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Cooker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Foster Farms

Cooker Operator

Compton, CA · On-site

$20.34/hr

The Cook Operator will ensure that all needs in the kitchen are being met and will coordinate all aspects of kitchen operations with the lead and supervisor. The cook operator will assist with ...

AtWork

Cooker- Plano, Tx

Plano, TX · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Urgently Hiring - Full-Time Cooks- Plano, Tx Pay: $18.00-$19.00 per hour (based on experience) Schedule: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM Weekends: Rotating weekends required Pay Frequency: Weekly Join the AtWork ...

Foster Farms

Cooker Operator

Compton, CA · On-site

$20.34/hr

The Cook Operator will ensure that all needs in the kitchen are being met and will coordinate all aspects of kitchen operations with the lead and supervisor. The cook operator will assist with ...

greater med staffing

Cooker

Brooklyn, NY

$16 - $20/hr

... Cooking skills - Culinary knowledge - Experience in the food industry - Packaging expertise - Catering experience - Pastry techniques - Kitchen operations familiarity - Knife handling skills - Food ...

Atrium Cafe

Be Seen First

Cashier / Line Cooker

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40 - $22/hr

Familiarity with kitchen equipment, cooking processes, or culinary experience is a plus but not mandatory * Excellent communication skills to coordinate effectively with kitchen staff and servers ...

Greenhead Lobster, LLC

Cooker Operator

Bucksport, ME · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

As a Cooker Operator, you will have the opportunity to hone your skills and work hands-on with our fresh lobster products right here in beautiful Bucksport, ME. This essential role invites you to ...

Greenhead Lobster, LLC

Cooker Operator

Bucksport, ME · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

As a Cooker Operator, you will have the opportunity to hone your skills and work hands-on with our fresh lobster products right here in beautiful Bucksport, ME. This essential role invites you to ...

Darling Ingredients Inc.

Cooker Operator

Hamilton, MI · On-site

$22.12/hr

Job Summary The Cooker Operator is responsible for the operation of PLC to control the machinery. They must monitor pumps and grinders to ensure quality assurance. Essential Duties/Responsibilities ...

Darling Ingredients

Cooker Operator

Hamilton, MI

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Job Summary The Cooker Operator is responsible for the operation of PLC to control the machinery. They must monitor pumps and grinders to ensure quality assurance. Essential Duties/Responsibilities ...

Darling Ingredients Inc.

Cooker Operator

Collinsville, OK · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Job Summary The Cooker Operator is responsible for the operation of PLC to control the machinery. They must monitor pumps and grinders to ensure quality assurance. Essential Duties/Responsibilities ...

BestCo

Cooker Operator I

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Cooker Operator I - C Shift (6p-6a) We believe being healthy should not require tradeoffs. SCN BestCo is a leading innovator, developer and manufacturer of Vitamin, Mineral & Supplement (VMS), Over ...

Darling Ingredients Inc.

Cooker Operator

Hamilton, MI · On-site

$22.12/hr

Job Summary The Cooker Operator is responsible for the operation of PLC to control the machinery. They must monitor pumps and grinders to ensure quality assurance. Essential Duties/Responsibilities ...

Darling Ingredients

Cooker Operator

Linkwood, MD · On-site

Job Summary The Cooker Operator is responsible for the operation of PLC to control the machinery. They must monitor pumps and grinders to ensure quality assurance. Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Holmen Cheese LLC

Machine Operator/Cooker

Holmen, WI

$20 - $26/hr

With a primary position as a cooker, you will have an important role both the quality of our product and the efficiency of our production output. Experience as a restaurant cook is not relevant to ...

Holmen Cheese LLC

Machine Operator/Cooker

Holmen, WI · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

With a primary position as a cooker, you will have an important role both the quality of our product and the efficiency of our production output. Experience as a restaurant cook is not relevant to ...

Darling Ingredients Inc.

Cooker Operator

Linkwood, MD · On-site

$21.53/hr

Job Summary The Cooker Operator is responsible for the operation of PLC to control the machinery. They must monitor pumps and grinders to ensure quality assurance. Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

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Cooker information

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How much do cooker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooker in the United States is $19.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cooker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooker (Chef or Cook), you need a solid understanding of food preparation, cooking techniques, and food safety standards, often gained through culinary school or hands-on experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills that set exceptional cooks apart. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality dishes, and a safe dining environment for customers.

What is the difference between Cooker vs Chef?

AspectCookerChef
CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes certifications in food safetyFormal culinary education or extensive experience, culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotels, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesPreparing and cooking food according to recipesOverseeing kitchen operations, menu creation, supervising cooks

The main difference between a Cooker and a Chef lies in their roles and responsibilities. A Cooker typically focuses on preparing and cooking food, often with basic skills and certifications. A Chef, on the other hand, has advanced culinary training, oversees kitchen operations, and is responsible for menu development. While both work in similar environments, the Chef's role is more managerial and creative, whereas the Cooker primarily executes cooking tasks.

What are some common challenges a professional cooker faces in a high-volume kitchen, and how can they be managed?

In a high-volume kitchen, cookers often face challenges such as managing time efficiently, maintaining consistency in food quality, and handling pressure during peak service hours. To manage these, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, communicate clearly with kitchen staff, and stay calm under pressure. Many successful cookers also rely on prep work and mise en place to streamline service and ensure a smooth workflow. Building good relationships with team members helps foster a supportive environment, making it easier to overcome challenges together.

What does a cooker do?

A cooker, often referred to as a cook or chef, is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other dining establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring and mixing ingredients, monitoring food while it cooks, and ensuring meals are served at the right temperature and presentation. Cookers also maintain kitchen cleanliness and adhere to food safety standards. Depending on the workplace, their responsibilities may range from simple food preparation to creating complex dishes.
More about Cooker jobs
What cities are hiring for Cooker jobs? Cities with the most Cooker job openings:
What states have the most Cooker jobs? States with the most job openings for Cooker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cooker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cooker jobs are:
Cooker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,800 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Cooker Operator

Foster Farms

Compton, CA • On-site

$20.34/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Foster Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 434 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Pay Rate $20.34 per hour + $.75 shift premium
Night
At Foster Farms, our mission is creating great food and serving great moments. Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of those we serve. We measure our success by how well we protect and care for our team, our consumers, our animals, and our environment, while delivering operational excellence and exceptional value to our customers.
Position Summary
In this position, you will clean, set up and assemble kitchen equipment, form and cook batches of filling, conduct inventory and document all pertinent information in regards to HACCP, traceability and batch records. The Cook Operator will ensure that all needs in the kitchen are being met and will coordinate all aspects of kitchen operations with the lead and supervisor. The cook operator will assist with training and set-up as needed by the lead and supervisor.
Job Functions
  • Weigh out and manually add bags, buckets, scoops and shovels full of flavorings, spices and other ingredients to the cooker according to the recipe. Prebatch and stage ingredients. Provide guidance and leadership to cook assistant which may include equipment trouble shooting, set up for schedule changes or other adjustments as needed.
  • Assist with and ensure completion of CCP 1 & CCP 2 HACCP documentation, traceability and batch records.
  • Attend daily meetings and assist in making decisions and calculations regarding fill requests from production.
  • Obtain and fill containers, vats or tubs of meat, beans, cheese and other ingredients, move to cook station as needed.
  • Coordinate and conduct daily raw material inventories. Follow FIFO of ingredients in kitchen and report any abnormalities to supervisor or lead.
  • Transport full gondolas to cooler or cook station as required. Transport finished batches to cooler storage areas as required.
  • Obtain work schedule, obtain paperwork and prepare for operations. Assist supervisor and lead with shift set-up.
  • Report to assigned work station and obtain tools, check equipment and check recipe as required.
  • Manually bucket product into gondolas to cooler or cook station as required.
  • At end of shift, secure all equipment, perform general housekeeping duties and complete all required paperwork.
  • Attend training as required, including Quality Control, Human Resources, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Must be able to use, or learn to use, the equipment and tools used to perform the job.
  • Must be able to perform all job functions safely.
  • Must meet the company standards for the job.
  • Must be able to follow instructions.
  • Must be able to understand and follow all written SSOP's.
  • Must be able to understand SDS (Safety data sheets).
  • Must be able to work the scheduled / assigned times and required overtime for the position.
  • Must be able to complete "Lock out/Tag out" training.
  • Must be able to submit and pass drug test and criminal background check.

Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
    Foster Farms is always looking for talented individuals to join the Foster Farms Team. We offer the experience of a large organization; however, we operate like a family business. More than half of our openings are filled with internal promotion, and we encourage Team Members to gain a variety of experiences across different functional groups.
    Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles
    • Accountability: Deliver on commitments.
    • Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team.
    • Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility.
    • Initiative: Be proactive and lead with a growth mindset.
    • Ownership: Take responsibility for results.
    • Nimble: Operate with speed and agility.

    Why Join Foster Farms?
    This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of the ready-to-eat business at a leading food company, directly supporting our mission, vision, and values. You will play a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality food and great moments for millions of families.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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