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Cook I Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Cook I

Burkesville, KY · On-site

$13.76 - $19.45/hr

Advertisement Closes 8/29/2026 (11:59 PM ET) req80629 Cook I Pay Grade09 Salary $13.76 - $19.45 Hourly This position is eligible for an approved Sign-on bonus of $800 in compliance with 101 KAR 2:034 ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Cook I Location: BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY - 21220001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Louisville, KY

$17 - $18/hr

Cook I Location: BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY - 21220001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Louisville, KY

$17 - $18/hr

Cook I Location: BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY - 21220001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Cook I Location: BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY - 21220001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Cook I

Owensboro, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

JOB SUMMARY The F&B Cook I is responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of food items in accordance with established recipes and operational standards. This role plays a vital part in ...

Owensboro Racing & Gaming

Cook I

Owensboro, KY

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

JOB SUMMARY The F&B Cook I is responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of food items in accordance with established recipes and operational standards. This role plays a vital part in ...

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Cook I

Owensboro, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

JOB SUMMARY The F&B Cook I is responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of food items in accordance with established recipes and operational standards. This role plays a vital part in ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Louisville, KY

$18/hr

Cook I Ubicación: BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY - 21220001 Días de trabajo/turnos: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de ...

QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC

Cook I

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17/hr

Cook I Benefits - As a Part or Full Time Hourly Quest Team Member, you can expect: Career growth with potential for future promotional pathways Work-life balance, no nights, no weekends, no holidays!

Sodexo

Cook I

Louisville, KY · On-site

$18/hr

Cook I Ubicación: BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY - 21220001 Días de trabajo/turnos: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de ...

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc

Cook I

Fort Campbell, KY · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract food service company, is looking to hire a Cook I for our Fort Campbell location in Kentucky. Job Summary * Responsible for proper preparation of ...

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All JobsCook I JobsCook I Jobs in Kentucky

Cook I information

See Kentucky salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do cook i jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook i in Kentucky is $15.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cook I?

A Cook I is an entry-level position in a professional kitchen, responsible for preparing and cooking food under the supervision of senior chefs. Duties typically include following recipes, preparing ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Cook I roles are often a starting point for those seeking to advance in the culinary field, offering hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn various cooking techniques. These positions require basic culinary knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

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

To thrive as a Cook I, you need fundamental culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, basic knife techniques, and understanding of health department regulations are essential, and food handler certifications are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure high-quality food preparation, maintain safety standards, and support smooth kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges faced by a Cook I, and how can they be managed effectively?

As a Cook I, one of the most common challenges is managing multiple tasks simultaneously during busy service hours, such as preparing ingredients, cooking dishes to order, and maintaining food safety standards. Staying organized and communicating clearly with team members can help streamline workflow and reduce stress. Additionally, adapting to sudden menu changes or special dietary requests requires flexibility and a strong understanding of kitchen operations. Regularly seeking feedback from senior chefs and participating in on-the-job training can also help Cook I employees improve their skills and handle challenges more confidently.

What is the difference between Cook I vs Cook II?

AspectCook ICook II
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary trainingSimilar credentials; some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level kitchen settings, hospitals, cafeteriasMore complex kitchen tasks, higher responsibility
Employer UsageHospitals, schools, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens

The main difference between Cook I and Cook II lies in experience and responsibility. Cook I is an entry-level position requiring basic culinary skills, while Cook II involves more advanced tasks and greater independence in the kitchen. Both roles typically require similar credentials, but Cook II often demands some prior experience. Employers use these titles to distinguish levels of expertise and responsibility within culinary teams.

What are careers in cooking?

Careers in cooking include roles such as Cook I, which involves preparing and cooking food in various settings like restaurants, hotels, or catering services. These careers often require knowledge of food safety, cooking techniques, and sometimes certifications like food handler permits. Advancement can lead to higher positions such as Sous Chef or Executive Chef, with increased responsibilities and pay.

What are popular job titles related to Cook I jobs in KY?

For Cook I jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Cook I jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook I job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,025 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Cook I

Kentucky Board of Nursing

Burkesville, KY • On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Kentucky Department Of Corrections rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 43 rated prisons

Job description

Cook I

50670

31043111

31061879

What Kentucky Department Of Corrections employees say

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