1

Cook Jobs in Mankato, MN (NOW HIRING)

Wingstop Cook

Mankato, MN · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

As a Cook, you will play a critical role in delivering the Wingstop experience by preparing fresh, high-quality food, following food safety standards, and supporting a culture of hospitality that ...

Hy-Chi Cook

Mankato, MN · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Hy-Chi Department Cook Department: Hy-Chi FLSA : Non-Exempt General Function : As an Hy-Chi Department Cook, this position will be responsible for preparing various foods for the Hy-Chi department.

Cook

New Ulm, MN · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

As an Applebee's Cook, you will make our amazing menu items worth coming back for. You must be a great communicator and be able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. You will work ...

Cook

Mankato, MN

$16 - $21/hr

As an Applebee's Cook, you will make our amazing menu items worth coming back for. You must be a great communicator and be able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. You will work ...

Cook

Mankato, MN · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

As an Applebee's Cook, you will make our amazing menu items worth coming back for. You must be a great communicator and be able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. You will work ...

Cook

New Ulm, MN · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

As an Applebee's Cook, you will make our amazing menu items worth coming back for. You must be a great communicator and be able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. You will work ...

Cook

Mankato, MN · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

As an Applebee's Cook, you will make our amazing menu items worth coming back for. You must be a great communicator and be able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. You will work ...

Cook

New Ulm, MN · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

As an Applebee's Cook, you will make our amazing menu items worth coming back for. You must be a great communicator and be able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. You will work ...

Showing results 41-60

Cook information

See Mankato, MN salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Mankato, MN is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.88 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?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Mankato, MN?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Mankato, MN are:

What job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Mankato, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Mankato, MN are:

What cities near Mankato, MN are hiring for Cook jobs?

Cities near Mankato, MN with the most Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Mankato, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,049 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Culinary Service Cook

The Beacon at Mapleton Assisted Living

Mapleton, MN • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Monarch Healthcare Management Benefits Include:  

  • UKG Wallet - get paid the next day!  

  • Free Single Medical Insurance  

  • Loan reimbursement. 

  • Scholarship Opportunities 

  • Paid Time Off – Vacation Time 

  • 401k with annual contribution match  

  • Referral bonuses 

  • Career path to other positions within our growing company! 
     

Culinary Service Cook

Have questions? Contact our recruiter, Claire, today.
Email: Claire.Christianson@MonarchMN.com


Schedule: -Every Other Weekend and Holiday

-On Call

Description: 

The Culinary Service Cook is accountable to prepare, serve, and/or be responsible for the preparation of foods for residents, guests, and employees. With direction from the Culinary Services Director and in coordination with the interdisciplinary team, the cook increases residents’ acceptance and compliance especially among those with therapeutic diet orders. To promote food service standard through cost, quality and quantity controls. Provides meal service that meets the desires of the resident, by allowing as much choice as possible and giving food service that preserves the element of personal dignity.  

Qualifications:  

  • Must have a desire and commitment to work with geriatric residents and understand their special needs. 

  • Must qualify for employment, after criminal background study, per guidelines of the Minnesota Department of Human Services. 

About Monarch: 

Monarch Healthcare Management is a mission-driven company that is changing the way short-term rehabilitation and long-term care are delivered. Our employees embody our motto, Where CARE and CUSTOMER SERVICE Come Together, by always putting the needs of residents and families first across Monarch's network of 60+ skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in Minnesota. 

Partnering with higher research institutes and international tech companies, Monarch has been nationally recognized for its innovation in the care of our residents, making a meaningful impact on their quality of life and interactions. 

We value our employees and work hard to attract and retain the best talent by offering a positive and supportive work environment along with competitive pay, fun perks, career development opportunities, and great benefits.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.