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Cook Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Franklin, MA · On-site

$19 - $23/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

Shrewsbury, MA · On-site

$18 - $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 ...

Cook

Wayland, MA · On-site

$23 - $26/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

Worcester, MA

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook Career Opportunity Recognized for your culinary skills Are you passionate about creating culinary delights that leave a lasting impression? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a cook who ...

Cook

West Boylston, MA

$13.50 - $18/hr

FT COOK NEPBA 515, grade 17 Two open positions Cook - hours 1030a-630p - every other weekend off - (weekend hours 10a-6p) - need to operate a box truck Cook - hours 1030a-630p - every other weekend ...

Cook

West Boylston, MA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

FT COOK NEPBA 515, grade 17 Two open positions Cook - hours 1030a-630p - every other weekend off - (weekend hours 10a-6p) - need to operate a box truck Cook - hours 1030a-630p - every other weekend ...

Cook

Shrewsbury, MA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...

Cook

Shrewsbury, MA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...

Cook Job Reference Number: 38548 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Dining & Events Brand: Corporate-Chefs Location: Waltham , Massachusetts (US-MA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to ...

Cook

Waltham, MA · On-site

$24/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 38548 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Dining & Events Brand: Corporate-Chefs Location: Waltham , Massachusetts (US-MA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to ...

Cook

Auburn, MA

$16 - $18.70/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...

Cook

Shrewsbury, MA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...

Cook

Shrewsbury, MA

$17 - $18/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...

Cook

Auburn, MA · On-site

$16 - $18.70/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to ...

Showing results 21-40

Cook information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$8

$15

$22

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Worcester, MA is $15.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $17.98 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?

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.

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Worcester, MA? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Worcester, MA are:
What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Cook jobs? Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Worcester, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,235 per year, or $16 per hour.

$15 - $20.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Cook Career Opportunity


Recognized for your culinary skills
Are you passionate about creating culinary delights that leave a lasting impression? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a cook who not only brings skill to the kitchen but also seeks a career close to home and close to heart. In this role, you'll be instrumental in preparing therapeutic and modified diets for patients. Join us in a culinary journey that goes beyond the kitchen and resonates with the warmth of helping others. If you're ready to infuse your love for cooking into a career that matters, your next chapter starts here. Welcome to a kitchen where your skills meet a sense of belonging.


A Glimpse into Our World
At Encompass Health, you'll experience the difference the moment you become a part of our team. Working with us means aligning with a rapidly growing national inpatient rehabilitation leader. Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing.


Starting Perks and Benefits
At Encompass Health, we are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and caring environment where you can thrive. From day one, you will have access to:

  • Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans for both full-time and part-time employees and their families.
  • Generous paid time off that accrues over time.
  • Opportunities for tuition reimbursement and continuous education.
  • Company-matching 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans.
  • Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
  • A vibrant community of individuals passionate about the work they do.

Become the Cook you always wanted to be

  • Apportion servings according to menu combinations or orders for patients.
  • Follow menus, recipes, and oral instructions in the preparation of various foods.
  • Serve appropriate portion sizes based on menu specifications.
  • Plan timing of preparation of the food to ensure food satisfaction.
  • Ensure satisfaction regarding taste, texture, temperature and appearance.

Qualifications

  • Possession of a food handler's permit, if required by state or county regulations.
  • Training in food preparation for therapeutic diets.
  • Recent institutional cooking experience and/or exposure to special function cooking are desirable.
  • Familiarity with all H.A.C.C.P. and food safety guidelines.
  • Flexibility in working weekdays, weekends, evenings, or night shifts to meet deadlines is expected.

We're eagerly looking forward to meeting you, and we genuinely mean that. Join us on this remarkable journey!