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Cook Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Saco, ME · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

IHOP - Immediate Opening for a Talented Cook Are you passionate about creating delicious meals that bring smiles to people's faces? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where teamwork and ...

IHOP - Immediate Opening for a Talented Cook Are you passionate about creating delicious meals that bring smiles to people's faces? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where teamwork and ...

Cook

Yarmouth, ME · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Cook Location: Yarmouth, Maine Company: Coastal Manor Job Summary: At Coastal Manor, we are seeking a dedicated Cook to join our culinary team. As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook on our team, you?ll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you?ll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$21/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ...

New

Cook

Topsham, ME · On-site

$23/hr

The Cook reports to the Dining Services Director. Essential Functions of the Cook * Prepare and serve all food items using high quality ingredients and appropriate garnishes. * Use recipes and ...

Cook

Topsham, ME · On-site

$23/hr

The Cook reports to the Dining Services Director. Essential Functions of the Cook * Prepare and serve all food items using high quality ingredients and appropriate garnishes. * Use recipes and ...

The Cook reports to the Dining Services Director. Essential Functions of the Cook * Prepare and serve all food items using high quality ingredients and appropriate garnishes. * Use recipes and ...

Seasonal Cook

Boothbay, ME · On-site

$27 - $28/hr

Are you a Cook who is passionate about delicious, local food, excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine, and committed to ...

Seasonal Cook

Boothbay, ME · On-site

$27 - $28/hr

Are you a Cook who is passionate about delicious, local food, excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine, and committed to ...

Seasonal Cook

Boothbay, ME · On-site

$27 - $28/hr

Are you a Cook who is passionate about delicious, local food, excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine, and committed to ...

Cook

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$21/hr

Role: Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are ...

New

Cook

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cook information

See Portland, ME salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Portland, ME is $16.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $18.22 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Portland, ME? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Portland, ME are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Portland, ME? For Cook jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Cook jobs? Cities near Portland, ME with the most Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Portland, ME as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,688 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Cook

Cook

IHOP

Saco, ME • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 19 days ago


IHOP rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 348 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 85 rated restaurants


Job description

IHOP - Immediate Opening for a Talented Cook

Are you passionate about creating delicious meals that bring smiles to people's faces? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where teamwork and communication are key? If yes, then IHOP has the perfect opportunity for you!

Join IHOP, a brand known for connecting people over breakfast and spreading joy through delicious food. As a Cook, you will not only prepare a wide variety of meals but also contribute to creating memorable dining experiences for our customers. With us, you will receive paid training, competitive pay, and real advancement opportunities.

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Sick Time
  • Competitive Pay
  • Flexible Hours
  • Paid Training
  • Real Advancement Opportunities

Responsibilities of a Cook:

  • Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen.
  • Preparing workstations for cooking.
  • Preparing and maintaining kitchen equipment.
  • Checking the quality of the ingredients.
  • Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques.
  • Cooking food using various culinary techniques.
  • Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation.
  • Managing food storage, stock, and ingredient orders.

Cook Job Requirements:

  • Must follow sanitation procedures.
  • Must showcase teamwork and communication skills.
  • Must be able to multitask and act quickly.

Location: IHOP 3652

If you are a motivated and enthusiastic individual looking to kickstart your career in the food & beverage industry, apply now to be a part of the IHOP family!

Since 1958, IHOP® has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. And no matter what menu items they order, there’s one ingredient that’s always constant — a smile. We’ve seen millions of smiles over the years in our restaurants, and now shared in photos across our social properties. In fact, smiles are so much a part of our culture that we changed our logo to include one.
This is just one of the many fun and exciting changes you can expect from IHOP®. Because we know the shortest distance between two people is a smile. –


What IHOP employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


IHOP logo

About IHOP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The shortest distance between two people is a smile, so our logo changed to include one! Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. No matter what menu items they order, there's one ingredient that's always constant -- a smile.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

2003