ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

3Rd Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tufts University

Third Cook

Medford, MA · On-site

$28.16/hr

What You'll Do The Third Cook prepares, cooks, and presents a variety of menu items in accordance with established recipes, production schedules, quality standards, and food safety requirements. This ...

Tufts University

Third Cook

Somerville, MA · On-site

$28.16/hr

What You'll Do The Third Cook prepares, cooks, and presents a variety of menu items in accordance with established recipes, production schedules, quality standards, and food safety requirements. This ...

Amherst College

Third Cook

Amherst, MA · On-site

$21.24 - $21.75/hr

The Third Cook is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $21.24-21.75 per hour. The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including ...

Amherst College

Third Cook

Amherst, VA

$21.24 - $21.75/hr

The Third Cook is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $21.24-21.75 per hour. The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including ...

Longhorn Steakhouse

Third Cook

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.10/hr

Third Cook 513200 Summary: The Third Cook is responsible for food production, preparation and presentation, and is able to rotate through all food stations to ensure a high quality product is served ...

Dufry

Third Cook

Atlanta, GA

$18.10/hr

The Third Cook is responsible for food production, preparation and presentation, and is able to rotate through all food stations to ensure a high quality product is served to the customer. This role ...

Dufry

Third Cook

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.10/hr

The Third Cook is responsible for food production, preparation and presentation, and is able to rotate through all food stations to ensure a high quality product is served to the customer. This role ...

ASM Global

Third Cook - Lansing Center

Lansing, MI

$14.25 - $19/hr

Third Cook DEPARTMENT: Foodservice REPORTS TO: Sous Chef FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Non-exempt LEGENDS GLOBAL Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands.

ASM Global

Third Cook - Lansing Center

Lansing, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Third Cook DEPARTMENT: Foodservice REPORTS TO: Sous Chef FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Non-exempt LEGENDS GLOBAL Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands.

ASM Global

Third Cook - Lansing Center

Lansing, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Third Cook DEPARTMENT: Foodservice REPORTS TO: Sous Chef FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Non-exempt LEGENDS GLOBAL Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands.

Dufry

Third Cook

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$20.55/hr

The Cook is responsible for preparing cooked foods, and must be able to perform all station functions of Fry, Flat Top Griddle, Pantry, and cooking eggs; communicating ticket times and potential ...

Dufry

Third Cook

Phoenix, AZ

$20.55/hr

The Cook is responsible for preparing cooked foods, and must be able to perform all station functions of Fry, Flat Top Griddle, Pantry, and cooking eggs; communicating ticket times and potential ...

ASM Global

Third Cook - Lansing Center

Lansing, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Third Cook DEPARTMENT: Foodservice REPORTS TO: Sous Chef FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Non-exempt LEGENDS GLOBAL Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands.

ASM Global

Third Cook - Lansing Center

Lansing, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Third Cook DEPARTMENT: Foodservice REPORTS TO: Sous Chef FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Non-exempt LEGENDS GLOBAL Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands.

IHOP

3rd Cook

Aiken, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Summary: Store, prepare, cook and properly plate all food items in accordance with federal, state and local regulations and IHOP Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Essential Duties and ...

ASM Global

Third Cook - Lansing Center

Lansing, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Third Cook DEPARTMENT: Foodservice REPORTS TO: Sous Chef FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Non-exempt LEGENDS GLOBAL Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands.

NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital

$27.75 - $29.77/hr

Third Cook - Part Time - CHONY - Rotating Shifts Join our staff and provide the finest cuisine in health care. Our Third Cook in the Cafeteria willbe responsible for producing all hot foods ...

NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital

$27.75 - $29.77/hr

Third Cook - Part Time - CHONY - Rotating Shifts Join our staff and provide the finest cuisine in health care. Our Third Cook in the Cafeteria willbe responsible for producing all hot foods ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood JobsRestaurant JobsCook Jobs3Rd Cook Jobs

3Rd Cook information

See salary details

$9

$18

$24

How much do 3rd cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3rd cook in the United States is $18.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3rd cook?

A 3rd Cook is an entry-level position in a kitchen, often responsible for basic food preparation and assisting higher-ranking cooks and chefs. Their duties typically include preparing ingredients, cleaning workstations, and helping with simple cooking tasks under supervision. 3rd Cooks are essential in maintaining kitchen efficiency and gaining hands-on experience for career advancement in the culinary field.

What are the main responsibilities of a 3rd cook during a typical shift?

