ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Cooking Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Lesco Logistics

Cook I

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$18.50/hr

Service Contract Act (SCA) position. The cook prepares food, using various cooking methods, i.e., boiling, roasting, baking, broiling, to make suitable for eating. The Cook I independently performs ...

West Tennessee Healthcare

Cook

Martin, TN · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Typically, performs fast food cooking duties in preparing food items to be served to customers ... May clean and sanitize work stations and equipment and must follow all Contract Company/hospital ...

West Tennessee Healthcare

Cook

Jackson, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Typically, performs fast food cooking duties in preparing food items to be served to customers ... May clean and sanitize work stations and equipment and must follow all Contract Company/hospital ...

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Cook

Gallatin, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract food service company, is now looking to hire an experienced Cook at our Simpson Strong-Tie location in Gallatin, TN. * Work schedule will include ...

Cannery Hall

Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Responsible for cooking and packaging food products which are prepared to order or kept warm until ... Additionally, this is not a contract for employment. Cannery Hall is committed to equal opportunity ...

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc

Cook

Gallatin, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract food service company, is now looking to hire an experienced Cook at our Simpson Strong-Tie location in Gallatin, TN. * Work schedule will include ...

Southern Foodservice Management Inc

Cook

Gallatin, TN

$18 - $20/hr

Description Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract food service company, is now looking to hire an experienced Cook at our Simpson Strong-Tie location in Gallatin, TN. * Work schedule ...

DZL Management Company LLC

Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Responsible for cooking and packaging food products which are prepared to order or kept warm until ... Additionally, this is not a contract for employment. Cannery Hall is committed to equal opportunity ...

Oak Steakhouse Nashville

Prep Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Understands and complies consistently with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Oak Steakhouse Nashville

Prep Cook

Nashville, TN

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Understands and complies consistently with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Oak Steakhouse Nashville

Line Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Must be able to speak, read and understand basic cooking directions * Ability to communicate ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

O-Ku Sushi Nashville

Line Cook

Nashville, TN

$15.25 - $19/hr

Must be able to speak, read and understand basic cooking directions * Ability to communicate ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Oak Steakhouse Nashville

Grill Cook

Nashville, TN

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Must be able to speak, read and understand basic cooking directions * Ability to communicate ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Oak Steakhouse Nashville

Grill Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Must be able to speak, read and understand basic cooking directions * Ability to communicate ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

Indaco Nashville

Line Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Must be able to speak, read and understand basic cooking directions * Ability to communicate ... contract. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer. We will not ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Cooking JobsContract Cooking Jobs in Tennessee

Contract Cooking information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do contract cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cooking in Tennessee is $15.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $17.21 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Contract Cooking jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Contract Cooking job openings:
Contract Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cooking job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 52% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,295 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Cook I

Cook I

Lesco Logistics

Smyrna, TN • On-site

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Service Contract Act (SCA) position.
The cook prepares food, using various cooking methods, i.e., boiling, roasting, baking, broiling, to make suitable for eating.

The Cook I independently performs moderately difficult tasks in preparing small quantities of quickly prepared food such as steaks, chops, cutlets, hamburgers, eggs, salads and other similar items. Excludes workers who exercise general supervision over kitchen activities.
High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Within the past 5 years, 2 years experience in volume food preparation and service. Military food service may be credited for this position.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, floor, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro