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Cafeteria Cook Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Experience as a cook, kitchen manager, cafeteria cook, or childcare cook preferred * Experience in quantity food preparation preferred * Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards * Ability to ...

The Cafeteria Worker is responsible for performing all basic functions required to operate within a ... Cooking * Serving * Prepping Food Items * Stocking * Dishwashing * Maintaining a Clean and Safe ...

The Cafeteria Worker is responsible for performing all basic functions required to operate within a ... Cooking * Serving * Prepping Food Items * Stocking * Dishwashing * Maintaining a Clean and Safe ...

Summary The Cafeteria Worker is responsible for performing all basic functions required to operate ... Cooking * Serving * Prepping Food Items * Stocking * Dishwashing * Maintaining a Clean and Safe ...

New

Summary The Cafeteria Worker is responsible for performing all basic functions required to operate ... Cooking * Serving * Prepping Food Items * Stocking * Dishwashing * Maintaining a Clean and Safe ...

New

Cook

Denver, CO · On-site

$25.75/hr

Prior experience cooking or kitchen experience in a cafeteria or large volume production facility a plus. * Experience with safety procedures as typical in a cafeteria or food service environment.

Prior experience cooking or kitchen experience in a cafeteria or large volume production facility a plus. * Experience with safety procedures as typical in a cafeteria or food service environment.

Cook

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$19.75/hr

Prior experience cooking or kitchen experience in a cafeteria or large volume production facility a plus. * Experience with safety procedures as typical in a cafeteria or food service environment.

Prior experience cooking or kitchen experience in a cafeteria or large volume production facility a plus. * Experience with safety procedures as typical in a cafeteria or food service environment.

New

Cook

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$19/hr

Prior experience cooking or kitchen experience in a cafeteria or large volume production facility a plus. * Experience with safety procedures as typical in a cafeteria or food service environment.

Cook

Brighton, CO · On-site

$21.75/hr

Prior experience cooking or kitchen experience in a cafeteria or large volume production facility a plus. * Experience with safety procedures as typical in a cafeteria or food service environment.

Prior experience in cafeteria cooking, desired. Work Environment and Physical Demands: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while ...

... cafeteria cooking, desired. Work Environment and Physical Demands: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the ...

Relief Cook - Meeker

Meeker, CO · On-site

$20.20/hr

... cafeteria cooking, desired. Work Environment and Physical Demands: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the ...

Cook

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$21.75/hr

Prior experience cooking or kitchen experience in a cafeteria or large volume production facility a plus. * Experience with safety procedures as typical in a cafeteria or food service environment.

Cook

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$21.75/hr

Prior experience cooking or kitchen experience in a cafeteria or large volume production facility a plus. * Experience with safety procedures as typical in a cafeteria or food service environment.

Cook

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$19/hr

Prior experience cooking or kitchen experience in a cafeteria or large volume production facility a plus. * Experience with safety procedures as typical in a cafeteria or food service environment.

Cook

Denver, CO · On-site

$25.75/hr

Prior experience cooking or kitchen experience in a cafeteria or large volume production facility a plus. * Experience with safety procedures as typical in a cafeteria or food service environment.

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Cafeteria Cook information

See Colorado salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do cafeteria cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria cook in Colorado is $16.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cafeteria cook?

Cafeteria cooks are food service professionals who prepare and cook meals in cafeterias, often found in schools, hospitals, businesses, or other institutions. They typically follow set menus and recipes, cook large quantities of food, and ensure meals are ready for designated serving times. Their responsibilities may also include maintaining kitchen cleanliness, managing inventory, and adhering to food safety standards. Cafeteria cooks usually work as part of a team and may have early morning or daytime shifts. Their work helps ensure that large groups of people receive nutritious and timely meals.

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

To thrive as a Cafeteria Cook, you need expertise in food preparation, kitchen safety, and knowledge of nutrition, usually backed by a high school diploma or equivalent and food handler certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and inventory management systems is often required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to a high standard, supporting both customer satisfaction and kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges faced by cafeteria cooks and how can they be managed?

Cafeteria cooks often work in fast-paced environments where they need to prepare large quantities of food within tight timeframes. Managing multiple orders and dietary restrictions, maintaining food safety standards, and coordinating with other kitchen staff can be challenging. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and staying organized are essential for success. Many cafeterias also offer ongoing training to help cooks stay updated on food safety protocols and new menu items.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectCafeteria CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood Handler's Permit, basic culinary skillsFood Handler's Permit, culinary training or experience
Work EnvironmentSchool, hospital, or institutional cafeteriasRestaurant kitchen, fast-paced environment
Employer & IndustryEducational, healthcare, or institutional sectorsHospitality, restaurant industry
Job FocusPreparing large quantities of simple, standardized mealsPreparing specific dishes quickly and efficiently

While both Cafeteria Cooks and Line Cooks prepare food in kitchen settings, Cafeteria Cooks focus on large-scale, standardized meal preparation in institutional environments, whereas Line Cooks work in restaurants preparing individual dishes in a fast-paced setting. The roles require similar certifications but differ in work environment and daily tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Cook jobs in CO?

For Cafeteria Cook jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Cook job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,554 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Food Service Teacher - Chef

Primrose School of West Woods

Arvada, CO • On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Primrose Schools rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 475 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 24 rated private schools and tutoring


Job description


Preschool Cook / Childcare Food Service Teacher (Chef)
Primrose School of West Woods – Arvada, CO 80007

Pay: $18.00 – $24.00 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)

Primrose School of West Woods is hiring a Preschool Cook / Childcare Chef / Food Service Teacher to prepare healthy, nutritious meals for children ages Infant through Elementary School.
This is a stable, year-round position in a licensed early childhood education center.
Benefits

  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Flexible Schedule
  • Professional Growth Opportunities
  • Supportive Leadership Team
  • Positive, Team-Oriented Culture

Job Responsibilities

  • Prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks according to the approved school menu
  • Maintain strict allergy awareness and accommodate food restrictions
  • Ensure compliance with nut-free policies and food safety standards
  • Check food labels upon delivery for licensing compliance
  • Follow portion control guidelines
  • Ensure meals are prepared and served on schedule
  • Assist with food ordering and inventory management
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen
  • Follow all Colorado child care licensing regulations
  • Attend required staff meetings and training

Qualifications

  • Must meet Colorado child care and food service regulatory requirements
  • Experience as a cook, kitchen manager, cafeteria cook, or childcare cook preferred
  • Experience in quantity food preparation preferred
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
  • Ability to lift up to 35 lbs
  • Reliable and punctual

About Us

Primrose School of West Woods is an accredited private preschool offering year-round early childhood education programs. We serve children from infants through school age in a safe, nurturing environment.
We are part of the Primrose Schools mission to build a brighter future for all children.
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday (Day Shift)
Work Location: In person – Arvada, CO 80007

What Primrose Schools employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Primrose Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Rigley Primrose Schools are accredited private preschools that provides a premier educational child care experience. We partner with parents to help children build the right foundation for future learning and life, and offer an environment that helps children have fun while nurturing Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts®.

Industry

Education, education programs administration and elementary and secondary schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US