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Cook Jobs in Portland, CT (NOW HIRING)

Autumn Lake Healthcare

Cook

Madison, CT · On-site

$20.09/hr

) Join our wonderful team as a Cook today! Autumn Lake Healthcare at Madison is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Cook! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and training needed ...

Autumn Lake Healthcare at Cromwell

Cook

Cromwell, CT · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Join our wonderful team as a Cook today! Autumn Lake Healthcare at Cromwell is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Cook! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and training ...

Autumn Lake Healthcare

Cook

Cromwell, CT · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

) Join our wonderful team as a Cook today! Autumn Lake Healthcare at Cromwell is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Cook! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and training ...

Autumn Lake Healthcare at Madison

Cook

Madison, CT · On-site

$20.09/hr

Join our wonderful team as a Cook today! Autumn Lake Healthcare at Madison is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Cook! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and training needed ...

Complete Care at Fox Hill

Cook

Vernon, CT

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Cook Part Time 5:30am-2:30pm 2:30pm-7:30pm Every Other Weekend Required Complete Care at Fox Hill is located at 1253 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon, CT. We approach every day with one goal: To improve ...

IHOP

Cook

Enfield, CT

$18/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 ...

Complete Care at Meriden

Cook

Meriden, CT · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Cook * 11p-7a OR 11am-7pm * Every Other Weekend 8 Hour Shift * Beautiful, Recently Renovated Work Environment Complete Care at Meriden is located at 845 Paddock Ave in Meriden, CT. We approach every ...

Complete Care at Glendale

Cook

Naugatuck, CT · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Cook · Per Diem/Casual · 2nd Shift · ServSafe Certificate Required Complete Care at Glendale is a pillar in the community of Naugatuck, CT. We approach every day with one goal: To improve the ...

Complete Care at Harrington Court

Cook

Colchester, CT · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook · Part Time · 1st Shift · Every Other Weekend Requirement Complete Care at Harrington Court is a pillar in the community of Colchester, CT. We approach every day with one goal: To improve the ...

Complete Care at Kimberly Hall South

Cook

Windsor, CT

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook · Full Time 1st Shift · Every Other Weekend Requirement · ServSafe Certificate Required Complete Care at Kimberly Hall South is a pillar in the community of Windsor, CT. We approach every day ...

Charter Senior Living

Cook

Naugatuck, CT · On-site

$22/hr

) Cook - Senior Living Culinary Team Charter Senior Living- Naugatuck, CT Part Time - Sunday and Monday Evenings Now hiring a passionate Cook to join our culinary team! Do you love cooking meals that ...

Trinity Health

Cook

Waterbury, CT · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Safely prepares and cooks a wide variety of hot food items for patient, cafeteria, Healing Grounds Café, and any special function in the foodservice operation. Maintains the cooking area and ...

SMOKE PUBLIC HOUSE

Cook

West Hartford, CT · On-site

$18/hr

Join Our Team as a Cook at SMOKE PUBLIC HOUSE! Are you passionate about cooking and creating delicious dishes that bring people together? At SMOKE PUBLIC HOUSE in West Hartford, CT, we're all about ...

Century Golf Partners Management

Cook

Bloomfield, CT · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Cook is responsible for ensuring the highest quality of culinary services for our Members and guests. This Employee Partner supports a la carte and private event food production.

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Cook information

See Portland, CT salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Portland, CT is $16.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $18.27 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 job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Portland, CT look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Portland, CT are:

What cities near Portland, CT are hiring for Cook jobs?

Cities near Portland, CT with the most Cook job openings:

Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Portland, CT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,759 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Cook

Autumn Lake Healthcare

Madison, CT • On-site

$20.09/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

) Join our wonderful team as a Cook today!
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Madison is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Cook! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and training needed to succeed and grow in their current and desired future positions. We pride ourselves on our caring and compassionate management team who are there to fully support our staff and residents.
Benefits for Cook:
  • Referral Bonuses!
  • Competitive Rates!
  • Wonderful Environment!
  • Great Benefit package!
  • Now Offering Same Day Pay!

Now Hiring:
  • Part-Time Cook: 24 hours a week

Qualifications & Experience Requirements for Cook:
  • Previous Experience as a Cook preferred Preferably in a healthcare setting
  • SERVSAFE certificate required

Apply