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Contract Cooking Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

AEG

Prep Cook - Morton Amphitheater

Riverside, MO · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

The ideal candidate will have a culinary degree or have graduated from a certified apprenticeship program with a minimum of 2-3 years of cooking experience in the contract foodservice industry ...

Century Casinos Inc

COOK (1, 2, or 3)

Cape Girardeau, MO · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Must be able to work in varying temperatures including, but not limited to heat of cooking ... Furthermore, they do not establish a contract of employment and are subject to change at any time ...

Century Casinos Inc

COOK (1, 2 or 3)

Cape Girardeau, MO · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Must be able to work in varying temperatures including, but not limited to heat of cooking ... Furthermore, they do not establish a contract of employment and are subject to change at any time ...

Jack Stack BBQ

Prep Cook - Plaza

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Prep Cook REPORTS TO: Kitchen Manager SUMMARY Responsible for production of superior quality hot ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. Fiorella's Jack Stack ...

Jack Stack BBQ

Grill Cook - Plaza

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Grill Cook REPORTS TO: Kitchen Manager SUMMARY Responsible for production of superior quality ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. Fiorella's Jack Stack ...

Aerotek

Dietary Aide

Richmond Heights, MO · On-site

$18/hr

Job Title: Dietary Aide This role prepares and cooks a variety of hot and cold food items for ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Richmond Heights, MO. Pay and ...

Allegiance

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Work may involve cooking the main entrees and/or other items in a full-service cafeteria by ... S., Section 12113 (d) - Person in job must not have nor contract any disease listed by the ...

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - sr living

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$50K - $55K/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 Unidine today! Unidine is a ...

Unidine

CHEF MANAGER - sr living

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$50K - $55K/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 Unidine today! Unidine is a ...

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - sr living

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$50K - $55K/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 Unidine today! Unidine is a ...

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - sr living

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$50K - $55K/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 Unidine today! Unidine is a ...

Metz Culinary Management

Foodservice Worker

Raymore, MO · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

START or GROW your Contract Dining Services career today! QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job ... Experience as a cook or culinary schooling would be ideal but we willing to train the right person ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsContract Cooking JobsContract Cooking Jobs in Missouri

Contract Cooking information

See Missouri salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do contract cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cooking in Missouri is $16.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $17.84 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 Missouri?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Missouri are:

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Contract Cooking jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Contract Cooking job openings:

Contract Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cooking job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,376 per year, or $16 per hour.

Prep Cook - Morton Amphitheater

AEG

Riverside, MO • On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Prepare and cook food items in a fast-casual environment to ensure guest satisfaction and maximize food revenues.

  • Maintain proper operational condition and cleanliness of equipment, and ensure compliance with health and sanitation standards.

  • Rotate to different service locations as needed and perform other duties assigned by management.

Job description

In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.
THE ROLE
This position is responsible for preparing and cooking food items in a fast-casual space to ensure guest satisfaction and maximize food revenues.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Must maintain a friendly, positive attitude and professional demeanor at all times
  • Direct, implement, and maintain a guest service philosophy that serves as a guide to fellow associates
  • Regularly meet with supervision to review assignments, anticipated business levels, changes, and other information pertinent to job performance
  • Ensure that only the highest-of-quality product is served to our guests
  • Maintain and abide by County Health/Sanitation as well as Legends Hospitality standards
  • Provide efficient service and quality products by maintaining positive customer and client relations through effective communication and prudent financial practices
  • Ensure that all equipment is in proper operational condition and is cleaned on a regular basis
  • Shows flexibility by rotating to other service locations when necessary

Performs other related duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned by management
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, the candidate must be able to perform each essential duty above at the highest levels. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • Ideal candidate will be ServSafe Certified
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • The ideal candidate will have a culinary degree or have graduated from a certified apprenticeship program with a minimum of 2-3 years of cooking experience in the contract foodservice industry, preferably in premium services, catering, and concessions environments for a sports and/or entertainment venue
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize in a deadline-oriented environment
  • Strong commitment to delivering a high level of customer and client service with demonstrated initiative and leadership
  • Customer service oriented with the ability to interact with all levels of management
  • Must be flexible to work extended hours due to business requirements including late nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Must be able to work in a team environment
  • High level of organization and attention to detail
  • Must be able to remain calm under stressful situations
  • Must be able to smile, maintain positive body language, and consistently provide positive guest service
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to make evaluations and decisions without immediate supervision
  • Must be able to accept and carry out responsibility for directions
  • Practice safe work habits, follow all safety policies and procedures and regulations, complete company-wide safety training and additional job specific safety training

Licenses & Certifications:
Preferred - SERVSafe
Practice safe work habits, follow all safety policies and procedures and regulations, complete company-wide safety training and any additional job specific safety training.
Legends Global is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or genetic information.
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About AEG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1992

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