Cook
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$13.50 - $18/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$13.50 - $18/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Papillion, NE · On-site
$18/hr
Description Cook Our recipe for success includes a great cook. Are you the missing ingredient? Join us at WEL-Life Assisted Living in Papillion as a Cook! We are seeking someone who can elevate ...
Cook
Papillion, NE · On-site
$18/hr
Description Cook Our recipe for success includes a great cook. Are you the missing ingredient? Join us at WEL-Life Assisted Living in Papillion as a Cook! We are seeking someone who can elevate ...
Cook
Bellevue, NE · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Bellevue, NE · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
La Vista, NE · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
La Vista, NE · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
La Vista, NE · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
La Vista, NE · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Gretna, NE · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Gretna, NE · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Fremont, NE · On-site
$13.50 - $18/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Fremont, NE · On-site
$13.50 - $18/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Council Bluffs, IA · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
Council Bluffs, IA · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook
$13 - $17.50/hr
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...
Cook information
See Waterloo, NE salary details
$8.78 - $9.96
2% of jobs
$9.96 - $11.15
4% of jobs
$11.15 - $12.33
9% of jobs
$13.52 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.33 - $13.52
10% of jobs
$13.52 - $14.71
14% of jobs
The median wage is $15.50 / hr.
$14.71 - $15.89
16% of jobs
$15.89 - $17.08
15% of jobs
$17.51 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.08 - $18.26
12% of jobs
$18.26 - $19.45
9% of jobs
$19.45 - $20.64
5% of jobs
$20.64 - $21.82
3% of jobs
$8
$15
$21
How much do cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Waterloo, NE 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 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 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.
What are three careers in cooking?
Three careers in cooking include becoming a chef, a pastry chef, or a line cook. These roles involve preparing food in restaurants, bakeries, or catering services and often require culinary training or certifications. Each position offers different responsibilities and skill levels within the culinary industry.
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 cities near Waterloo, NE are hiring for Cook jobs?
Cities near Waterloo, NE with the most Cook job openings:
Sonic Drive-In rating
4.7
Based on 1,625 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
79th of 106 rated fast food restaurants
Job description
Who says FUN and RESPONSIBILITY cant hang together. At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, youll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers.
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook tasks in the restaurant may include:
- Preparing and cooking food orders to meet product quality standards
- Food preparation and portioning
- Cooking on the grill
- Operating the fry station
- Dressing items to order
- Packaging all menu items and checking for product quality and consistency
- Cleaning including trash disposal, mopping, sweeping, washing dishes, wiping counter-tops and sanitizing food areas
SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook Requirements:
- Ability to work irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays
- Ability to be flexible in all situations based on business need
- Effective communication skills; basic math and reading skills
- Ability to follow directions
- Willingness to abide by the appearance, uniform and hygiene standards at SONIC Drive-In restaurants
- General knowledge and understanding of the restaurant industry or retail operations preferred, but not required
Additional SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook Qualifications...
- Friendly and smiling faces that enjoy providing quality products for our guests!
- A willingness to cross-train on all the stations it never gets boring here!
- Motivated individuals who are team players and committed to keeping our drive-in clean and safe.
Sure, classic cars and vintage threads may be things of the past, but the SONIC Drive-In restaurant experience will always be groovy, right on, awesome, wicked, fab, the bees knees, cruisin .
. you get the picture. Its downright sensational!!
All thats missing is you, so APPLY TODAY!
SONIC and its independent franchise owners are Equal Opportunity Employers.
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