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Cook Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Eatn Park Hospitality Group

Cook

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Cook - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow? Do you want to join a fun, supportive team where you can build lifelong relationships? At ...

Eatn Park Hospitality Group

Cook

Biddeford, ME

$17 - $20/hr

Cook - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow? Do you want to join a fun, supportive team where you can build lifelong relationships? At ...

Eatn Park Hospitality Group

Cook

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Cook - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow? Do you want to join a fun, supportive team where you can build lifelong relationships? At ...

Eatn Park Hospitality Group

Cook

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Cook - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow? Do you want to join a fun, supportive team where you can build lifelong relationships? At ...

Atria Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$22 - $26.40/hr

One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a cook in a hospitality or healthcare environment * Food handlers permit as required by state law and/or Company standards * Ability to read and follow ...

Sunnybrook

Cook/Chef, Full time

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Description Position at Sunnybrook Chef / Cook Full time Must be available days, early evenings and weekends Where Talent Meets Heartfelt Hospitality Why Join Our Culinary Family: We care about our ...

Sunnybrook

Cook/Chef, Full time

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Chef / Cook Full time Must be available days, early evenings and weekends Where Talent Meets Heartfelt Hospitality Why Join Our Culinary Family: We care about our team and offer lots of benefits for ...

Lakewood

Cook

West Baldwin, ME

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook Job Summary~ Working for a Maine owned company while taking care of Maine people our Cooks work with a busy Dietary Services team to prepare appetizing and healthful food based on the nutrition ...

Lakewood - Americare

Cook

West Baldwin, ME · On-site

$18 - $20.80/hr

Cook Job Summary~ Working for a Maine owned company while taking care of Maine people our Cooks work with a busy Dietary Services team to prepare appetizing and healthful food based on the nutrition ...

Applebee's

Restaurant Cook - Urgently Hiring

Windham, ME · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Windham is looking for a Restaurant Cook to join our team in Windham, ME. This position is full time or part time. The restaurant cook is responsible for food preparation that meets or exceeds ...

Alisson's Restaurant

Line Cook

Kennebunkport, ME · On-site

$25/hr

As a Full Time Line Cook, you'll have the chance to showcase your culinary skills and work alongside a talented team dedicated to excellence and consistency in every dish we serve. Your creativity ...

Alisson's Restaurant

Line Cook

Kennebunkport, ME · On-site

$25/hr

As a Full Time Line Cook, you'll have the chance to showcase your culinary skills and work alongside a talented team dedicated to excellence and consistency in every dish we serve. Your creativity ...

The Inn at Atlantic Heights

Cook

Saco, ME · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Shift is from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM Cook Job Summary~ Working for a Maine owned company while taking care of Maine people our Cooks work with a busy Dietary Services team to prepare appetizing and ...

Kelly's Cafe

Line Cook

Boothbay Harbor, ME

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Line Cook Summer season is here and we're looking to add a few great people to our team in Boothbay Harbor! NOW HIRING: Experienced Line Cook Server Dishwasher Breakfast & lunch café Fast-paced ...

The Inn at Atlantic Heights

Cook

Saco, ME · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Shift is from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM Cook Job Summary~ Working for a Maine owned company while taking care of Maine people our Cooks work with a busy Dietary Services team to prepare appetizing and ...

The Inn at Atlantic Heights

Cook

Saco, ME

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Shift is from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM Cook Job Summary~ Working for a Maine owned company while taking care of Maine people our Cooks work with a busy Dietary Services team to prepare appetizing and ...

Buffalo Wild Wings

Kitchen /Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

KITCHEN TEAM MEMBER/COOK Know what it's like to be in the stadium on game day? Then you know what it's like to work at Buffalo Wild Wings. It's fun. It's fast-paced. We're at the top of our game ...

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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.

More about Cook jobs
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 job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Portland, ME look for? The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Portland, ME are:
What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Cook jobs? Cities near Portland, ME with the most Cook job openings:
Cook jobs near you
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.
Year-Round Cook

Year-Round Cook

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Boothbay, ME • On-site

$27 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring a Cook!
$1,000.00 Sign-on Bonus
Half when hired and the remaining half after 6 months of employment.
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 supporting the Gardens' Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility goals?
This is a Year-round, Full-time, benefits eligible position.
$27.00 - 28.00 hourly (base rate + tip pool), non-exempt
Year-round employees receive personal and sick paid time off, health and retirement benefits, discounts in our culinary programs and Gardenshop, and a Gardens membership.
The Cook will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes according to established recipes and standards. This position supports the mission by using local, seasonal and Gardens grown ingredients to connect our guests to the natural world around them. In coordination with the Chef, the Cook also supports menu development, event planning and execution, and Culinary special projects.
Weekend availability is required. Open hours for the summer season (May-October) are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Evening availability is required for Gardens Aglow (November-December), which is open 4:00 - 9:00 pm.
Primary Functions:
  • Prepare and cook a wide range of menu items, following recipes and portion control guidelines.
  • Assist in planning and developing new dishes, specials, and menu items, while considering seasonality, dietary restrictions, and guest preferences.
  • Ensure all food items are cooked and presented with consistent quality and presentation.
  • Adhere to all food safety and sanitation standards, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen workspace.
  • Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, working effectively alongside kitchen staff.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to lift and carry heavy items up to 50 pounds.
  • Required to use hands to hold, carry, handle or feel; required to reach hands and arms.
  • Occasionally required to bend, lift, stoop, reach, or climb.

Requirements
  • Previous experience as a Cook in a professional kitchen setting required.
  • Strong understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
  • Ability to work under pressure and maintain composure during busy periods.

Salary Description
$27.00-28.00

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