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Cook Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Lizards Thicket

Cook/Prep Cook - Oak Grove

Lexington, SC · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

This Breakfast Cook / Short-Order Cook position pays a competitive wage depending on skills and experience. We are pleased to offer a variety of excellent benefits to all of our eligible full-time ...

Eggs Up Grill

Cook

Irmo, SC · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

DESCRIPTION The Line Cook works with a team to provide excellent, delicious, and consistently prepared food in a fast-paced environment. The Line Cook/Prep Cook is able to proficiently cook recipes ...

Morph Enterprise

Cook

Sumter, SC · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Cook 40 hours/ week Morning Shift: 4 AM to 12-1 PM Locals only Need clean background Minimum Experience: At least 1 year of cooking or food-service experience, preferably in a convenience store, gas ...

Old Chicago - Hourly

Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...

Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom

Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...

Eggs Up Grill

Cook

Irmo, SC · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

The Line Cook works with a team to provide excellent, delicious, and consistently prepared food in a fast-paced environment. The Line Cook/Prep Cook is able to proficiently cook recipes at each of ...

Eggs Up Grill

Cook

Lexington, SC · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

The Line Cook works with a team to provide excellent, delicious, and consistently prepared food in a fast-paced environment. The Line Cook/Prep Cook is able to proficiently cook recipes at each of ...

Eggs Up Grill

Cook

Sumter, SC · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

The Line Cook works with a team to provide excellent, delicious, and consistently prepared food in a fast-paced environment. The Line Cook/Prep Cook is able to proficiently cook recipes at each of ...

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All JobsCook JobsCook Jobs in Columbia, SC

Cook information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$8

$14

$20

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Columbia, SC is $14.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.45 and $16.68 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 Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Columbia, SC?

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

What job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Cook jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Cook job openings:

Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,844 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Crew Member - Cashier at Cook Out Garners Ferry Rd.

Cook Out

Columbia, SC • On-site

$11.50 - $13/hr

Other

Medical, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Cook Out rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Cook Out

Based on 176 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 5.4 out of 10

Fast food restaurants average

Based on 57,883 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Cook Out

  • 88%

    88% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 67%

    67% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Cook Out, based on 176 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees

Job description

Crew Member (Cashier) – Fast-Paced, High Rewards!
Cook Out | Immediate Openings
Why Cook Out?
At Cook Out, we don’t just offer jobs; we offer a path to long-term career success. We cultivate an upbeat and positive work environment where hard work is recognized and rewarded. If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and love to have fun while getting the job done, you’ll fit right in.
We believe that great performance equals great rewards. We are looking for energetic, hardworking individuals to join our incredible team and learn life skills that will take you to the next level.
The Perks
We take care of our people. When you join the Cook Out family, you get:
Top-Tier Pay: Extremely competitive wages with overtime, bonuses, and performance based raises.
Financial Security: 401k matching up to 4%.
Growth Potential: Consistent opportunities for advancement—we want you to grow as much as you do!
Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling to fit your life.
Health Benefits: Vision and Medical insurance options.
The Best Part: Free Food during your shift!
What We’re Looking For
Energy: A positive attitude that keeps the team and customers smiling.
Speed: The ability to handle a fast-paced environment with ease.
Reliability: Team players who show up and work hard.
Ambition: People who want more than just a paycheck and are ready to learn.
Ready to Start?
Don't just send a resume into a void—come meet us!
How to Apply: Apply in person at the Cook Out location nearest you. Speak with the Manager on Duty to learn more about specific requirements and start your journey with us today.

Working at Cook Out

Perks for frontline workers

From Cook Out, via Breakroom

  • Competitive pay

  • Growth potential

  • Free Food during your shift

  • 401k with matching up to 4%

  • Insurance

  • Vacation time

About Cook Out, in their own words

From Cook Out

At Cook Out, we don’t just offer jobs; we offer a path to long-term career success. We cultivate an upbeat and positive work environment where hard work is recognized and rewarded. If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and love to have fun while getting the job done, you’ll fit right in.

We believe that great performance equals great rewards. We are looking for energetic, hardworking individuals to join our incredible team and learn life skills that will take you to the next level.

What Cook Out employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom