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Cook I Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cook I

Artesia, NM · On-site

$24.48/hr

Utilize progressive cooking throughout the meal as directed by Cook I to ensure freshness and quality of food served. * Inform Cook when food items on serving line need to be replenished. * Assist on ...

Freestyle Cook I

Aventura, FL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

The Cook I is responsible for timely and accurate preparation of made to order food and accurate preparation and plating of restaurants items based on company specifications and function contracts.

Freestyle Cook I

Aventura, FL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

The Cook I is responsible for timely and accurate preparation of made to order food and accurate preparation and plating of restaurants items based on company specifications and function contracts.

COOK I

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$42K - $44K/yr

What You'll Do As a Cook I for Michigan Dining you will follow standardized recipes for all meals either in a back-of-house production kitchen or a front-of-house station. Prepare food items ensuring ...

COOK I

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$42K - $44K/yr

What You'll Do As a Cook I for Michigan Dining you will follow standardized recipes for all meals either in a back-of-house production kitchen or a front-of-house station. Prepare food items ensuring ...

Cook I

Durham, NC · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Summary Operating Title Cook I Long Classification Title Cook I Campus Location Durham Department UNH Philbrook Summary of Position Perform various tasks related to the production and service of hot ...

COOK I

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$42K - $44K/yr

What You'll Do As a Cook I for Michigan Dining you will follow standardized recipes for all meals either in a back-of-house production kitchen or a front-of-house station. Prepare food items ensuring ...

Cook I

Stockton, CA

$17.75 - $19/hr

The Cook I job includes an ongoing commitment to the preparation of quality food products and service excellence. The Cook I should have some experience working in a cook position demonstrating a ...

Cook I

Syracuse, NY

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Description We are looking for our next great team member to join us as a Cook I in Shaughnessy's Pub . We are committed to providing you with: * Highly competitive wages * An exceptional benefit ...

Cook I

Channahon, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Cook I will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production with recipes. Expected to serve food on the hot line. Follow all HACCP and food safety guidelines. Receives and puts away all kitchen ...

Cook I

Wilmette, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Cook I will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production with recipes. Expected to serve food on the hot line. Follow all HACCP and food safety guidelines. Receives and puts away all kitchen ...

Cook I

Winnetka, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Cook I will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production with recipes. Expected to serve food on the hot line. Follow all HACCP and food safety guidelines. Receives and puts away all kitchen ...

Cook I

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Cook I will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production with recipes. Expected to serve food on the hot line. Follow all HACCP and food safety guidelines. Receives and puts away all kitchen ...

Cook I

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Cook I will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production with recipes. Expected to serve food on the hot line. Follow all HACCP and food safety guidelines. Receives and puts away all kitchen ...

Showing results 21-40

COOK I information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do cook i jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook i 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 Cook I?

A Cook I is an entry-level position in a professional kitchen, responsible for preparing and cooking food under the supervision of senior chefs. Duties typically include following recipes, preparing ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Cook I roles are often a starting point for those seeking to advance in the culinary field, offering hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn various cooking techniques. These positions require basic culinary knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cook I, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook I, you need fundamental culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, basic knife techniques, and understanding of health department regulations are essential, and food handler certifications are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure high-quality food preparation, maintain safety standards, and support smooth kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges faced by a Cook I, and how can they be managed effectively?

As a Cook I, one of the most common challenges is managing multiple tasks simultaneously during busy service hours, such as preparing ingredients, cooking dishes to order, and maintaining food safety standards. Staying organized and communicating clearly with team members can help streamline workflow and reduce stress. Additionally, adapting to sudden menu changes or special dietary requests requires flexibility and a strong understanding of kitchen operations. Regularly seeking feedback from senior chefs and participating in on-the-job training can also help Cook I employees improve their skills and handle challenges more confidently.

What is the difference between Cook I vs Cook II?

AspectCook ICook II
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary trainingSimilar credentials; some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level kitchen settings, hospitals, cafeteriasMore complex kitchen tasks, higher responsibility
Employer UsageHospitals, schools, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens

The main difference between Cook I and Cook II lies in experience and responsibility. Cook I is an entry-level position requiring basic culinary skills, while Cook II involves more advanced tasks and greater independence in the kitchen. Both roles typically require similar credentials, but Cook II often demands some prior experience. Employers use these titles to distinguish levels of expertise and responsibility within culinary teams.

What are careers in cooking?

Careers in cooking include roles such as Cook I, which involves preparing and cooking food in various settings like restaurants, hotels, or catering services. These careers often require knowledge of food safety, cooking techniques, and sometimes certifications like food handler permits. Advancement can lead to higher positions such as Sous Chef or Executive Chef, with increased responsibilities and pay.

What cities are hiring for Cook I jobs?

Cities with the most Cook I job openings:

What states have the most Cook I jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cook I jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Cook I jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Cook I job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

$13 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Kentucky Department Of Corrections rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 43 rated prisons


Job description

Cook I

50670

31043111

31061879

Reposted per agency request 371904


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