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Cook I Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freestyle Cook I

Aventura, FL

$13.50 - $18/hr

The Cook I is responsible for timely and accurate preparation of made to order food and accurate preparation and plating of restaurants items based on company specifications and function contracts.

Utilize progressive cooking throughout the meal as directed by Cook I to ensure freshness and quality of food served. * Inform Cook when food items on serving line need to be replenished. * Assist on ...

COOK I

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$42K - $44K/yr

What You'll Do As a Cook I for Michigan Dining you will follow standardized recipes for all meals either in a back-of-house production kitchen or a front-of-house station. Prepare food items ensuring ...

Cook I

Westminster, MD · On-site

$17.75 - $20.80/hr

The Cook I is responsible for preparing and cooking meals in accordance with standardized recipes and dietary requirements while ensuring food safety, cleanliness, and quality standards are ...

Cook I

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$21.63/hr

We are looking for our next great team member to join us as a Cook I in Shaughnessy's Pub . We are committed to providing you with: * Highly competitive wages * An exceptional benefit plan for ...

Freestyle Cook I

Aventura, FL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

The Cook I is responsible for timely and accurate preparation of made to order food and accurate preparation and plating of restaurants items based on company specifications and function contracts.

COOK I

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$42K - $44K/yr

What You'll Do As a Cook I for Michigan Dining you will follow standardized recipes for all meals either in a back-of-house production kitchen or a front-of-house station. Prepare food items ensuring ...

Cook I

Westminster, MD

$17.75 - $20.80/hr

The Cook I is responsible for preparing and cooking meals in accordance with standardized recipes and dietary requirements while ensuring food safety, cleanliness, and quality standards are ...

COOK I

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$42K - $44K/yr

What You'll Do As a Cook I for Michigan Dining you will follow standardized recipes for all meals either in a back-of-house production kitchen or a front-of-house station. Prepare food items ensuring ...

Cook I

Stockton, CA

$17.75 - $19/hr

The Cook I job includes an ongoing commitment to the preparation of quality food products and service excellence. The Cook I should have some experience working in a cook position demonstrating a ...

The Line Cook I sets the stage for success in our Kitchens. The Line Cook I will accurately and efficiently cook meats, fish, vegetables, soups, and other hot food products as well as prepare and ...

Cook I

Durham, NC · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Summary Operating Title Cook I Long Classification Title Cook I Campus Location Durham Department UNH Philbrook Summary of Position Perform various tasks related to the production and service of hot ...

COOK I

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$43K - $47K/yr

What You'll Do As a Cook I for Michigan Dining you will follow standardized recipes for all meals either in a back-of-house production kitchen or a front-of-house station. Prepare food items ensuring ...

Cook I

Wilmette, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Cook I will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production with recipes. Expected to serve food on the hot line. Follow all HACCP and food safety guidelines. Receives and puts away all kitchen ...

Cook I

Channahon, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Cook I will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production with recipes. Expected to serve food on the hot line. Follow all HACCP and food safety guidelines. Receives and puts away all kitchen ...

Cook I

Winnetka, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Cook I will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production with recipes. Expected to serve food on the hot line. Follow all HACCP and food safety guidelines. Receives and puts away all kitchen ...

Cook I

Syracuse, NY

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Description We are looking for our next great team member to join us as a Cook I in Shaughnessy's Pub . We are committed to providing you with: * Highly competitive wages * An exceptional benefit ...

Showing results 21-40

Cook I information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do cook i jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook i in the United States is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 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 cities are hiring for Cook I jobs?

Cities with the most Cook I job openings:

What states have the most Cook I jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cook I jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Cook I jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Cook I job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

$13.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Scope of Position

The primary function of the Cook I position is to prepare high quality food for the grab and go poolside restaurant. The Cook I is responsible for timely and accurate preparation of made to order food and accurate preparation and plating of restaurants items based on company specifications and function contracts. The Cook I should have a complete knowledge of all Cook II and Cook III performance objectives as well as sound technical skills.


