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3Rd Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

P.M. Cook

Ghent, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

The Third Cook is responsible for the preparation and serving of a variety of foods, such as meat, fish, chicken, vegetables, soups, starches, to residents and staff. The Third Cook works from 11:00 ...

Third Cook - Corcoran Commons

Chestnut Hill, MA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Third Cook Basic Function and Responsibility: Under direction, performs a variety of routine, supportive duties to assist in the preparation of food for use in the dining operations and/or catered ...

P.M. Cook

Sodus, NY · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

The Third Cook is responsible for the preparation and serving of a variety of foods, such as meat, fish, chicken, vegetables, soups, starches, to residents and staff. The Third Cook works from 11:00 ...

$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 ...

$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 ...

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Third Cook/Special Order Cook. In this role, the successful candidate Performs work moderate difficulty in the preparation of various menu items ...

Cook - FlexStaff (Temp)

Carmel, NY · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Minimum of one (1) year experience as a Third Cook / Special Order Cook, required. * Previous experience as a short order cook in an institutional or business environment, required. * Ability to read ...

Minimum of one (1) year experience as a Third Cook / Special Order Cook, required. * Previous experience as a short order cook in an institutional or business environment, required. * Ability to read ...

Second Cook - FlexStaff (Temp)

Melville, NY

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Minimum of one (1) year experience as a Third Cook / Special Order Cook, required. * Previous experience as a short order cook in an institutional or business environment, required. * Ability to read ...

Cook - FlexStaff (Temp)

Carmel, NY · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Minimum of one (1) year experience as a Third Cook / Special Order Cook, required. * Previous experience as a short order cook in an institutional or business environment, required. * Ability to read ...

Cook - FlexStaff (Temp)

Carmel, NY · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Minimum of one (1) year experience as a Third Cook / Special Order Cook, required. * Previous experience as a short order cook in an institutional or business environment, required. * Ability to read ...

Cook - FlexStaff (Temp)

Carmel, NY · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Minimum of one (1) year experience as a Third Cook / Special Order Cook, required. * Previous experience as a short order cook in an institutional or business environment, required. * Ability to read ...

Cook - FlexStaff (Temp)

Carmel, NY · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Minimum of one (1) year experience as a Third Cook / Special Order Cook, required. * Previous experience as a short order cook in an institutional or business environment, required. * Ability to read ...

Cook - FlexStaff (Temp)

Carmel, NY · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Minimum of one (1) year experience as a Third Cook / Special Order Cook, required. * Previous experience as a short order cook in an institutional or business environment, required. * Ability to read ...

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3rd Cook information

See salary details

$9

$18

$24

How much do 3rd cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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 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 are 3rd Cooks?

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 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.

More about 3rd Cook jobs
What states have the most 3Rd Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for 3Rd Cook jobs include:
Infographic showing various 3Rd Cook job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,143 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
3rd Cook

$13 - $17/hr

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago


IHOP rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 349 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 86 rated restaurants


Job description

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 Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain professional functional working relationships with IHOP Team Members and guests.
  • Prepare food according to specifications set forth in the IHOP SOP manuals.
  • Memorize and apply all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items, procedures, galley utensils, abbreviations and methodologies.
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary work station.
  • Comply with all federal, state and local regulations as well as with the IHOP Safety Manual and SOP health, sanitation and safety guidelines.
  • Comply with IHOP uniform and appearance standards per SOP guidelines.
  • Perform other assignments or tasks as assigned by the General Manager, Assistant Manager or acting supervisor.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
Six months to one year of related experience and/or training or equivalent.

What IHOP employees say

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About IHOP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The shortest distance between two people is a smile, so our logo changed to include one! Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. No matter what menu items they order, there's one ingredient that's always constant -- a smile.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

2003