entire life. Our "Total Rewards" package adds an extra 27% to 30%+ in value on top of your base salary.

Comprehensive Health: Premium Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for you and your family.

Future-Proofing: 401(k) retirement planning and employer-paid Life, AD&D, and Disability insurance (Short & Long Term).

Rest & Recharge: Generous paid vacation, official holidays, plus 2 floating holidays to use whenever you need a break.

Family-Friendly: Inclusion for your "+1" and dependents, plus Pet Insurance for your furry family members.


The above statements intend to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to do this job. The above does not intend to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.


We desire to build and cultivate an inclusive environment that brings together a diverse workforce with unique experiences, backgrounds, talents, and perspectives.


External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis.