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Contract Cook Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Cook (6185)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$12.40/hr

Plans, prepares, cooks and serves nutritional meals and snacks in accordance with established ... Applicable state, local and/or program contract certifications or licenses Equal Opportunity ...

Cook (6185)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$12.40/hr

Plans, prepares, cooks and serves nutritional meals and snacks in accordance with established ... Applicable state, local and/or program contract certifications or licenses Equal Opportunity ...

Cook (6183)

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

Applicable state, local and/or program contract certifications or licenses KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: * Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures. * Knowledge of meal planning ...

Cook (6183)

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

Applicable state, local and/or program contract certifications or licenses KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: * Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures. * Knowledge of meal planning ...

Cook

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$18.50/hr

As a Cook, you will prepare high-quality meals in accordance with standardized recipes and ... contract. HVMG is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against employees or ...

Line Cook

Huntsville, AL

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Line Cooks play a vital role in creating a positive movie-going experience for our Guests by ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Line Cook

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Line Cooks play a vital role in creating a positive movie-going experience for our Guests by ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Line Cook

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Line Cooks play a vital role in creating a positive movie-going experience for our Guests by ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Line Cook

Huntsville, AL

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Line Cooks play a vital role in creating a positive movie-going experience for our Guests by ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Cook Helper

Gadsden, AL · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

Job Overview Assists Cook with meal preparation in accordance with preplanned menus within ... Successfully pass background check and drug test required on the contract. Preferred: * Previous ...

Prep Cook - Coca-Cola Amphitheater

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

The ideal candidate will have a culinary degree or have graduated from a certified apprenticeship program with a minimum of 2-3 years of cooking experience in the contract foodservice industry ...

Prep Cook - Coca-Cola Amphitheater

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

The ideal candidate will have a culinary degree or have graduated from a certified apprenticeship program with a minimum of 2-3 years of cooking experience in the contract foodservice industry ...

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Contract Cook information

See Alabama salary details

$8

$14

$20

How much do contract cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cook in Alabama is $14.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does working as a contract cook differ from a permanent kitchen position in terms of daily responsibilities and work environment?

As a contract cook, you'll often work in a variety of kitchens and settings, from corporate cafeterias to catering events, which means your daily responsibilities can change frequently. Unlike permanent roles, you may need to quickly adapt to different menus, kitchen teams, and management styles, making flexibility and strong communication skills essential. The work environment is typically fast-paced and can sometimes involve unfamiliar equipment or workflows. This variety can be rewarding and offers opportunities to expand your culinary skills, but it may also require extra effort to adjust rapidly and establish rapport with new colleagues.

What are contract cooks?

Contract cooks are culinary professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to prepare meals in various settings, such as corporate cafeterias, schools, hospitals, or private events. Unlike full-time staff, contract cooks work for a specific duration or for the length of a particular contract, often through staffing agencies or catering companies. Their responsibilities include menu planning, food preparation, cooking, and maintaining kitchen safety and sanitation standards. Contract cooks provide flexibility for employers who need additional staff during busy periods or special events. This role is ideal for experienced cooks seeking variety in their work environments.

What is the difference between Contract Cook vs Full-Time Cook?

AspectContract CookFull-Time Cook
CredentialsFood Handler’s Permit, Culinary Certification (if required)Food Handler’s Permit, Culinary Certification (if required)
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, varied locationsPermanent employment, consistent location
Employment TypeShort-term, project-basedLong-term, salaried or hourly
Industry UsageEvent catering, hospitality, temporary kitchensRestaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens

Contract Cooks typically work on short-term assignments in various locations, often for events or temporary projects, and usually hold similar certifications as full-time cooks. Full-Time Cooks are employed permanently in a single establishment, providing consistent service. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but differ mainly in employment duration and work setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Cook jobs in Alabama? For Contract Cook jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Cook jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Cook jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Contract Cook jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Contract Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Cook job openings in Alabama as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,219 per year, or $14.5 per hour.
Cook (6185)

$12.40/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Salvation Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 344 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

474th of 684 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Schedule/Hours: Schedule varies, 40 hours per week
Rate of Pay: $12.40 per hour with benefits
This position is responsible for:
Plans, prepares, cooks and serves nutritional meals and snacks in accordance with established guidelines and schedules; ensures all meals are prepared and served in a safe and presentable manner; cleans kitchen facilities, equipment, and appliances; maintains inventory of kitchen supplies and food in a neat and orderly manner.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Plans menus and purchases food and supplies necessary for the preparation and serving of nutritional meals
  • Cleans, cooks, and prepares a variety of foods and beverages utilizing kitchen equipment, utensils, and supplies in accordance with acceptable and economical cooking methods
  • Stores, refrigerates, and freezes food in a safe and economical manner; monitors the expiration dates on all foods ensuring proper disposal of food with expired dates

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
  • Work requires the ability to lift and carry and/or push/pull moderately heavy (25-50 lbs.) materials, supplies, and equipment. Moderate mobility; duties are performed by combinations of sitting, standing, and walking on a frequent change basis
  • Ability to meet attendance requirements
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate the English language
  • Ability to cook, taste and smell food

Employee Benefits:
  • Health/Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement Plan

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • High School diploma or equivalent,
  • and
  • One year experience cooking food for large groups,
  • or
  • any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Ability to obtain ServSafe Certification within 21 days of hire
  • Applicable state, local and/or program contract certifications or licenses

Equal Opportunity Employer: Veterans Disabled

What Salvation Army employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US