As a 3rd Cook, your primary responsibilities include preparing basic ingredients, assisting with meal prep, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. You'll often support higher-level cooks by following recipes, handling food storage, and ensuring that workstations are organized and sanitized. Collaboration is key, as you'll work closely with the kitchen team to ensure timely meal service and adherence to food safety standards. This role is a great entry point for developing culinary skills and learning kitchen operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3rd cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3rd Cook, you need basic culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and often a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential soft skills. These skills ensure food is prepared safely and consistently, contributing to kitchen efficiency and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between 3Rd Cook vs 2Nd Cook?

Aspect3Rd Cook2Nd Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, food safety certificationAdvanced culinary skills, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food prep areasKitchen, often overseeing 3Rd Cooks
Employer UsageHotels, restaurants, cateringHotels, large restaurants, institutional kitchens

The 3Rd Cook typically handles basic food preparation and supports the kitchen team, while the 2Nd Cook has more experience, takes on supervisory duties, and prepares more complex dishes. The 2Nd Cook often oversees 3Rd Cooks, making it a step up in responsibility and skill level.

What does a 3rd cook do?

A 3rd cook is responsible for preparing basic menu items, assisting higher-level cooks, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They typically work under supervision, follow recipes, and ensure food safety standards are met. This role often requires basic cooking skills and knowledge of kitchen equipment.
More about 3Rd Cook jobs

What states have the most 3Rd Cook jobs?

States with the most job openings for 3Rd Cook jobs include:

What job categories do people searching 3Rd Cook jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for 3Rd Cook jobs are:

3Rd Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3Rd Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,143 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Third Cook

Medford, MA • On-site

Tufts University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 623 rated colleges and universities

Good employer

Respectful managers

Good training

Learn more about Tufts Universityexternal

$28.16/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Overview
This role is an academic year position.
Shift: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM. Friday: 11:45 AM - 8:15 PM. Tuesday & Saturday Off.
Tufts Dining is a self-operated food service provider managing a comprehensive collegiate dining program on the Tufts University Medford/Somerville and SMFA/Fenway campus, delivering high quality, contemporary and innovative food and hospitality services to meet the various needs of students, staff, faculty, administrators and visitors in a fiscally responsible manner. Our team provides a progressive resident dining program as well as innovative retail services, and a distinctive university catering program serving a campus community comprised of 6600 undergraduates, 2100 graduate students, and 2300 staff, faculty and administrators.
Residential dining Centers and Catering are open 7 days a week. Working weekends & evenings will be expected.
What You'll Do
The Third Cook prepares, cooks, and presents a variety of menu items in accordance with established recipes, production schedules, quality standards, and food safety requirements. This position utilizes a variety of cooking methods and commercial kitchen equipment to produce food in support of daily dining operations.
  • The Third Cook is responsible for maintaining assigned production stations, ensuring food is prepared and served in a timely manner, and maintaining high standards of food quality, sanitation, and customer service.
  • Working both independently and as part of a team, the Third Cook assists with food preparation, service, station setup and breakdown, and other kitchen-related duties as assigned.
  • The position is responsible for following all food safety and sanitation procedures, maintaining a clean and organized work area, and accurately completing required production and temperature logs.
  • In customer-facing areas, the Third Cook provides courteous and professional service while contributing to a positive dining experience.
  • The Third Cook must demonstrate the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing business needs, and perform assigned duties with minimal supervision.
  • This position supports the overall success of dining operations through a commitment to quality, safety, teamwork, and exceptional customer service while performing additional duties as required to meet departmental and operational needs.
    • All employees are responsible for punching in and out in accordance with department policy and standards.
    • All employees must be given permission from a manager to punch in early or stay past their schedule "out time."
    • All employees must adhere to posted schedule.
    • All requests for time off will be granted based on business needs.
    • In accordance with the CBA, schedules will be posted 14 days (excludes catering) in advance.
    • Time off requests must follow proper procedure and will be approved or denied in accordance with department needs.
    • No request will be honored for Senior Week, Holidays, Alumni Weekend, Commencement, Orientation, Matriculation, or Special Events during the Academic Year.

What We're Looking For
Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:
  • High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Minimum of 1 year of food preparation or commercial kitchen experience preferred
  • Ability to safely operate commercial foodservice equipment or learn equipment operation through on-the-job training
  • Demonstrated knife skills and knowledge of basic culinary techniques
  • Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling procedures
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Strong customer service and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate Degree or Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • ServSafe Food Handler or ServSafe Manager Certification
  • Experience in high-volume institutional, university, hotel, restaurant, healthcare, or catering foodservice operations
  • Experience using commercial food production equipment

The pay rate for this position is $28.16 / hour.

What Tufts University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply