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Cook I Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cook I

Fairborn, OH · On-site

$16 - $18.68/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 ...

Corsair - Cook I

Aventura, FL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

The Corsair Cook I should have a complete knowledge of all Cook II and Cook III performance objectives as well as sound technical skills. Position Requirements * Minimum 3 years of culinary ...

New

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 the fine dining 11 Waters restaurant. We are committed to providing you with: * Highly competitive wages * An ...

Cook I

Stockton, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Cook I

Kaneohe, HI · On-site

$17.25/hr

Cook I's are in charge of providing quality food consistently and efficiently, performing back up, prep work, or line work in the kitchen. This position may advance to the Cook II position when ...

Cook I

Wahiawa, HI · On-site

$17.25/hr

Cook I's are in charge of providing quality food consistently and efficiently, performing back up, prep work, or line work in the kitchen. This position may advance to the Cook II position when ...

Cook I's are in charge of providing quality food consistently and efficiently, performing back up, prep work, or line work in the kitchen. This position may advance to the Cook II position when ...

Cook I

Hilo, HI · On-site

$17.25/hr

Cook I's are in charge of providing quality food consistently and efficiently, performing back up, prep work, or line work in the kitchen. This position may advance to the Cook II position when ...

Cook I

Kapolei, HI · On-site

$17.25/hr

Cook I's are in charge of providing quality food consistently and efficiently, performing back up, prep work, or line work in the kitchen. This position may advance to the Cook II position when ...

Cook I's are in charge of providing quality food consistently and efficiently, performing back up, prep work, or line work in the kitchen. This position may advance to the Cook II position when ...

Cook I's are in charge of providing quality food consistently and efficiently, performing back up, prep work, or line work in the kitchen. This position may advance to the Cook II position when ...

Cook I

Pearl City, HI · On-site

$17.25/hr

Cook I's are in charge of providing quality food consistently and efficiently, performing back up, prep work, or line work in the kitchen. This position may advance to the Cook II position when ...

Cook I

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$17.25/hr

Cook I's are in charge of providing quality food consistently and efficiently, performing back up, prep work, or line work in the kitchen. This position may advance to the Cook II position when ...

Cook I's are in charge of providing quality food consistently and efficiently, performing back up, prep work, or line work in the kitchen. This position may advance to the Cook II position when ...

Cook I's are in charge of providing quality food consistently and efficiently, performing back up, prep work, or line work in the kitchen. This position may advance to the Cook II position when ...

Cook I's are in charge of providing quality food consistently and efficiently, performing back up, prep work, or line work in the kitchen. This position may advance to the Cook II position when ...

Cook I's are in charge of providing quality food consistently and efficiently, performing back up, prep work, or line work in the kitchen. This position may advance to the Cook II position when ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cook I information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do cook i jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
Cook I

$16 - $18.68/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Quest Food Management Services rating

3.4

Company rating: 3.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 64 rated caterers


Job description

Position Summary

Prepares and presents menu items during service in the cafeteria to meet Quest standards. Follows preparation list for items needed for execution of menus and assist in the day-to-day operations of the kitchen. Duties may include bulk preparation, catering prep, product receiving and cleaning. Assist customers and maintain lines in a consistent and professional manner. 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 deliveries.


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 and summers off!


Annual Shoe Credit through Shoes for Crews

(8) Company Paid Holidays

1 Raise per School Year (based on Company and Individual performance)

$1,000.00 to $300.00 Employee Referral Bonus (no limit to number of employee referrals)

Pay Out Unused PTO (at the end of every school year)

401k with Matching

Employee Assistance Program

Wisely Pay Card – Get paid up to 2 days ahead of time

Discount on Event Spaces and Catering

Full Time Only Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Additional Voluntary Benefits

There are full-time and part-time positions available. For more information about Quest Food Management Services, please visit our website at https://www.questfms.com/.

Quest Food Management Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.