1St Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Cook

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

First Cook Location: MMC Southern Campus Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000254637 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $18.54 - $21.31 per hour Pay Transparency: The above reflects the ...

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

First Cook Location: MMC Southern Campus Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000254636 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $18.54 - $21.31 per hour Pay Transparency: The above reflects the ...

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

SkyChefs

First Cook

Des Plaines, IL

$22/hr

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 Cooks preparing and producing meals ...

Quick apply

SkyChefs

First Cook

Des Plaines, IL

$22/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

blueplate

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 ...

Quick apply

blueplate

Be Seen First

First Cook

Mullica Hill, NJ · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

blueplate

Be Seen First

First Cook

Mullica Hill, NJ · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Quick apply

blueplate

Be Seen First

First Cook

Mullica Hill, NJ · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Bennington College

First Cook

Bennington, VT · On-site

$23.42/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 ...

Bennington College

First Cook

Bennington, VT · On-site

$23.42/hr

Bennington College

First Cook

Bennington, VT · On-site

$23.42/hr

Bennington College

First Cook

Bennington, VT · On-site

$23.42/hr

Brookhaven at Lexington

First Cook

Lexington, MA

$25 - $28/hr

Brookhaven at Lexington, a prestigious, private retirement community in Lexington MA is currently seeking a First Cook. This is a full time 40 hour per week position and the ideal candidate will have ...

Brookhaven at Lexington

First Cook

Lexington, MA

$25 - $28/hr

Cooper University Hospital

First Cook

Camden, NJ · On-site

$33/hr

Short Description 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 ...

Cooper University Hospital

First Cook

Camden, NJ · On-site

$33/hr

BronxCare Health System

First Cook

Bronx, NY

$16.75 - $20.75/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 ...

BronxCare Health System

First Cook

Bronx, NY

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

NYU Langone Health

First Cook

Manhattan, NY

$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 ...

NYU Langone Health

First Cook

Manhattan, NY

$17.50 - $22/hr

Showing results 1-20

1St Cook Jobs

1st Cook information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do 1st cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 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 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?

Aspect	1St Cook	Sous Chef
Credentials	Cooking experience, culinary certifications often preferred	Similar credentials, often with more experience
Work Environment	Kitchen, restaurant, hotel kitchens	Same as 1St Cook, often with supervisory duties
Employer & Industry	Restaurants, hotels, catering services	Same 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:

Ashburn

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 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

First Cook

RWJBarnabas Health

Lakewood, NJ

Apply

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

RWJBarnabas Health rating

7.5

Based on 329 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

233rd of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Job Title: First Cook

Location: MMC Southern Campus

Department Name: Dietary-Management

Req #: 0000254637

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $18.54 - $21.31 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Job Overview:

The First Cook position prepares and cooks food for hospital patients, employees, and visitors.

Qualifications:

Required:

High School diploma or equivalent
Knowledge of cooking methods and procedures

Scheduling Requirements:

Variable days and hours during the week, with shifts starting as early as 5:30am and ending as late as 7:30pm
Every other weekend
Per Diem

Essential Functions:

Alert Supervisor to problems and needs concerning equipment and food supplies
Appropriately prepares food as per therapeutic instructions
Assist in the care, maintenance, cleaning, and sanitizing of work areas, equipment and supplies
Clearly labels and dates all food items
Detect and report spoiled or unattractive food, defective supplies/equipment or other unusual conditions. Recommend corrective action. Maintains inventory, receives, inspects and stocks perishable and non-perishable items
Evaluate food preparation and effect or recommend changes to improve operations
Follows standardized recipes for modified and regular meals
Maintains order in dry and refrigerated storage areas; rotating first-in first-out basis
Observes and monitors food quality and temperature on patient tray line and cafeteria serving area
Review menu and assemble foods, supplies, and equipment for daily food preparation
Review patient satisfaction results, when appropriate, and aids in correcting problems
Utilize leftovers, avoid waste
Serves on tray assembly line in assigned position
Prepares food for special functions as needed
Performs all other duties as assigned

What RWJBarnabas Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About RWJBarnabas Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest integrated health care delivery system, providing treatment and services to more than three million patients each year. Throughout RWJBarnabas Health, our dedicated physicians, nurses, and health professionals are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care and health education to the community and region. We aim to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey - whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Orange, NJ, US

Year founded

2015

Website

rwjbh.org

Social media

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1St Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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1st Cook information

See salary details

How much do 1st cook jobs pay per hour?

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

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

What is a 1st cook?

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

First Cook

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RWJBarnabas Health rating

Get the real story on frontline employers

Job description

What RWJBarnabas Health employees say

Get the real story on frontline employers

Pay

Only some people get paid breaks

Most people get paid when they’re sick

The job rarely spills into unpaid time

Benefits

Only some people get separate paid time off for sick days and vacation

Most part-timers can get health insurance

Most part-timers get paid time off

Hours and flexibility

Less than 4 weeks notice of work schedule

Most people don’t worry about their hours

Only some people can choose their shifts

Workplace

Most people feel treated with respect

Most people get breaks without interruption

Most people are stressed out

About RWJBarnabas Health

Industry

Company size

Headquarters location

Year founded