Cook
Canton, NC · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Canton, NC · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Asheville, NC · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Asheville, NC · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Candler, NC · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Candler, NC · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Asheville, NC · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Asheville, NC · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Candler, NC · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Candler, NC · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Candler, NC · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Candler, NC · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Weaverville, NC · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Weaverville, NC · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Weaverville, NC · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Weaverville, NC · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Canton, NC · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Canton, NC · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Asheville, NC · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Asheville, NC · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Hendersonville, NC · On-site
$12.50 - $17/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Hendersonville, NC · On-site
$12.50 - $17/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Waynesville, NC · On-site
$12.75 - $17.25/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Waynesville, NC · On-site
$12.75 - $17.25/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Asheville, NC · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Asheville, NC · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Asheville, NC · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Asheville, NC · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Asheville, NC · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Asheville, NC · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Hendersonville, NC · On-site
$12.50 - $17/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Hendersonville, NC · On-site
$12.50 - $17/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Waynesville, NC · On-site
$12.75 - $17.25/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook
Waynesville, NC · On-site
$12.75 - $17.25/hr
SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook information
See Canton, NC salary details
$8.33 - $9.46
2% of jobs
$9.46 - $10.59
4% of jobs
$10.59 - $11.71
9% of jobs
$12.84 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$11.71 - $12.84
10% of jobs
$12.84 - $13.96
14% of jobs
The median wage is $14.72 / hr.
$13.96 - $15.09
16% of jobs
$15.09 - $16.22
15% of jobs
$16.63 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$16.22 - $17.34
12% of jobs
$17.34 - $18.47
9% of jobs
$18.47 - $19.60
5% of jobs
$19.60 - $20.72
3% of jobs
$8
$15
$20
How much do cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Canton, NC is $15.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.60 and $16.88 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?
| Aspect | Cook | Chef |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | None required or basic culinary training | Formal culinary education or extensive experience |
| Work Environment | Restaurants, cafeterias, catering | Fine dining, hotels, culinary establishments |
| Responsibilities | Preparing dishes, following recipes | Menu 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 cities near Canton, NC are hiring for Cook jobs?
Cities near Canton, NC with the most Cook job openings:
Sonic Drive-In rating
4.6
Based on 1,640 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
87th of 107 rated fast food restaurants
Job description
Who says FUN and RESPONSIBILITY can't hang together. At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, you'll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers.As a Gusmo, Inc. SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.Cook tasks in the restaurant may include:- Preparing and cooking food orders to meet product quality standards- Food preparation and portioning- Cooking on the grill- Operating the fry station- Dressing items to order- Packaging all menu items and checking for product quality and consistency- Cleaning including trash disposal, mopping, sweeping, washing dishes, wiping counter-tops and sanitizing food areas
What Sonic Drive-In employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About Sonic Drive-In
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Food and beverage stores and restaurants
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Atlanta, GA, US