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Cook Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Wingstop

Cook

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT We are now hiring cooks for our high volume, fast-paced environment. We offer a competitive starting wage, flexible schedules, an amazing work environment, and there are lots of ...

Martin County Health Care Facility

Cook

Inez, KY · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Martin County Health Care Facility is currently seeking an experienced Cook to join our team. Our facility is comprised of professionals dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of life for those ...

Woodland Oaks

Cook / Prep Cook

Ashland, KY · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Woodland Oaks Health Care Facility is currently seeking a full-time Cook / Prep Cook to join our dietary team. Our facility is comprised of professionals dedicated to maintaining the highest quality ...

Carespring

Cook

KY · On-site

$13.75 - $23/hr

The cook prepares food in quantities enough for patient meals, including special foods as necessary for therapeutic diets. The cook will follow the prepared menu as written, utilizing recipes and ...

IHOP

Cook

Ashland, KY · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Cook IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Charter Senior Living

Cook

Hopkinsville, KY · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

) Cook - Senior Living Culinary Team Charter Senior Living Now hiring a passionate Cook to join our culinary team! Do you love cooking meals that bring comfort, joy, and connection to others? At ...

Charter Senior Living

Cook

Murray, KY · On-site

$15/hr

) Cook - Senior Living Culinary Team Charter Senior Living- Murray, KY Pay Starting At $15/hr 6am-2pm and 11:30am-7:30pm Now hiring a passionate Cook to join our culinary team! Do you love cooking ...

IHOP

Cook

Ashland, KY · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Cook IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Golden Corral

Cook

Richmond, KY · On-site

$12/hr

The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...

Haymarket

Cook - Seasonal Event Cook

La Grange, KY · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The Seasonal Event Cook 2 is responsible for preparing, cooking, and plating food for special events, following established recipes and safety standards. This role supports the kitchen team in ...

Columbia Sussex

Cook

Hebron, KY · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Line Cook DoubleTree Cincinnati Airport is seeking a skilled and experienced cook to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes ...

Longnecks LLC

Cook

Hebron, KY · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Longnecks is currently looking to hire a full-time Cook. Responsibilities: * Preparing and assembling ingredients for menu items. * Preparing high-quality meals and food items according to company ...

Longnecks LLC

Cook

Walton, KY · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Longnecks is currently looking to hire a full-time Cook. Responsibilities: * Preparing and assembling ingredients for menu items. * Preparing high-quality meals and food items according to company ...

Golden Corral

Cook

Ashland, KY · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...

Charter Senior Living of Murray

Cook

Murray, KY · On-site

$15/hr

Cook - Senior Living Culinary Team Charter Senior Living- Murray, KY Pay Starting At $15/hr 6am-2pm and 11:30am-7:30pm Now hiring a passionate Cook to join our culinary team! Do you love cooking ...

Longnecks LLC

Cook

Wilder, KY · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Longnecks is currently looking to hire a full-time Cook. Responsibilities: * Preparing and assembling ingredients for menu items. * Preparing high-quality meals and food items according to company ...

Denny's

Cook

Franklin, KY · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Cook Brand: Denny's Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating ...

Air Culinaire Worldwide

Cook

Florence, KY · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Job Purpose: The Cook is responsible for the quality of food ingredients used and preparation methods. The Cook prepares basic food and menu items needed in filling catering orders based on ...

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All JobsCook JobsCook Jobs in Kentucky

Cook information

See Kentucky salary details

$7

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How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Kentucky is $13.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $15.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cook do?

A Cook—also called a Chef—is ultimately responsible for preparing the food that is served in restaurants or other dining establishments. As the head of the kitchen, Cooks also supervise other work and oversee the kitchen to ensure it all runs smoothly. In some restaurants, Cooks are responsible for creating recipes and menus, planning events, ensuring that food and kitchen regulations are followed, and sticking to a restaurant budget. There are different levels of this position that you can earn, meaning that there can be a wide range to all the potential possibilities and responsibilities of a daily Cook. For example, there’s the Head Chef who runs the kitchen while the other Cooks are responsible for specific types of food.

What does a cook do?

A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety and cleanliness. Cooks may also help with menu planning, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen supplies. They work closely with other kitchen staff to deliver meals efficiently and meet customer expectations.

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

To thrive as a Cook, you need a solid grasp of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and menu preparation, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and attention to detail help Cooks stand out in busy kitchen environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for consistently delivering safe, high-quality dishes and maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak service times, cooks often encounter challenges such as time pressure, managing multiple orders simultaneously, and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation. Effective communication with team members and staying organized are crucial for keeping up with the pace. Many cooks use strategies like prepping ingredients in advance, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a clean workstation to ensure smooth workflow and minimize mistakes. Developing these habits helps cooks deliver consistent results even in high-stress environments.

What is the difference between Cook vs Chef?

AspectCookChef
CredentialsNone required or basic culinary trainingFormal culinary education or extensive experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringFine dining, hotels, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesPreparing dishes, following recipesMenu creation, kitchen management, supervising cooks

In summary, a Cook typically prepares food following established recipes and has minimal formal training, while a Chef often has specialized culinary education and takes on leadership roles in the kitchen, overseeing cooking staff and menu development.

What jobs can you do if you like cooking?

If you enjoy cooking, you can pursue roles such as chef, line cook, pastry chef, or culinary assistant. These jobs typically require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and sometimes certifications like a food handler's permit. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional food services.
More about Cook jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Kentucky?

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

What job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Cook jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Cook job openings:

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

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

Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Kentucky as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $28,957 per year, or $13.9 per hour.

Cook

Richmond, KY • On-site

Commonwealth Corral Richmond, LLC dba Golden Corral
See more jobs at Commonwealth Corral Richmond, LLC dba Golden Corralexternal

$12/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Prepare Hot Choice Buffet products, including Carving and Display Cooking items, according to recipes and standards.

  • Maintain proper temperature, cleanliness, and organization of food and equipment during food production and service.

  • Restock, rotate, and monitor inventory of hot cook products to ensure quality and freshness.

Job description

Benefits:
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Opportunity for advancement

Our franchise organization, Commonwealth Corral Richmond, LLC, is currently seeking energetic, friendly individuals to join our team!   
The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product specifications.
Food Production:
  • Prepares Hot Choice Buffet products, including Carving and Display Cooking products, according to Golden Corral recipes and procedures.
  • Grills all items according to Golden Corral standards to ensure quality.
  • Ensures that every fried product is always fresh and hot.
  • If the Buffet Attendant is unavailable, the Cook restocks the items at the Display Cooking Station.
  • If the Carver is unavailable, assists guests with carved meat options.
  • Complete use and following of the buffet production system to insure quality and shelf life compliance.
Operational Excellence:
  • Maintains the correct temperature of all products during cooking, holding and serving.
  • Uses the Hot Choice Buffet Production Guide and the Display Cooking Hot Cook Production Guide to maintain an inventory of all hot cook products.
  • Conducts opening and closing administrative procedures.
  • Properly maintains equipment according to the Equipment Maintenance manual.
  • Restocks and rotates food products by using the first-in, first-out method (FIFO).
  • Takes inventory of products and checks build-to with the Manager at the beginning and end of each shift.
Cleanliness:
  • Ensures that that Hot Cook area and all smallwares are clean and checks dishes for cleanliness before using them.
  • Performs duty roster and ensures cleanliness, service, and quality standards are met. .
  • Follows local health department laws.
  • Keeps Char Grill clean and scraped to ensure product quality and sanitation.  
Guest Service:
  • Ensures that Hot Choice Buffet products, including Display Cooking products, are always hot and fresh for the guests.
  • Knows and follows position responsibilities as they relate to just-in-time delivery.
  • Is friendly and courteous to guests and assists them with the products.
  • Maintains professional communication at all times.
Thank you for your interest in Golden Corral. Upon completion of your online application, you may be directed to complete an additional online questionnaire that is specific to the position in which you are applying.
The job opening listed on this page has been posted by an independent franchisee of Golden Corral Corporation. Golden Corral Corporation does not hire or employ any individuals at this franchise location. The franchisee will make all decisions with respect to applications for the position listed on this page. The name of the franchisee appears in this job posting. All questions concerning this job opportunity should be directed to the franchisee.