ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cooker Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

Hank's Tavern on the River

Cook

Three Rivers, MI · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Kay Jay's Irish Pub

Cook

Utica, MI · On-site

$18/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff. The person we are hoping to employ is first and foremost a skilled, organized, and creative cook. We are ...

Culver's

Cook

Grand Haven, MI · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

Ram's Horn

Cook

Southgate, MI · On-site

$11 - $17/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first and ...

IHOP

Cook

Grand Ledge, MI

$15 - $17/hr

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 IHOP-specialized galley ...

IHOP

$17 - $20/hr

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 IHOP-specialized galley ...

Lake House Waterfront Grille

Cook

Muskegon, MI

$12.75 - $17/hr

Title Cook Division Lake House Waterfront Grille Location The Lake House Waterfront Grille Position Cook Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time and/or Part-Time Number of Openings 1 Req Number FOO-26-00034 ...

IHOP

Cook

Royal Oak, MI · On-site

$11.33/hr

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 IHOP-specialized galley ...

IHOP

Cook

Jackson, MI

$15 - $17/hr

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 IHOP-specialized galley ...

IHOP

Cook

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$11.33/hr

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 IHOP-specialized galley ...

Delta by Marriott, Downtown Muskegon

Cook

Muskegon, MI

$12.75 - $17/hr

Title Cook Division Delta by Marriott, Downtown Muskegon Location Delta by Marriott, Downtown Muskegon Position Cook Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time and/or Part-Time Number of Openings 1 Req Number FOO ...

IHOP

Cook

Comstock Park, MI · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

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 IHOP-specialized galley ...

Parkland Hospitality

Cook

Muskegon, MI

$13 - $17.25/hr

Cook Department : Back of House Reports To : Executive Chef Summary : A Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food for guests. Cooks follow recipes consistently, make adjustments based on ...

IHOP

Cook

Novi, MI · On-site

$16/hr

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 IHOP-specialized galley ...

IHOP

Cook

Jackson, MI · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

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 IHOP-specialized galley ...

IHOP

Cook

Mount Pleasant, MI · On-site

$15/hr

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 IHOP-specialized galley ...

IHOP

Cook

Clinton Township, MI · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

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 IHOP-specialized galley ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCooker JobsCooker Jobs in Michigan

Cooker information

See Michigan salary details

$13

$16

$18

How much do cooker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooker in Michigan is $16.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooker?

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.
What are popular job titles related to Cooker jobs in Michigan? For Cooker jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooker jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Cooker jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Cooker jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Cooker job openings:
Cooker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooker job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,689 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Cooker Operator

Darling Ingredients Inc.

Hamilton, MI • On-site

$22.12/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Darling Ingredients rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

176th of 434 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

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

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

  • Always conduct yourself in a safe and controlled manner.
  • Blow grease lines as required.
  • Clean up to include but not limited to shoveling the floor, hosing floors and machinery down, using wheelbarrows and PIT's.
  • Operate the cooking process within selected parameters.
  • Document plant operations per our GMP program.
  • Notify shift manager of any issues or maintenance problems.
  • Attendance at all safety meetings required.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Minimum two (2) years prior experience in a rendering facility or production environment required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Works well with others in a team environment.
  • Dependable; reliable; ability to work nights and/or weekends as needed.

Physical Demands

  • Constantly required to walk, stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crawl, and crouch.
  • Must be able to stand for 8 hours and work 12 hour shifts occasionally.
  • Occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
  • Regularly required reach with hands and arms.
  • The ability to work 40-60 hours per week.

Work Environment

Must be able to work in a hot or cold environment (100 degrees F to 45 degrees F) - occasional outside work in all 4 seasons. Be able to handle odors associated with animal by-products.

Darling Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military service, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and local law. Know Your Rights: If you would like more information, please click on the link and paste into your browser: https://www.eeoc.gov/poster


Job Posted by ApplicantPro

What Darling Ingredients employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom