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1St Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Adecco

First Cook - Bennington, VT

Bennington, VT · On-site

$21.45/hr

Adecco is seeking a dedicated and skilled First Cook to join our esteemed client in Bennington, VT. This immediate opportunity is perfect for culinary professionals looking to advance their career ...

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 ...

Stella Maris

Cook (Nursing Home)

Timonium, MD · On-site

$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

$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 ...

Equum Medical

First Cook Restaurant

Dedham, MA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/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 ...

Hebrew SeniorLife

First Cook Restaurant

Dedham, MA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/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 ...

Putnam Hospital Center

First Cook - FT (PHC)

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 ...

Hebrew SeniorLife

First Cook Restaurant

Dedham, MA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/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 ...

Northwell Health

First Cook - FT (PHC)

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

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 ...

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 - Full Time Check out some of our benefits offered: • Paid time off (PTO ...

Northwell Health

First Cook - FT (PHC)

Carmel, NY

$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 · On-site

$27.20/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 ...

Compass Group

FIRST COOK (FULL TIME)

New Canaan, CT

$22/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time FIRST COOK position. * Location : St. Luke's School - 377 North Wilton Road, New Canaan, CT 06840. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

Putnam Hospital Center

First Cook - FT (PHC)

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 ...

SkyChefs, LLC

First Production Cook

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18.25/hr

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 meet ...

Stella Maris

Cook (Nursing Home)

Timonium, MD · On-site

$27.20/hr

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

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1st Cook information

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$10

$17

$23

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

Gloversville, NY • On-site

Nathan Littauer Hospital
Health Care and Social Assistance • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Nathan Littauer Hospitalexternal

$18.48 - $20.61/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 14 hours ago

Nathan Littauer Hospital rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

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 School Diploma or equivalent required
Preferred: Possess an Associate's of Applied Science in Food Service Studies
Licensure/Certification/Registration: Possess Serv-Safe Certification.
Experience: Two (2) years' food service experience.
Preferred: One (1) year of hospital food service-related experience.

What Nathan Littauer Hospital employees say

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