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1St Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SkyChefs, LLC

First Cook

Des Plaines, IL

$22/hr

FIRST COOK J ob 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 ...

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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 ...

blueplate

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 ...

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$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 ...

blueplate

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 ...

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$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 ...

Minnesota Service Cooperatives

First Cook

Fergus Falls, MN · On-site

$22.28 - $23.05/hr

Elementary First Cook: $21.54 - $22.30/hr Secondary First Cook: $22.28 - $23.05/hr QUALIFICATIONS: Required High school diploma or equivalent 1-3 years' work-related experience Able to obtain ...

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 ...

NYU Langone Health

First Cook

Manhattan, 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 ...

Hebrew SeniorLife

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 ...

Equum Medical

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 ...

Equum Medical

First Cook

Dedham, MA

$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 ...

Hebrew SeniorLife

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 ...

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1st Cook information

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$10

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How much do 1st cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 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 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 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 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 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.

How do I start working as a 1st cook with no experience?

To start working as a 1st cook with no experience, gaining basic culinary skills through cooking classes or volunteering in kitchens can be helpful. Entry-level kitchen positions or apprenticeships provide hands-on training and help develop necessary skills such as food safety, knife techniques, and kitchen organization, which are essential for advancing to a 1st cook role.

What does a 1st cook do?

A 1st cook is responsible for preparing and cooking high-quality dishes, supervising kitchen staff, and ensuring food safety standards are met. They often oversee kitchen operations, plan menus, and work with kitchen equipment, requiring strong culinary skills and experience. The role typically involves working in fast-paced environments and may require certifications such as food safety training.

Where to start as a beginner 1st cook?

A beginner 1st cook should start by gaining basic culinary skills through hands-on experience, such as assisting in kitchens or taking cooking classes. Developing knowledge of food safety, knife skills, and kitchen organization is essential, along with understanding recipes and cooking techniques. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma or equivalent and a willingness to learn and work in a fast-paced environment.

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 are popular job titles related to 1St Cook jobs?

For 1St Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various 1St Cook job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

First Cook

Des Plaines, IL

SkyChefs, LLC
See more jobs at SkyChefs, LLCexternal

$22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Prepare and produce meals to meet airline customer requirements in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

  • Follow cooking techniques, use various cutting methods, and adhere to food hygiene standards and HACCP compliance.

  • Work in a team with Chefs and Second Cooks, and perform tasks such as lifting, standing, bending, and moving intermittently during shifts.

Job description

World class airline catering.
Join an award-winning Airline Catering companyWork for SkyChefs and give your career a brand new flavor!

SkyChefs is best known as one of the world's largest airline catering and hospitality companies, for over 75 years. Our Customer Service Center in Des Plaines, near O'Hare airport, is one of our flagship locations in the U.S., serving major airline customers. We are growing and looking for ambitious individuals to join our culinary team and work in a dynamic, team-based and fast-paced environment.


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 to meetour airline customer requirements.

A strong candidate for this position is one who has a)formal culinary school training, and/or 3-5 years of experience in ahigh volume, fast-paced production environment; b)Excellent knife skills, c) solid proficiency in various cooking methods and use of use of cookware.

More specifically:

  • Culinary degree or cooking certification preferred or at least 1 year of experience prepping in a high-volume institutional catering environment.
  • Understanding of basic cooking techniques
  • Knowledge and use of different cutting techniques
  • Ability to understand and follow superior (Cook I and above) instructions.
  • Must be able to use fingers/hands to handle cooking tools and equipment
  • Understanding of Food hygiene standards and HACCP Compliance.
  • Ability to speak, read and understand English.
  • Must be able to lift and push 50+ lbs
  • Must be able to stand, bend, lift and move intermittently during shift of 8+ hours.
  • Must be flexible and able to react to changing priorities.
  • Comply with all work rules and regulations.
  • Work assigned schedule which may include nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Work overtime when required.
  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment as required.
  • Pass a criminal background check and drug screen.

EnvironmentalRequirements:

-May beexposed toextreme temperature changes and noise.

-This position requires to be active, walking, heavy lifting and pushing 50+ lbs.


-Regularly stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during shifts of 8+ hours.
-Exposed to hot surfaces.

Benefits:
  • Full-time, permanent work, steady employment throughout the year / at least 40 hours / week plus overtime opportunities.
  • Short distance - local route to O'Hare airport
  • Weekly pay
  • Health, dental, vision and life insurance after 30 days of employment
  • 401(k) plan
  • Paid vacations, sick days and holiday paid after 1 year of employment
  • Free parking
  • Credit Union
  • Free Meal with Every Shift Worked
  • Free uniforms, Personal Protective Equipment and Safety shoes.

If you have any questions and/or would like more information about the First Cookposition, call our Recruiting Team at (847) 505-2102.