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Contract Cooking Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Cook 1

Lansing, KS · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract foodservice company, is looking to hire a Cook 1 for our Fort Leavenworth location. * The schedule is Sunday-Thursday. * The shift schedule is 3 ...

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract foodservice company, is looking to hire a Cook 1 for our Fort Leavenworth location. * The schedule is Sunday ...

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Description Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract foodservice company, is looking to hire a Cook 1 for our Fort Leavenworth location. * The schedule is Sunday-Thursday. * The shift ...

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Lead Cook

Salina, KS · On-site

$22/hr

Description Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract food service company, is now looking to hire a Lead Cook for our location at Kansas Army National Guard, KS. * The pay is $22.00 per ...

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Lead Cook

Salina, KS · On-site

$22/hr

Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract food service company, is now looking to hire a Lead Cook for our location at Kansas Army National Guard, KS. * The pay is $22.00 per hour. * Must ...

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Lead Cook

Lansing, KS · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract foodservice company, is looking to hire a Lead Cook for our Fort Leavenworth location. * The schedule is Sunday - Thursday or Tuesday - Saturday.

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract foodservice company, is looking to hire a Lead Cook for our Fort Leavenworth location. * The schedule is Sunday ...

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Description Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract foodservice company, is looking to hire a Lead Cook for our Fort Leavenworth location. * The schedule is Sunday - Thursday or Tuesday ...

KSL Resorts

Lead Cook

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

As a Lead Cook , you will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality and ... This does not create an employee contract, express implied, or otherwise, and does not alter the ...

Latour Restaurant Group

Dishwasher / Porter

Wichita, KS

$11.75 - $15/hr

... to many contract locations; including The Wichita Art Museum, Hotel at Old Town, Kansas Heart ... Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas. Store supplies or goods in ...

Latour Restaurant Group

Dishwasher / Porter

Wichita, KS · On-site

$11.75 - $15/hr

... to many contract locations; including The Wichita Art Museum, Hotel at Old Town, Kansas Heart ... Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas. * Store supplies or goods in ...

Compass Group

Chef Manager

Wakarusa, KS · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Experience with exposition cooking needed * Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * ServSafe certified is a plus Apply to Compass Group today! Click ...

Compass Group

Chef Manager

Topeka, KS · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Experience with exposition cooking needed * Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable * ServSafe certified is a plus Apply to Compass Group today! Click ...

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Contract Cooking information

See Kansas salary details

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$15

$19

How much do contract cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cooking in Kansas is $15.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract cooking?

Contract cooking is a service where a professional chef or catering company is hired to prepare meals for clients under a formal agreement. This arrangement can be for individuals, families, businesses, or large-scale events. Contract cooks may work on-site in private homes, commercial kitchens, or company cafeterias, providing customized menus based on clients' dietary needs and preferences. The service can be short-term, like for a special event, or ongoing, such as providing daily meals for a business or institution.

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

To thrive as a Contract Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often formal training or certification in food handling. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and inventory management systems is typically required. Excellent time management, adaptability, and teamwork help contract cooks excel in various kitchen environments and client settings. These skills ensure high-quality meal preparation, compliance with health standards, and reliable service delivery across diverse assignments.

What are some common challenges faced by contract cooks, and how can they be successfully managed?

Contract cooks often work in diverse settings, from corporate cafeterias to event venues, which means adapting quickly to different kitchens and equipment. One challenge is managing varying client expectations while maintaining consistent food quality under tight deadlines. Flexibility, strong organizational skills, and clear communication with both clients and team members are key to overcoming these obstacles. Building a reputation for reliability and versatility can also open up more opportunities for advancement and recurring contracts.

What is the difference between Contract Cooking vs Restaurant Cooking?

AspectContract CookingRestaurant Cooking
Work EnvironmentVarious locations, often temporary or project-basedSpecific restaurant or food service establishment
CredentialsCooking experience, food safety certifications often preferredCooking experience, food safety certifications typically required
Employment TypeTemporary, freelance, or contract basisFull-time or part-time employment within a restaurant
Industry UsageUsed by catering companies, event services, or food contractorsUsed within the hospitality and food service industry

Contract Cooking involves preparing food at various locations on a temporary basis, often for events or catering, while Restaurant Cooking is based within a specific restaurant or food establishment. Both roles require similar culinary skills and certifications, but their work environments and employment types differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Kansas?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Kansas are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Contract Cooking jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Contract Cooking job openings:

Contract Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cooking job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,734 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Assistant Head Cook

Great Bend Unified School District 428

Great Bend, KS • On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Assistant Head Cook
Date Posted:
7/16/2026
Location:
Central Kitchen
Position: Assistant Head Cook
Supervisor: Director of Food Services
Classification: Hourly, Classified
Hours: 6:30AM - 2:30PM
Job Summary:
Responsible for supporting efficient operation of school kitchen/cafeteria to include assisting Head Cook preparation, and serving of food; cleaning items (food service, counters, equipment); and other duties and trainings as assigned in regards to food services.
Contract:
The position is a 10-month position and is based on hourly compensation, with leave as defined in the Classified Employees' Handbook.
Job Functions:
  • Assists in the preparation and planning of meals
  • Operate basic kitchen equipment
  • Cleaning kitchen equipment, dishes, trays and other items necessary for food services.
  • Reports deficiencies or safety concerns to the immediate supervisor
  • Follow safety rules and regulations.
  • Perform other activities, duties, and trainings as assigned in regards to food services duties.

Required Skills:
  • Ability to work well with others
  • Ability to read and follow instructions (cooking and meal preparation)
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Demonstrate aptitude/competence to complete assigned responsibilities
  • Dependable and trustworthy

Education/Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent is preferred
Experience in large scale food preparation is preferred
Physical Requirements/ Environmental Conditions:
  • Prolonged standing and walking
  • Repetitive bending, twisting and turning motion
  • Must be able to lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 pounds regularly

Apply