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Contract Cooking Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Concordia College at Moorhead

Cook

Moorhead, MN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

The Cook prepares food throughvarious methods of baking, frying, broiling, grilling, etc. using ... Prepare food for residential dining, catering, and contract customers and other events according to ...

New Horizon Foods

Cook

Forest Lake, MN

$18 - $20/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon Foods

Cook

Onamia, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon

Cook

Forest Lake, MN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon

Cook

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon Foods

Cook

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon Foods

Cook

Onamia, MN

$17 - $19/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon Foods

Cook

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon

Cook

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon Foods

Cook

Buffalo, MN

$19 - $23/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon Foods

Cook

Onamia, MN

$17 - $19/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon

Cook

Onamia, MN · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon Foods

Cook

Onamia, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon

Cook

Buffalo, MN · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

Concordia College

Cook

Moorhead, MN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Prepare food for residential dining, catering, and contract customers and other events according to ... Previous large quantity cooking experience; * High school degree or GED; * Working knowledge of ...

New Horizon

Cook

Saint Louis Park, MN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon Foods

Cook

Saint Louis Park, MN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position. Why Join New Horizon Foods ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon Foods

Cook/Server

Fergus Falls, MN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Its a great way to make a start in the bulk cooking business. No late nights, summers off, and work ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

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All JobsContract Cooking JobsContract Cooking Jobs in Minnesota

Contract Cooking information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do contract cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cooking in Minnesota is $16.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $18.61 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 Minnesota?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Minnesota are:

Contract Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cooking job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,850 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Cook

Concordia College at Moorhead

Moorhead, MN • On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

About the Role

The primary responsibility of this position isto work as a team member in the daily production requirements for the diningcenter, catering, and contract services in Dining Services and ensure thehighest level of service for all customers. The Cook prepares food throughvarious methods of baking, frying, broiling, grilling, etc. using industrialkitchen equipment. The Cook is also responsible for maintaining adequate foodlevels during service times, maintaining quality food standards, food safetyand sanitation, cleaning kitchen equipment and work areas, and providing highquality customer service through face-to-face interaction with our guests. The Cookalso supervises student cooks helpers and works to keep work areas andequipment clean and maintained. The Cook keeps accurate production records.

What You'll Do

  1. Support the mission and vision of Concordia College and demonstrate the competencies as defined for this position.
  2. Production 
    1. Prepare food for residential dining, catering, and contract customers and other events according to standardized recipes as directed by the Lead Culinary Supervisor.
    2. Maintain quality standards in food handling and preparation.
    3. Maintain standards of sanitation and safety as established by local, state and federal health officials.
    4. Maintain cost awareness in preparation and storage of all products with an emphasis on minimizing waste.
    5. Assist with testing and standardizing new recipes.
  3. Supervision of Student Employees 
    1. Provide training and guidance to student cooks helpers in the production of food.
    2. Ensure that student cooks helpers maintain standards of safety and sanitation in food handling.
  4. Cleaning and Maintenance 
    1. Maintain equipment and work areas in neat, clean and orderly conditions.
    2. Perform routine preventative maintenance on designated equipment.
    3. Report equipment repairs promptly as needed.
  5. Record Keeping
    1. Complete service summary reports following each meal.
    2. Submit recipe adjustments as needed.
  6. Other duties as assigned
  7. Attend planning meetings and perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

Theideal candidate is a team-oriented culinary professional who enjoys working ina fast-paced environment and takes pride in preparing high-quality food anddelivering exceptional customer service. They bring large-volume cookingexperience, strong attention to food safety and sanitation standards, and theability to stay organized while balancing changing priorities. This individualis dependable, takes initiative, works collaboratively with a diverse team, andcan effectively guide and support student employees while maintaining apositive and service-focused approach.                  

Why Concordia?

If you love the hospitality industry butvalue work/life balance, Concordia offers a unique opportunity to build arewarding career in a respectful and supportive environment. Enjoy consistentschedules with no late nights; affordable health, dental, and vision insurancewith excellent coverage; tuition waivers for employees, spouses, and eligiblechildren; generous Planned Time Off that begins accruing on day one; 13 paidholidays per year; and more. 

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