Cook
Jefferson, OR · On-site
$3.3K/mo
Duties include all aspects of kitchen work - prepping, cooking, kitchen clean up, creating menus, and other tasks as assigned. Full time, Thursday-Monday, 9:30a-6:30p. Tue-Wed off. Requirements of ...
Quick apply
Cook
Jefferson, OR · On-site
$3.3K/mo
Duties include all aspects of kitchen work - prepping, cooking, kitchen clean up, creating menus, and other tasks as assigned. Full time, Thursday-Monday, 9:30a-6:30p. Tue-Wed off. Requirements of ...
Cook
$14.25 - $19.25/hr
Line cook who can help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized ...
Cook
$14.25 - $19.25/hr
Line cook who can help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized ...
Cook
Dallas, OR · On-site
$19 - $21/hr
) As a Cook at Jefferson Lodge, you'll be working in a team environment with new challenges every day. Unlike other cooking positions in hospitality (restaurants, hotels, resorts), in this role you'll ...
Cook
Dallas, OR · On-site
$19 - $21/hr
) As a Cook at Jefferson Lodge, you'll be working in a team environment with new challenges every day. Unlike other cooking positions in hospitality (restaurants, hotels, resorts), in this role you'll ...
Cook
$19 - $21/hr
As a Cook at Jefferson Lodge, you'll be working in a team environment with new challenges every day. Unlike other cooking positions in hospitality (restaurants, hotels, resorts), in this role you'll ...
Quick apply
Cook
$19 - $21/hr
As a Cook at Jefferson Lodge, you'll be working in a team environment with new challenges every day. Unlike other cooking positions in hospitality (restaurants, hotels, resorts), in this role you'll ...
Cook
$19 - $21/hr
Unlike other cooking positions in hospitality (restaurants, hotels, resorts), in this role you'll have the opportunity to build life-long relationships serving our residents the nutritious meals that ...
Quick apply
Cook
$19 - $21/hr
Unlike other cooking positions in hospitality (restaurants, hotels, resorts), in this role you'll have the opportunity to build life-long relationships serving our residents the nutritious meals that ...
Cook
Albany, OR · On-site
$20 - $22/hr
Cook Job Reference Number: 40543 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Albany , Oregon (US-OR) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...
Cook
Albany, OR · On-site
$20 - $22/hr
Cook Job Reference Number: 40543 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Albany , Oregon (US-OR) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced ...
Cook information
See Salem, OR salary details
$8.97 - $10.18
2% of jobs
$10.18 - $11.39
4% of jobs
$11.39 - $12.60
9% of jobs
$13.82 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.60 - $13.82
10% of jobs
$13.82 - $15.03
14% of jobs
The median wage is $15.83 / hr.
$15.03 - $16.24
16% of jobs
$16.24 - $17.45
15% of jobs
$17.89 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.45 - $18.66
12% of jobs
$18.66 - $19.87
9% of jobs
$19.87 - $21.09
5% of jobs
$21.09 - $22.30
3% of jobs
$8
$16
$22
How much do cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Salem, OR is $16.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $18.17 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?
| Aspect | Cook | Chef |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | None required or basic culinary training | Formal culinary education or extensive experience |
| Work Environment | Restaurants, cafeterias, catering | Fine dining, hotels, culinary establishments |
| Responsibilities | Preparing dishes, following recipes | Menu 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.
More about Cook jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Salem, OR? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Salem, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Salem, OR? For Cook jobs in Salem, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Salem, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Salem, OR are:
What cities near Salem, OR are hiring for Cook jobs? Cities near Salem, OR with the most Cook job openings:
Denny's rating
4.5
Based on 257 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
81st of 87 rated restaurants
Job description
Listed wages are based on company-wide ranges. Actual earnings will vary based on factors such as: restaurant brand, experience, education, geography, applicable minimum wage, unit volume(s), hours worked & potential overtime pay.
Position: Cook
Brand: Denny's
Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty
Job Overview
The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety requirements. This position plays a key role in delivering consistent, high-quality meals while supporting a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen operation in a full-service restaurant environment.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Cooking
Kitchen Operations
Teamwork & Guest Focus
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Physical Activity
Physical Requirements
Work Environment
Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant)
Requirements
This document describes the job and its traditional physical, cognitive, and environmental demands. It does not describe the abilities of any individual employee.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Position: Cook
Brand: Denny's
Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty
Job Overview
The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety requirements. This position plays a key role in delivering consistent, high-quality meals while supporting a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen operation in a full-service restaurant environment.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Cooking
- Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu items according to Denny's recipes and specifications.
- Ensure food quality, portion accuracy, temperature, and presentation meet brand standards.
- Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
- Properly handle, store, label, and rotate food products.
Kitchen Operations
- Operate grills, fryers, ovens, sauté stations, and other kitchen equipment safely.
- Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, prep areas, and cooking stations.
- Coordinate with servers and kitchen team members to support timely order execution.
- Monitor food inventory and communicate needs or issues to management.
Teamwork & Guest Focus
- Work collaboratively with other cooks, servers, and restaurant staff.
- Follow direction from management and shift leaders.
- Contribute to a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Physical Activity
- Standing, walking, bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, and grasping.
- Reading tickets, writing prep notes, and using kitchen display systems.
- Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects.
- Communicating with servers, kitchen staff, and management.
- Use of kitchen equipment and restaurant technology, as permitted by applicable state age requirements.
Physical Requirements
- Standing and walking for extended periods during the work shift.
- Lifting and carrying ranges:
- 0-10 lbs: Frequent
- 11-25 lbs: Frequent
- 26-50 lbs: Occasional with assistance
- 51-75 lbs: Seldom; team-lift only
- Pushing and pulling approximately 10-40 lbs of force occasionally.
- Frequent use of hands for grasping, handling, and repetitive motions.
Work Environment
- Work performed in a full-service restaurant kitchen environment.
- Exposure to heat, noise, wet or slippery surfaces, and cleaning chemicals.
- Fast-paced environment with variable schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant)
- Ability to follow detailed cooking instructions and plating standards.
- Ability to manage multiple orders simultaneously.
- Ability to maintain focus and accuracy during high-volume periods.
- Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Requirements
- Previous cooking or line cook experience preferred but not required.
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred.
- Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
This document describes the job and its traditional physical, cognitive, and environmental demands. It does not describe the abilities of any individual employee.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.