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Certified Fundamentals Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Event Cook

Norwalk, CT · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

This position requires strong fundamental cooking skills, speed, and consistency while working in ... Food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe Food Handler/Manager or equivalent). * Catering and/or ...

Event Cook

Norwalk, CT · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

This position requires strong fundamental cooking skills, speed, and consistency while working in ... Food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe Food Handler/Manager or equivalent). * Catering and/or ...

Basic knife skills and understanding of fundamental cooking and food preparation techniques. * Working knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices; ServSafe Certification preferred or obtained ...

$12.50 - $16/hr

... AND CERTIFICATIONS Required * Food Handlers Permit - Various Issuers Accredited food handler ... Fundamental cooking techniques including braising, searing, etc. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PEOPLE ...

Senior Cook

Houston, TX

$14 - $18.25/hr

Fundamental cooking techniques including braising, searing, etc. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PEOPLE ... AND CERTIFICATIONS Required * Food Handlers Permit - Various Issuers Accredited food handler ...

Senior Cook

Houston, TX

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Fundamental cooking techniques including braising, searing, etc. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PEOPLE ... AND CERTIFICATIONS Required * Food Handlers Permit - Various Issuers Accredited food handler ...

Senior Cook

Baytown, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

... AND CERTIFICATIONS Required * Food Handlers Permit - Various Issuers Accredited food handler ... Fundamental cooking techniques including braising, searing, etc. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PEOPLE ...

Senior Cook

Baytown, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

... AND CERTIFICATIONS Required * Food Handlers Permit - Various Issuers Accredited food handler ... Fundamental cooking techniques including braising, searing, etc. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PEOPLE ...

Line Cooks

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$21/hr

Line Cook - The Southern Gentleman Pay: Starting at $21/hour (based on experience) At The Southern ... Strong knife skills and understanding of fundamental cooking techniques. * Ability to read ...

Cook I

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Strong understanding of fundamental cooking techniques including soups, sauces, stocks, and ... BASSET certification preferred. * Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize, and maintain ...

Line Cooks

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$21/hr

Description Line Cook - The Southern Gentleman Pay: Starting at $21/hour (based on experience) At ... Strong knife skills and understanding of fundamental cooking techniques. * Ability to read ...

Cook

Sweeny, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

High School Degree / GED * Food Handler certification pursuant to requirements by the State ... We believe in taking a fundamental and basic human approach to our business, keeping it simple ...

COOK

Wharton, TX · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

High School Degree / GED * Food Handler certification pursuant to requirements by the State ... We believe in taking a fundamental and basic human approach to our business, keeping it simple ...

COOK

Kountze, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

High School Degree / GED * Food Handler certification pursuant to requirements by the State ... We believe in taking a fundamental and basic human approach to our business, keeping it simple ...

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Certified Fundamentals Cook information

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$11

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$25

How much do certified fundamentals cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified fundamentals cook in the United States is $19.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What certifications do Certified Fundamentals Cooks need?

Certified Fundamentals Cooks typically need a food handler's permit or certification, which demonstrates knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards. Some employers may also require completion of a basic culinary or cooking skills course, but formal certification requirements vary by region and employer.

What is the difference between Certified Fundamentals Cook vs Line Cook?

CriteriaCertified Fundamentals CookLine Cook
CertificationsYes, often requires basic culinary certificationTypically no formal certification required
Work EnvironmentEntry-level kitchen role, training-focusedFast-paced kitchen station, specialized in specific dishes
Employer UsageUsed in culinary training programs and entry-level positionsCommon in restaurants, hotels, and catering

The Certified Fundamentals Cook is an entry-level certification focusing on basic culinary skills, often used for training or initial employment. In contrast, a Line Cook is a working kitchen role that may or may not require certification but involves preparing specific dishes in a busy restaurant environment. Both roles are essential in the culinary industry but differ mainly in certification requirements and job responsibilities.

What is a certified fundamentals cook?

Certified Fundamentals Cooks are culinary professionals who have demonstrated basic cooking skills, food safety knowledge, and kitchen operations competency through a certification process, such as the American Culinary Federation's Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC) credential. This entry-level certification is designed for individuals beginning their culinary careers and serves as a foundation for further advancement in the industry. Certified Fundamentals Cooks typically work under the supervision of more experienced chefs, helping with food preparation, basic cooking, and maintaining kitchen sanitation standards.

What are some common challenges faced by certified fundamentals cooks in a high-volume kitchen environment?

Certified Fundamentals Cooks in high-volume kitchens often encounter challenges such as managing multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining consistency and quality. Time management is crucial, as is the ability to stay organized during busy service periods. Adapting to rapidly changing priorities and collaborating effectively with other kitchen staff are essential skills for success. These cooks must also adhere to strict food safety standards, which can add pressure during peak hours, but mastering these skills can pave the way for advancement to higher culinary roles.

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

To thrive as a Certified Fundamentals Cook, you need a solid understanding of basic cooking techniques, food safety practices, and a relevant culinary certification such as the American Culinary Federation’s Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC) credential. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food preparation tools, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong time management are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are critical to ensuring consistency, safety, and efficiency in a professional kitchen environment.
More about Certified Fundamentals Cook jobs
What job categories do people searching Certified Fundamentals Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Certified Fundamentals Cook jobs are:
Infographic showing various Certified Fundamentals Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,979 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Teacher Vocational - Culinary Arts (26-27)

Baltimore City Public Schools

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$60K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Baltimore City Public Schools rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 627 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Teachers & Licensed Professionals - Position - VOCATIONAL
Job Number 8600043161
Start Date
Open Date
Closing Date
Plans and implements an instructional program in Career Technology Education (CTE) and provides related educational services for students in a skills-based learning environment. Manages student behavior, assesses and evaluates student achievement, and modifies instructional activities as required. Carries out a variety of student monitoring and control activities and provides instructional and leadership services that prepare students with the related academic, critical thinking, computer technology, workplace readiness and technical skills essential to pursuing careers career pathways in Culinary Arts and related services. Aligns with the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and prepares students to sit for and successfully pass the affiliated industry certification exams including Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC) certification, Certified Fundamentals Pastry Cook (CFPC) certification, ServSafe, ProStart and NRAEF.
Serves as a CTE classroom teacher in a high school (grades 9 through 12). Classes taught may be single grade or multi grade level, are most often subject oriented, but may be skill or specialty focused. Provides instruction and course/program management in the overall knowledge and application of kitchen management with front and back of the house skills of the food service industry. Uses the ProStart program developed by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation for instruction and program certification. Supervises classroom activities to include laboratory experiences. Some positions require working off-site or in a combination of off-site and classroom settings. Performs duties within a team or department setting but might work independently in a unique teaching specialty. Works with staff and post-secondary institutions to develop and maintain career pathways that prepare students for certification, internships, externships, apprenticeships, licensure, employment, community college or university degree programs.
Essential Functions
  • Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and non-discrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school board policies and the professional standards.
  • Assesses student abilities as related to desired educational goals, objectives, and outcomes.
  • Plans and implements appropriate instructional/learning strategies and activities, including determining appropriate kinds and levels of materials. Utilizes a variety of instructional materials and available multimedia and computer technology to enhance learning.
  • Implements instructional program, which provides appropriate learning experiences.
  • Prepares students to sit for and successfully pass the aligned industry certification exams including Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC) certification, Certified Fundamentals Pastry Cook (CFPC) certification, ServSafe, ProStart and NRAEF.
  • Manages the behavior of learners in instructional settings to ensure that the environment is conducive to the learning process, as well as assists and participates in the management of student behavior in other parts of the school, center, school grounds, or on work site.
  • Coordinates instructional activities and collaborates with other professional staff, both school and non-school based as required, in order to maximize learning opportunities.
  • Utilizes a variety of instructional materials and available multimedia and computer technology to enhance learning.
  • Develops, adapts, modifies, and individualizes educational materials, resources, techniques, methods, and strategies to meet the needs of students within the Baltimore City curriculum framework.
  • Assumes direct responsibility for the development of appropriate behavior of students within the school setting by establishing and maintaining effective discipline and management procedures.
  • Prepares materials and classroom for class activities.
  • Maintains accurate and complete student records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
  • Instructs students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
  • Instructs and monitors students in the use and care of equipment and materials, in order to prevent injury and damage.
  • Enforces all administration policies and rules governing students.
  • Instructs students in the knowledge and skills required in a specific occupation or occupational field, using a systematic plan of lectures, discussions, audiovisual presentations, laboratory, shop, and field studies.
  • Plans and supervises work-experience programs in businesses, industrial shops, and school laboratories.
  • Requests the assistance of, and works with, resource personnel as needed.
  • Works in a self-contained, team, departmental, itinerant capacity, or at field work site as assigned.
  • Participates in in-service and staff development activities and staff meetings as required or assigned.
  • Continually assesses student achievement and maintains appropriate assessment and evaluation documentation for institutional and individual reporting purposes.
  • Ensures continuous communication with parents, both written and oral, to keep them informed of student progress.
  • Continually communicates with students on instructional expectations and keeps them informed of their progress in meeting those expectations.
  • Manages allotted learning time to maximize student achievement.
  • Assigns work to and oversees paraprofessionals, parents, and student volunteers as required.
  • Ensures that the classroom and instructional environment are attractive, healthy, safe, and conducive to learning and that materials are in good condition and accessible to students.
  • Serves at two or more schools on a regular basis if itinerant.
  • Makes school site visits to monitor students or confer with employers or site instructors as required.
  • Supports or participates in school-wide student activities and social events as well as approved fundraising activities.
  • Monitors student behavior in non-instructional areas as assigned or required and intervenes to control and modify disruptive behavior, reporting to administrator as appropriate.
  • Collaborates with other professionals (guidance counselors, librarians, etc.) to carry out school-wide instructional or related activities.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of, and leads student experiences in SkillsUSA and other student organizations.
  • Prepares students to work toward 100% certification and completion.
  • Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and non-discrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school board policies and the professional standards.

Maximum Salary 118411.00
Minimum Salary 60662.00
Desired Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Career and Technology Education or in the career area to be taught OR Bachelor's Degree or higher and 2 years of occupational experience in the career area to be taught OR Associate's Degree in the career area to be taught and 2 years of occupational experience in the career area to be taught OR High School Diploma or equivalent and 3 years of occupational experience in the career area to be taught.
  • Candidates will be required to complete eligibility requirements for license in Professional and Technical Education by the Maryland State Department of Education.
  • Three to five years of culinary or baking operation and/or other industry-related work experience
  • Experience in one or more of the major areas of food prep and NRAEF program certification with an emphasis on multiple area skill sets

Preferred:
  • Teaching experience preferred (student teaching acceptable)
  • Distinction as Certified Master Chef (preferred)
  • Possession of or eligibility for Certification in ServSafe® (preferred)
  • Possession of or eligibility for Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC) certification, and or Certified Fundamentals Pastry Cook (CFPC) certification (preferred)

Full time or Part time Full time
Additional Details
Qualified candidates for the above position must submit the following:
  • Completed online application
  • Resume that clearly demonstrates the above minimum qualifications. It is important that you include all experiences and education related to the position to which you are applying.
  • Upload copies of all transcripts -undergraduate, graduate and all MSDE Certifications
  • Must provide three (3) professional references to include: name, title, business address, e-mail address and phone number
  • All documentation/certification necessary (scanned copies accepted) to substantiate minimum qualifications; must be uploaded into application
  • All documentation must be scanned and uploaded to application

Benefits -- This position is eligible for benefits. To review the available options please see the information relevant to the union for this position by viewing the following link: http://www.baltimorecityschools.org
Baltimore City Public Schools ("City Schools") does not discriminate in its employment, programs, and activities based on race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy or parenting status, family structure, ability (cognitive, social/emotional, and physical), veteran status, genetic information, age, immigration or citizenship status, socioeconomic status, language, or any other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations. Discrimination undermines our community's long-standing efforts to create, foster, and promote equity and inclusion for all. Some examples of discrimination include acts of hate, violence, harassment, bullying, or retaliation. For more information, see Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners Policies JBA (Nondiscrimination - Students), JBB (Sex-Based Discrimination - Students), JICK (Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation of Students), ACA (Nondiscrimination - Employees and Third Parties), ACB (Sexual Harassment - Employees and Third Parties), ACD (ADA Reasonable Accommodations), and ADA (Equity), and the accompanying City Schools Administrative Regulations. City Schools also provides equal access to the Boy and Girl Scouts and other designated youth groups. Link to Full Nondiscrimination Notice.
This position is affiliated with the Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) bargaining unit.
This position is affiliated with the State Retirement Plan.

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About Baltimore City Public Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS), also known as Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) or City Schools, is a public school system in Baltimore, Maryland. It serves Baltimore City’s youth and is distinct from the Baltimore County Public Schools system. As of 2012, it’s the fourth largest school system in Maryland with an enrollment of approximately 84,000 students in the 2014–15 school year.

Industry

Elementary and secondary schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1939

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