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Contract Cooking Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

New Horizon Foods

Cook/Server

Fergus Falls, MN · On-site

$18.50 - $21/hr

Shifts rotate and this is a cooking and serving students. Daily Pay Available! We are seeking a ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon

Cook/Server

Fergus Falls, MN · On-site

$18.50 - $20/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 ...

New Horizon

Cook

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

When you join our team, you're not just cooking-you're caring. You'll be part of a supportive ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon Foods

Cook

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

When you join our team, you're not just cooking--you're caring. You'll be part of a supportive ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

New Horizon

Cook/Server

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

If you have a minimum of one year cooking and looking to get out of the house for a while each week ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

DTN Staffing

Cook/Dietary Aide

Rushford, MN · On-site

ASAP Contract Length:6-8 weeks Shift Schedule:6:30a-3:00p or 9:30a-6:00p; weekends and holidays On ... Allie 608-518-6661 Requires: 1 year of cooking experience Requires: ServSafe certification Can ...

Fairview Health Services

Cook

Minneapolis, MN

$21.27 - $27.85/hr

Job Overview Fairview is looking for a Cook at the University of Minnesota Medical Center (UMMC ... contract. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program that is approved and in ...

Fairview Health Services

Cook

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$21.27 - $27.85/hr

Job Overview Fairview is looking for a Cook at the University of Minnesota Medical Center (UMMC ... contract. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program that is approved and in ...

Martin County West Public Schools

Cook

Sherburn, MN · On-site

$13.04/hr

Student Nutrition Services/Cook Date Posted: 7/6/2026 Location: Martin County West Jr/Sr High ... Benefits - Short list of benefits, more detailed in the Educational Support Professionals contract

New Horizon

PT AM/PM Cook

Chaska, MN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

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

New Horizon Foods

Cook/Server

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

If you have a minimum of one year cooking and looking to get out of the house for a while each week ... New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to ...

Concordia College at Moorhead

Cook

Moorhead, MN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

... and contract services in Dining Services and ensure the highest level of service for all customers ... Supervise cooks' helpers and works to keep work areas and equipment clean and maintained. * Keep ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 21, 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/Server

New Horizon Foods

Fergus Falls, MN • On-site

$18.50 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Cook/Server
Location: Fergus Falls MN
What Makes This Location Special- This location does not require late nights. Great group of people to work with All summers off and holidays off. This is a rotation of weekends required. Shifts rotate and this is a cooking and serving students.
Daily Pay Available!

We are seeking a cook/Server to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to work on their feet for extended periods of time. Experience in cooking and kitchen tasks is required for this position.

Why Join New Horizon Foods?
When you join our team, you’re not just cooking/serving—you’re caring. You’ll be part of a supportive, mission-driven company that values teamwork, integrity, and a passion for service. We take pride in serving communities across the country, and we’re looking for cooks/servers who care as much as we do.
New Horizon Foods is a dining contract company that specializes in providing services tailored to the location and client. We have been in operation for over 30 years and are currently in more than 10 states. Our employees are our greatest asset and reason for our success. Great employees make great experiences.
Benefits:
  • Flexible hours
  • NO Late Nights!
  • Ability to advance in the company
  • Health benefits for Full Time employees
  • PTO for Full Time employees
Responsibilities:
  • Meal preparation
  • Food preparation and proper storage
  • Assist maintaining all health code regulations in kitchen
  • Ensure that all food is presented in an attractive and appetizing manner
  • Provide excellent customer service to residents and guests
  • Assist with cleaning and sanitizing the kitchen and dining areas
  • Follow all safety and sanitation procedures
  • Follow menus amp; recipes provided onsite
  • Prep meals /cleaning checklists/temperatures of equipment and food
Requirements:
  • Positive attitude and excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to work on feet for extended periods of time
  • Ability to follow recipes
  • Understanding of basic cooking techniques
  • Reliable means of transportation to and from work
  • Minimum one year Full time with references required
  • Follow direction provided by supervisor
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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