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Cook Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

COOK - APPLEBEE'S

Batavia, NY · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

COOKS / KITCHEN TEAM MEMBERS This position prepares food items consistently and adheres to all recipe standards and maintains a safe working environment by using proper food handling skills and food ...

COOK - APPLEBEE'S

Webster, NY · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

COOKS / KITCHEN TEAM MEMBERS This position prepares food items consistently and adheres to all recipe standards and maintains a safe working environment by using proper food handling skills and food ...

COOK - APPLEBEE'S

Fairport, NY · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

COOKS / KITCHEN TEAM MEMBERS This position prepares food items consistently and adheres to all recipe standards and maintains a safe working environment by using proper food handling skills and food ...

COOK - APPLEBEE'S

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

COOKS / KITCHEN TEAM MEMBERS This position prepares food items consistently and adheres to all recipe standards and maintains a safe working environment by using proper food handling skills and food ...

COOKS / KITCHEN TEAM MEMBERS This position prepares food items consistently and adheres to all recipe standards and maintains a safe working environment by using proper food handling skills and food ...

COOK - APPLEBEE'S

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

COOKS / KITCHEN TEAM MEMBERS This position prepares food items consistently and adheres to all recipe standards and maintains a safe working environment by using proper food handling skills and food ...

COOK - APPLEBEE'S

Geneseo, NY · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

COOKS / KITCHEN TEAM MEMBERS This position prepares food items consistently and adheres to all recipe standards and maintains a safe working environment by using proper food handling skills and food ...

Cook

Spencerport, NY · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Wedgewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is currently seeking a Part Time cook for a 29 bed facility. Both day and evening shifts are available. If you can follow recipes and know how to cook for ...

New

Cook: Line Cook & Prep Cook Job Responsibilities - Work well under general supervision and with a variety of other positions on the line. - Work Quickly and Efficiently - Follow Food Safety and ...

Thurs-Sun, with Mon-Tues off 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 ...

Prep Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Thurs-Sun, with Mon-Tues off 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 ...

Cook: Line Cook & Prep Cook Job Responsibilities - Work well under general supervision and with a variety of other positions on the line. - Work Quickly and Efficiently - Follow Food Safety and ...

Cook

Geneseo, NY · On-site

$17.30/hr

CAMPUS AUXILIARY SERVICES AT SUNY GENESEO CAREER OPPORTUNITY COOK JOIN CAMPUS AUXILIARY SERVICES AT SUNY GENESEO! Our people are the lifeline of the organization. We are committed to continuously ...

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Cook information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Rochester, NY is $15.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is a chef vs. cook?

A cook is a person who prepares and cooks food, often working in kitchens with basic skills and following recipes. A chef is a trained culinary professional who typically has formal education, oversees kitchen operations, and creates menus and recipes. The main difference lies in training, responsibilities, and level of expertise.

Can I get paid to cook at home?

A cook can earn money by preparing meals at home through options like catering, meal prep services, or selling homemade food. These opportunities often require cooking skills, food safety knowledge, and sometimes permits or certifications. Income varies based on the scale of the operation and local regulations.

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 is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying roles for cooks typically include executive chefs, head chefs, or specialized culinary professionals in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private establishments. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary certifications, and can offer salaries significantly above standard line cook roles.

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 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.

How do I get a job as a cook?

To get a job as a cook, you typically need relevant culinary skills, which can be gained through culinary school, training programs, or on-the-job experience. Employers often look for food safety certifications and a good work ethic, and job opportunities are available in restaurants, hotels, and catering services.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Cook jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Cook job openings:
COOK - APPLEBEE'S

COOK - APPLEBEE'S

Applebee's

Batavia, NY • On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Applebee's rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 734 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 86 rated restaurants


Job description

Applebee's started with the same philosophy we follow today - focused on serving good food to good people!
T.L. Cannon is the owner / operator of 52 Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants. The foundation of success is our Team Members, who bring remarkable industry experience to the table. As a team, we have an unparalleled commitment to exceed our guest's expectations and maintain the highest standards of service, quality, and value for our neighbors.
We offer a fun environment where real connections and friends are made! YOU BELONG HERE!
What's in it for you? We can offer you:
  • Paid vacation if you average 30 hours a week
  • Free shift meal when working 6+ hours
  • 401(k)
  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
  • A great work atmosphere
  • Flexible schedules & much more!

We're looking for talented:
  • COOKS / KITCHEN TEAM MEMBERS

This position prepares food items consistently and adheres to all recipe standards and maintains a safe working environment by using proper food handling skills and food safety guidelines.
If you have a commitment to ensuring the best quality food for our guest and the drive to succeed, we want to hear from you!
COOK REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • 1+ year of restaurant cooking experience preferred, but not required
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs up to 20 times per day
  • Team-oriented with a passion to succeed

OUR PRINCIPLES:
  • Respect your team; treat them as you would like to be treated.
  • Integrity is everything, act as an owner.
  • Cleanliness and attention to detail in all aspects of your restaurant.

Applebee's is a full-service restaurant concept that has growth opportunities for team members in a well- established environment. Grow your career with us! We offer great restaurant culinary careers for line cooks (concinero / cocinera) who have back of house cooking, chef, saute cook or grill cook kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment. We're also looking for people who have back of house preparation / food prep / production experience.
We are a Franchisee of Applebee's and an Equal Opportunity / E-Verify Employer.

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