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Cook Helper Jobs in State College, PA (NOW HIRING)

Metz Culinary Management

Cook

University Park, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

You will be responsible for morning prep and helping make orders through breakfast and lunch ... Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have openings for Rock Star Cooks who shares our passion ...

Huntingdon Area School District

Head Cook

Huntingdon, PA · On-site

$13.56 - $17.81/hr

Support Staff/Cafeteria Helper Date Posted: 8/5/2026 Location: Southside Elementary School Date Available: 26-27 Closing Date: 08/19/2026 The Huntingdon Area School District seeks to hire a Head Cook ...

The Wynwood House

Cook

Centre Hall, PA · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

As a Cook at The Wynwood House, you'll play an important role in enhancing our residents' daily ... helping ensure every dining experience reflects the comfort and quality our residents deserve.

Arby's

Cook

Huntingdon, PA

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

Now Hiring Cooks!! Our Cooks work as part of a team that provides excellent service and high-quality food in a clean, friendly and fun atmosphere. As a crew member, youll: * Provide prompt and ...

Arby's

Cook

Milroy, PA

$12.75 - $17/hr

Now Hiring Cooks!! Our Cooks work as part of a team that provides excellent service and high-quality food in a clean, friendly and fun atmosphere. As a crew member, youll: * Provide prompt and ...

Arby's

Cook

Lewistown, PA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Now Hiring Cooks!! Our Cooks work as part of a team that provides excellent service and high-quality food in a clean, friendly and fun atmosphere. As a crew member, you'll: * Provide prompt and ...

Arby's

Cook

Lewistown, PA

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Now Hiring Cooks!! Our Cooks work as part of a team that provides excellent service and high-quality food in a clean, friendly and fun atmosphere. As a crew member, youll: * Provide prompt and ...

Arby's

Cook

Huntingdon, PA · On-site

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

Now Hiring Cooks!! Our Cooks work as part of a team that provides excellent service and high-quality food in a clean, friendly and fun atmosphere. As a crew member, you'll: * Provide prompt and ...

Arby's

Cook

Milroy, PA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Now Hiring Cooks!! Our Cooks work as part of a team that provides excellent service and high-quality food in a clean, friendly and fun atmosphere. As a crew member, you'll: * Provide prompt and ...

Cracker Barrel

Cook

State College, PA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

Cracker Barrel

Cook

State College, PA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

Cracker Barrel

Cook

Altoona, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

Cracker Barrel

Cook

Altoona, PA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or cooking up someone's new ... Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive ...

UPMC Altoona

Cook

Altoona, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Cook Fulltime - 40 hours a week - day shift with rotation as needed - weekend/Holiday rotation Shift time start times: 4:30 a.m., 5:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. All shifts will be an ...

UPMC Senior Communities

Cook

Altoona, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Cook Fulltime - 40 hours a week - day shift with rotation as needed - weekend/Holiday rotation Shift time start times: 4:30 a.m., 5:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. All shifts will be an ...

UPMC Altoona

Cook - Casual

Altoona, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Provide a courteous and helpful customer service attitude on a daily basis. * Uses and maintains ... Must have at least 2 years of experience in institutional cooking OR completion of an approved ...

UPMC Senior Communities

Cook - Casual

Altoona, PA · On-site

$18.39 - $27.88/hr

Provide a courteous and helpful customer service attitude on a daily basis. * Uses and maintains ... Must have at least 2 years of experience in institutional cooking OR completion of an approved ...

Liberty Lutheran

Cook

State College, PA · On-site

$17/hr

The Village at Penn State | State College, PA Love cooking? Join a team where your meals make a difference. The Village at Penn State, one of the area's premier independent living communities, is ...

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Cook Helper information

See State College, PA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in State College, PA is $16.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cook helper?

Cook Helpers assist chefs and cooks in preparing and serving food in kitchens. Their duties often include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning kitchen equipment, organizing supplies, and helping with basic cooking tasks. They play an essential role in maintaining kitchen hygiene and ensuring that food preparation runs smoothly and efficiently. Cook Helpers typically work in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, or other food service establishments.

What are some common challenges cook helpers face during busy meal service times?

Cook Helpers often face the challenge of working efficiently under pressure during peak meal service times. They must keep up with rapidly changing orders, maintain cleanliness, and ensure ingredients are prepped and available for cooks. Balancing speed with attention to detail is crucial, as mistakes can impact food quality and kitchen workflow. Strong communication and teamwork help Cook Helpers support chefs and contribute to a smooth, successful service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cook helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory tracking systems is beneficial. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, food safety, and effective support for chefs and cooks.

What is the difference between Cook Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCook HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma; general kitchen knowledge
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, food service establishments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service industry to assist cooksUsed across various food service settings to support kitchen operations

Cook Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles often overlap, with both supporting kitchen staff in food prep and cleaning. However, Cook Helpers typically focus more on assisting cooks with specific culinary tasks, while Kitchen Assistants handle broader support duties like cleaning and basic prep. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in State College, PA?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in State College, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in State College, PA?

For Cook Helper jobs in State College, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cook Helper jobs in State College, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook Helper jobs in State College, PA are:

What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Cook Helper jobs?

Cities near State College, PA with the most Cook Helper job openings:

Cook Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,114 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Cook

University Park, PA • On-site

Metz Culinary Management
Traveler Accommodation • 5 - 10K employees

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 68 rated caterers

Free food

People enjoy working here

Recommended by parents

Learn more about Metz Culinary Managementexternal

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Join the team at Freshens! Located on the first floor of the ECORE building.
You will be responsible for morning prep and helping make orders through breakfast and lunch service.
Hours are 7am-3pm Monday-Friday.
Benefits:
*Free Meal every shift
*Earned PTO
*Earned Wellness days
*Health Insurance
*Closed all federal holidays
This is a great opportunity for Culinary and Hospitality School Grads!
Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have openings for Rock Star Cooks who shares our passion for Food and Service. We are seeking team members for full and part-time roles in a busy commercial kitchen and café 'operations setting. Experience is a plus in a Food Service setting such as Hospital, School, or College desired but the door is open for all motivated individuals who understand the basics and bring a positive energy to the team!
LINE AND PREP COOKS: Prepare and present DELICIOUS meals and IMPRESSIVE presentations following our Executive Chef Menus. Ability to inventory and portion ingredients. Additionally, assist in kitchen to include prep, dish room, dry stock and perishable food inventories and sanitation. Experience as a cook or culinary schooling would be ideal but we willing to train the right person with a passion for food. This is a great opportunity for growth!
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Experience desired
Ability to apply elementary mathematical statistics that would apply to inventory and portioning
Willing to roll up sleeves and contribute where needed
Hospitality-driven
Able to work and thrive in a team environment
Brings a SMILE and strong work ethic to the TEAM
We are a family-driven company that delivers restaurant-inspired hospitality to everyone we serve.
We require background checks and drug screening for all employees as part of the on-boarding process. *Daily Pay is an optional employee benefit. Learn more at Dailypay.com

What Metz Culinary Management employees say

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