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Cook I Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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

Murray, KY · On-site

$12.41 - $13.25/hr

Cook I Location: MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY - 44432006 Workdays/shifts: Weekdays - morning and afternoon/evening shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Murray, KY

$12.41 - $15/hr

Cook I Location: MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY - 44432014 Workdays/shifts : Weekdays - morning shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $12 ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Murray, KY · On-site

$12.41 - $15/hr

Cook I Location: MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY - 44432014 Workdays/shifts: Weekdays - morning shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $12 ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Murray, KY

$12.41 - $13.25/hr

Cook I Location: MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY - 44432006 Workdays/shifts : Weekdays - morning and afternoon/evening shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

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

Murray, KY

$12.41 - $15/hr

Cook I Location: MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY - 44432014 Workdays/shifts : Weekdays - morning shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $12 ...

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

Murray, KY · On-site

$12.41 - $13.25/hr

Cook I Location: MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY - 44432006 Workdays/shifts : Weekdays - morning and afternoon/evening shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Murray, KY · On-site

$12.41 - $15/hr

Cook I Location: MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY - 44432014 Workdays/shifts : Weekdays - morning shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $12 ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Murray, KY

$12.41 - $13.25/hr

Cook I Location: MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY - 44432006 Workdays/shifts : Weekdays - morning and afternoon/evening shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

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 ...

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Cook I

Owensboro, KY

$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 ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Cook I

Louisville, KY · On-site

$2.2K - $2.9K/mo

Advertisement Closes 8/3/2026 (11:59 PM ET) 2603807 Cook I Pay Grade09 Salary $2,236.16 - $2,918.34 Monthly Employment Type EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY 18A 37.5 HR/WK Click ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Murray, KY

$15/hr

Cook I Ubicación: MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY - 44432014 Días de trabajo/turnos: Weekdays - morning shifts. Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de entrevista. Tipo de empleo: Full-time ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Murray, KY

$13.25/hr

Cook I Ubicación: MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY - 44432006 Días de trabajo/turnos: Weekdays - morning and afternoon/evening shifts. Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de entrevista. Tipo ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Murray, KY

$15/hr

Cook I Ubicación: MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY - 44432014 Días de trabajo/turnos: Weekdays - morning shifts. Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de entrevista. Tipo de empleo: Full-time ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 29, 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 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 are Cook I positions?

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 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,025 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Cook I

Sodexo

Louisville, KY • On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

343rd of 488 rated business services

Job description

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 Type: Full-time
Pay Range: $17 per hour - $18.00 per hour
University students with restrictions on number of hours they can work, including international students, should apply for open student worker positions at the school they attend. You can search student worker jobs here (https://sodexo.paradox.ai/7nq0G05)
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way.
What You'll Do: As a Cook I at Sodexo, you will be responsible for accurately and efficiently preparing, portioning, cooking, and presenting a variety of hot and cold food items for all meal periods and events in accordance with Sodexo's culinary standards for quality, presentation, and consistency. Working in a fast-paced kitchen environment, this position ensures all food products are prepared safely, accurately, and efficiently while maintaining a clean and organized workstation. The Cook I supports Sodexo's commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience by delivering high-quality dishes, contributing to effective kitchen teamwork, and upholding the highest standards of food safety and sanitation. Responsibilities may vary by account based on business needs and client requirements, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary.
Responsibilities include:
  • Prepare food in accordance with current applicable federal, state and corporate standards, guidelines, and regulations to ensure high-quality food service is provided.
  • Follow basic recipes and/or product directions for preparing, seasoning, cooking, tasting, carving, and serving soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, and other foodstuffs for consumption in eating establishments.
  • Taste products, read menus, estimate food requirements, check production, and keep records to accurately plan production requirements and requisition supplies and equipment.
  • Significant walking or other means of mobility.
  • Ability to walk or stand for extended periods of time, throughout the entire duration of a shift, which may exceed 8 hours.
  • Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push and/or pull, and frequently lift up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift/move 50 pounds.
  • Ability to perform repetitive motions.
  • Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity
  • Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements.

What You Bring:
  • High School diploma, GED or equivalent experience.
  • 0 to 2 years of related work experience.
  • Knowledge of basic operation of equipment and food-handling procedures preferred.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Good working knowledge of food preparation.
  • Requires familiarity of kitchen equipment.
  • Must be able to read and follow a recipe unsupervised.

Link to full Job description
What We Offer:
  • Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life's important moments.
  • Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career
  • Full array of benefits that support you and your family's wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more.
  • In addition to Sodexo's standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free "shift" meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking.

Link to benefits summary
Overall, Sodexo strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo's benefit offerings during the interview process.
Who we are:
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace culture and belonging as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form.

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