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Contract Cook Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Applebee's Cook

Woodhaven, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $17/hr

The Applebee's line cook completes all assigned prep work and set up the cook's station; maintains ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, operating and maintenance instructions ...

Applebee's Cook

Utica, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

The Applebee's line cook completes all assigned prep work and set up the cook's station; maintains ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, operating and maintenance instructions ...

Applebee's Cook

Adrian, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

The Applebee's line cook completes all assigned prep work and set up the cook's station; maintains ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, operating and maintenance instructions ...

Applebee's Cook

Belleville, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The Applebee's line cook completes all assigned prep work and set up the cook's station; maintains ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, operating and maintenance instructions ...

Applebee's Cook

Commerce, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The Applebee's line cook completes all assigned prep work and set up the cook's station; maintains ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, operating and maintenance instructions ...

Applebee's Cook

Roseville, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

The Applebee's line cook completes all assigned prep work and set up the cook's station; maintains ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, operating and maintenance instructions ...

Applebee's Cook

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

The Applebee's line cook completes all assigned prep work and set up the cook's station; maintains ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, operating and maintenance instructions ...

Applebee's Cook

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $17/hr

The Applebee's line cook completes all assigned prep work and set up the cook's station; maintains ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, operating and maintenance instructions ...

Applebee's Cook

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

The Applebee's line cook completes all assigned prep work and set up the cook's station; maintains ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, operating and maintenance instructions ...

Applebee's Cook

Lansing, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

The Applebee's line cook completes all assigned prep work and set up the cook's station; maintains ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, operating and maintenance instructions ...

Applebee's Cook

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

The Applebee's line cook completes all assigned prep work and set up the cook's station; maintains ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, operating and maintenance instructions ...

Applebee's Cook

Jackson, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

The Applebee's line cook completes all assigned prep work and set up the cook's station; maintains ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, operating and maintenance instructions ...

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Contract Cook information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$13

$19

How much do contract cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cook in Michigan is $13.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $15.72 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 Michigan? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Cook jobs in Michigan? For Contract Cook jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Cook jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Cook jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Contract Cook jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Contract Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Cook job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,059 per year, or $14 per hour.

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Cook

As a Cook, you will prepare high-quality meals in accordance with standardized recipes and presentation guidelines. You’ll work closely with the culinary team to ensure timely, safe, and delicious food service for guests. This role requires attention to detail, efficiency, and a passion for hospitality in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • You will be the culinary talent behind our hotel's exceptional dining experiences, preparing delicious and fresh meals that delight our guests.
  • Your daily tasks will include preparing menu items, ensuring food safety and quality standards, and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen.
  • You will report to the Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager.
  • A career as a cook can lead to opportunities as a line cook, sous chef, or even executive chef within the hospitality industry.
Education & Experience

Hotel experience is always a plus! Applicants should have: 

  • A combination of education and experience
What You’ll Need to Succeed
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • Sufficient education and/or literacy needed to identify and read product labels and to communicate with guests about job-related needs.
  • Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and lift as required—with or without reasonable accommodations
  • Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays if needed
  • A warm, professional demeanor that reflects HVMG’s Culture of Excellence by showing a warm smile, friendly personality, and positive attitude.

This position may require a varied schedule, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.  Please share your scheduling needs.


Why Our Associates Love HVMG

  • Career growth opportunities across our nationwide portfolio
  • Flexible scheduling 
  • Access up to 40% of your earned wages before payday with PayActive
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
  • Full healthcare benefits: medical, dental, and vision
  • 401(k) with guaranteed 4% match and no vesting period
  • Exclusive hotel and food & beverage discounts
About HVMG

Our Be Excellent culture is more than just words on a website -- we live and breathe it. As one associate said in an anonymous survey, "This is the best management company I've ever worked for. They walk the talk from the corporate office to the field."
We believe that the hotel business is one of the few industries in which successful career paths can start anywhere on the org chart. You control your destiny, and, if our executives are any indication, today's dishwasher can be tomorrow's Senior Vice President.

The above job description is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the position, nor should it be construed as a contract.

HVMG  is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.