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Cook Jobs in Portland, CT (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Wallingford, CT · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Accurately and efficiently cook all food products as well as prepare and portion food products prior to cooking. Also perform other duties in the areas of food and final plate preparation including ...

Cook

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...

Cook

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...

Cook

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...

Cook

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$17 - $17.19/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...

Cook

Berlin, CT · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Accurately and efficiently cook all food products as well as prepare and portion food products prior to cooking. Also perform other duties in the areas of food and final plate preparation including ...

Cook

Middletown, CT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Accurately and efficiently cook all food products as well as prepare and portion food products prior to cooking. Also perform other duties in the areas of food and final plate preparation including ...

Cook

Plainville, CT · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Accurately and efficiently cook all food products as well as prepare and portion food products prior to cooking. Also perform other duties in the areas of food and final plate preparation including ...

Cook

Plantsville, CT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Accurately and efficiently cook all food products as well as prepare and portion food products prior to cooking. Also perform other duties in the areas of food and final plate preparation including ...

Cook

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...

Cook

West Hartford, CT · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join Our Team as a Cook at SMOKE PUBLIC HOUSE! Are you passionate about creating mouthwatering dishes and delivering exceptional culinary experiences? SMOKE PUBLIC HOUSE, located in the heart of West ...

Cook

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$17 - $17.19/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...

Cook

Bristol, CT

$14 - $18.75/hr

As a Cook on our team, you will prepare and serve appetizing meals while ensuring dietary needs and preferences are met. Your culinary skills will contribute to creating a positive dining experience ...

Cook

Mansfield, CT · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Job Overview Our Cooks are responsible for cost effective preparation of quality food in safe and efficient compliance with proper food preparation and handling, policies and procedures, brand ...

Cook

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

As a Cook on our team, you will prepare and serve appetizing meals while ensuring dietary needs and preferences are met. Your culinary skills will contribute to creating a positive dining experience ...

Showing results 41-60

Cook information

See Portland, CT salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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.

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:

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.

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Summary of Position:

Accurately and efficiently cook all food products as well as prepare and portion food products prior to cooking. Also perform other duties in the areas of food and final plate preparation including plating and garnishing of cooked items and preparing appropriate garnishes for all hot menu item plates as well as maintain a clean and sanitary work environment.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables and other food items for cooking in broilers, ovens, grills, fryers and a variety of other kitchen equipment.
  • Assumes 100% responsibility for quality of products served.
  • Demonstrates a proficiency of knowledge in all sanitation and safety procedures as laid out in Sliders sanitation manual as well as following said procedures consistently.
  • Maintains a presentable appearance by working in a clean uniform and maintaining proper personal hygiene procedures.
  • Knows and complies consistently with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards and kitchen rules, policies and procedures.
  • Stocks and maintains sufficient levels of food products at line stations to assure a smooth service period and restocks line stations and refrigerators/freezers at shift change.
  • Portions food products prior to cooking according to standard portion sizes and recipe specifications.
  • Maintains a clean and sanitary work station area including lines, tables, shelves, grills, broilers, fryers, pasta cookers, saut burners, convection oven, flat top range and refrigeration equipment.
  • Prepares item for broiling, grilling, frying, sauting or other cooking methods by portioning, battering, breading, seasoning and/or marinating.
  • Complete opening and closing checklists.
  • Refer to Daily Prep List at the start of each shift for assigned duties.
  • Promptly reports equipment and food quality problems to Kitchen Manager.
  • Inform Kitchen Manager immediately of product shortages.
  • Follows proper plate presentation and garnish set up for all dishes.
  • Handles, stores and rotates all products properly.
  • Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed.
  • Opens/Closes the kitchen properly and follows the opening/closing checklist for kitchen stations. Assists others in opening/closing the kitchen.
  • Attends all scheduled employee meetings and brings suggestions for improvement.
  • Washes and sanitizes dishes and all items used in food preparation and cooking.
  • Maintains all kitchen logs, including temperature, waste, fryer oil.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by the Kitchen Manager or manager-on-duty.

 

Qualifications:

  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in kitchen preparation and cooking.
  • At least 6 months experience in a similar capacity.
  • Must be able to communicate clearly with managers, kitchen and dining room personnel.
  • Be able to reach, bend, stoop and frequently lift up to 40 pounds.
  • Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 9 hours).