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Cook Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

Holiday Inn By the Bay

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

New

Holiday Inn By the Bay

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

New

IHOP

Cook

Farmington, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

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 ...

IHOP

Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$17.50 - $18.75/hr

IHOP - Immediate Opening for a Talented Cook Are you passionate about creating delicious meals that bring smiles to people's faces? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where teamwork and ...

New Communities Inc

Cook

Farmington, ME · On-site

$15.10/hr

Are you someone who enjoys cooking and interacting with seniors in a caring and inclusive environment? This is a great opportunity for any skill level, from working in food service or starting a ...

IHOP

Cook

Saco, ME · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

IHOP - Immediate Opening for a Talented Cook Are you passionate about creating delicious meals that bring smiles to people's faces? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where teamwork and ...

New Communities Inc

Cook

Farmington, ME · On-site

$15.10/hr

Are you someone who enjoys cooking and interacting with seniors in a caring and inclusive environment? This is a great opportunity for any skill level, from working in food service or starting a ...

New Communities Inc

Cook

Farmington, ME

$15.10/hr

Are you someone who enjoys cooking and interacting with seniors in a caring and inclusive environment? This is a great opportunity for any skill level, from working in food service or starting a ...

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Cook

Oxford, ME · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

The Line Cook is responsible for properly and safely preparing food items and completing tasks as directed with integrity and in accordance with set recipes and production levels. Engages with ...

Oxford Casino · Hotel & Sportsbook

Cook

Oxford, ME · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

The Line Cook is responsible for properly and safely preparing food items and completing tasks as directed with integrity and in accordance with set recipes and production levels. Engages with ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Camden, ME

$20 - $28/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Belfast, ME

$18 - $22/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Lewiston, ME

$20 - $25/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Skowhegan, ME · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$23/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ...

Stillwater Health Care

Cook

Bangor, ME · On-site

$18.25 - $20.20/hr

The cook's duties might also include helping prep cook, working as a diet aid or helping out in the dish room. This position comes with an every other weekend rotation. Cook Job Summary~ Working for ...

Stillwater Health Care

Cook

Bangor, ME

$14.25 - $19/hr

The cook's duties might also include helping prep cook, working as a diet aid or helping out in the dish room. This position comes with an every other weekend rotation. Cook Job Summary~ Working for ...

Stillwater Health Care

Cook

Bangor, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

The cook's duties might also include helping prep cook, working as a diet aid or helping out in the dish room. This position comes with an every other weekend rotation. Cook Job Summary~ Working for ...

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All JobsCook JobsCook Jobs in Maine

Cook information

See Maine salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Maine is $15.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $17.45 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 Maine?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Maine are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Maine are hiring for Cook jobs?

Cities in Maine with the most Cook job openings:

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

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

Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Maine as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 69% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,280 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Cook

Holiday Inn By the Bay

Portland, ME • On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Main Responsibilities of a Cook:
  • Preparing workstations, cooking ingredients, and kitchen equipment for cooking.
  • Cooking and arranging food.
Cook Job Description:

We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant.

The person we are hoping to employ is first and foremost a skilled, organized, and creative cook. We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and organizational skills are paramount.

A good candidate for this job is a person with attention to detail who can keep the kitchen tidy and clean all while preparing, cooking, and arranging food together with the rest of our kitchen staff. We pride ourselves in our exceptional service, and we expect nothing less from our cooks. The advantage goes to candidates with a diploma from a culinary school.

Responsibilities of a Cook:
  • Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen.
  • Preparing workstations for cooking.
  • Preparing and maintaining kitchen equipment.
  • Checking the quality of the ingredients.
  • Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques.
  • Cooking food using various culinary techniques.
  • Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation.
  • Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders.
Cook Job Requirements:
  • Must have prior experience as a cook.
  • Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment.
  • Must be skilled in various cooking techniques.
  • Must know and follow sanitation procedures.
  • Must showcase teamwork and communication skills.
  • Must showcase great organizational skills.
  • Must be able to multitask and act quickly.
  • Must carry at least a high school diploma.

Experience the best of Portland, Maine. The Holiday Inn By the Bay is set along the picturesque shores of Casco Bay. We effortlessly combine convenience, entertainment, and beauty to create the perfect environment for every traveler. Our spacious rooms can offer ocean or city views. Our downtown waterfront location fully captures the beauty and culture of Portland, Maine.