Position Requirements

  • Must possess outstanding guest services skills, professional presentation and sophisticated communication skills
  • Must be able to handle a multitude of tasks in an intense, ever-changing environment.
  • Food Safety certification
  • Must be flexible in terms of working hours.
  • Must work well in stressful, high-pressure situations.
  • Must maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.
  • Must be effective at handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary.
  • Must have the ability to assimilate complex information, data, etc. from disparate sources and consider, adjust, or modify to meet the constraints of a particular need.
  • Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying the concerns and issues raised by coworkers and guests.


Responsibilities

  • Approach all interactions with guests and employees in a friendly, service oriented manner.
  • Maintain regular attendance in compliance with the Hotel's Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
  • Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing the proper uniform and nametag while working.
  • Comply at all times with the Hotel's standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
  • Follow Occupational Health & Safety regulations.
  • Ensures adherence to the Hotel's Code of Ethics.
  • Ensure equipment and kitchen cleanliness.
  • Maintain refrigerators and kitchen in clean, organized manner with all food items labeled and dated to facilitate the necessary production to achieve company goals.
  • Keep production of food at an adequate level, which does not result in excessive leftovers and waste.
  • Has a solid knowledge and timely skills of various knife-cutting techniques, such as cutting, dicing and slicing. Refined skill set in the knowledge and preparation of garnishes.
  • Has a solid knowledge of pantry positions products i.e. Lettuce identification, Classical Salad presentation and preparations. I.e. Nicoise, Fruit Salad, Waldorf, Cobb, Chef's Salad, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Mikado, Russian Salad. Solid knowledge and preparation of cold sauces, dressing and vinaigrettes i.e. Caesar, French, Russian, Aioli, Mayonnaise, Roquefort Dressing.
  • Has a solid knowledge of meat identification and cookery. I.e. Various cuts of beef, pork, veal, lamb, poultry and corresponding cooking techniques eg. Braising, grilling, roasting, pan frying, sauteing. Accurate knowledge of cooking temperatures to ensure a steak is cooked properly from rare to well done.
  • Has a solid knowledge of fresh and saltwater fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and various mixed cooking techniques. Poaching, simmering, deep-frying, baking, broiling, sauteing and pan-frying.
  • Has a solid technical knowledge of vegetable preparation. i.e. various cutting techniques such as brunoise, paysanne, dice, allumette, battonet, mince, julienne, Parisian, noissette. A solid knowledge of proper cooking preparations, boiling, blanching, steaming, grilling, pan frying, baking, deep-frying.
  • Has a solid knowledge and ability to prepare different methods of starch cookery. I.e. risotto, rice, potatoes (croquettes, berny, marcaire, pont- neuf, dauphinoise, dauphine, chateau, duchesse) polenta, pasta.
  • Has a solid knowledge of identification, classification and preparation of mother sauces i.e. hollandaise, bechamel, tomato, Espanola, and veloute.
  • Has a solid knowledge and ability to identify and prepare secondary sauces such as Mornay, chasseur, choron, beurre blance, marchand de vin, curry and normande.
  • Has a solid knowledge in identification and preparation of basic soups such as consomme, clear, cream, puree, bisques and chowders as well as speciality and National soups using the various and proper thickening agents.
  • Strong knowledge of food safety with critical control temperatures, danger zones, cross contamination, sanitization, food borne illness, toxins and chemical poisoning.
  • Ensure team leader is aware of any special products needed for upcoming functions.
  • Must stay current and up to date with trends.
  • Must supply their own basic tools of the trade i.e. Chef's knife, paring knife, peeler
  • Perform any other reasonable requests made by your manager or supervisor.


Education

  • High School diploma and/ or experience in a luxury hotel or a related field preferred.
  • Culinary certification or degree preferred and/or a minimum 3 to 4 years of culinary experience.


Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to communicate in the English language (Second language is a plus).
  • Knowledge of proper chemical handling, cleaning techniques and use of equipment/ machinery.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules including holidays and weekends.
  • Able to perform multiple tasks.


Physical Requirements

  • Physical agility and ability to move quickly in confined spaces.
  • Able to stand/walk/reach and bending throughout shift.
  • Ability to push/pull/lift to 50lbs.
  • Ability to multitask and give direction under pressure.
  • Stand or walk for extended periods of time.
  • Work in areas of high heat and humidity.