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Contract Cooking Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Chaska, MN ยท 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 ...

Cook (shakopee)

Shakopee, MN

$15 - $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 ...

Cook

Waconia, MN ยท 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 ...

Cook

Chaska, MN

$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 ...

Cook

Waconia, MN

$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 ...

Cook

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$19 - $24/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 ...

Cook (Waverly)

Waverly, MN

$14.50 - $19.50/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 ...

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 ...

Full-Time Cook

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/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 ...

Full-Time Cook

Minneapolis, MN

$14 - $18.75/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 ...

Cook (Buffalo)

Buffalo, MN

$14.75 - $19.75/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 ...

Cook (Mahtomedi)

Mahtomedi, MN

$14.25 - $19.25/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 ...

Cook Manager

Windom, MN ยท On-site

$18.51 - $22.31/hr

Food Service/Cook Manager Date Posted: 5/22/2026 Location: Windom Area Elementary Closing Date ... Union contract hourly range based on education, experience, and qualifications: $18.51 - $22.31

Cook

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$21.27 - $27.85/hr

Job Overview Fairview is looking for a Cook at East Bank Hospital located in Minneapolis, MN! This ... contract. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program that is approved and in ...

Cook

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Job Overview Fairview is looking for a Cook at East Bank Hospital located in Minneapolis, MN! This ... contract. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program that is approved and in ...

Cook

Saint Paul, MN

$20.43 - $25.75/hr

Day/Evening (United States of America) Shift Length: 8 hour shift Hours Per Week: 20 Union Contract ... Uses proper cooking, cooling and reheating techniques to ensure food safety. Principle ...

Cook

Maplewood, MN

$14.25 - $19/hr

Job Overview Fairview is seeking a Cook for St. John's Hospital located in Maplewood, MN ! This is ... contract. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program that is approved and in ...

Cook

Maplewood, MN ยท On-site

$21.96 - $28.78/hr

Job Overview Fairview is seeking a Cook for St. John's Hospital located in Maplewood, MN ! This is ... contract. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program that is approved and in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Cooking information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do contract cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 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 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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Contract Cooking job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 35% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,850 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Cook

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

AM/PM Cook
Location: Chaska
What Makes This Location Special: NO LATE NIGHTS
We are seeking a cook 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 and are able to work both am and pm shifts. 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 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

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
  • Able to work both am 6am-230p also 1030am-7pm shifts.

Pay Range: $18 - $20 per hour