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Contract Cook Jobs in Vernon, AL (NOW HIRING)

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Contract Cook information

See Vernon, AL salary details

$7

$14

$19

How much do contract cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cook in Vernon, AL is $14.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.83 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract cook?

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.

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 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.

Contract Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cook job openings in Vernon, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 26% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,323 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Grill Cook- 2nd Shift

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Columbus, MS • On-site

$11.50 - $13.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description

Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract foodservice company, is looking to hire a Grill Cook for our PACCAR location in Columbus, MS.

  • The schedule is Monday - Friday with occasional Saturdays. 
  • The shift schedule is 2:00 PM - 8:30 PM.
  • The pay is $11.50 - $13.50 per hour.   
  • Minimum of 2 years of cooking experience required.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Operating the Short-Order Grill Station during meal periods
  • Assist in Kitchen with food preparation duties and cooking other items as assigned by Management
  • Responsible for correct quantities and quality of menu items as assigned by Management.
  • Responsible for maintaining proper food safety and handling techniques per applicable food code and HACCP standards
  • Responsible for accurately maintaining food temperature logs for items prepared in the kitchen and preparing and maintaining foods at proper internal cooking and holding temperatures.
  • Responsible for following and enforcing proper safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment
  • Conduct duties in an orderly and professional manner and to standards of Southern Foodservice code of conduct
  • Must follow direction of Management in carrying out duties and procedures as assigned

During Preparation, Service and After the Meal

  • Properly Set-Up and stock Grill Station for Service by prescribed timeline.
  • Operate Short Order Grill Station during service times properly preparing and serving items on the grill menu.
  • Cooking of required meal items according to the daily menu or other required menu items
  • Check temperatures for required ranges, ensuring they are properly cooked to correct internal temperatures and maintained at proper temperatures during the meal service.

Cleaning Assignment

  • Properly clean Grill Station and equipment after each meal period
  • Other Daily Cleaning duties as assigned by Management

Other Duties

  • All staff members are also responsible for other duties or tasks that are assigned by the Assistant Managers or Supervisors, as a part of any "Job" or "Position" assigned during a normal work schedule. Team members may be assigned to support the meal production, service and cleaning after the meal or the dining facility.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

  • Strength: Lift up to 40lbs
  • Posture: Standing 80%, Walking 20%
  • Movement of objects: Frequent
  • Heavy Lifting, Heavy Carrying, Pushing, Pulling
  • Climbing or Balancing: Occasional
  • Stooping: Frequent
  • Reaching: Frequent
  • Handling: Frequent
  • Talking/Hearing: Frequent
  • Seeing: Frequent
  • Temperature Variation: Frequent



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