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Cooker Jobs in Hamden, CT (NOW HIRING)

Cook

West Hartford, CT · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

COOK - SENIOR LIVING Aviva Senior Living is hiring a Cook to join our Dining Services team! If you have experience as a Cook, Line Cook, Prep Cook, Kitchen Cook, Restaurant Cook, Dietary Cook, or ...

Cook

Cromwell, CT · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Join our wonderful team as a Cook today! Autumn Lake Healthcare at Cromwell is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Cook! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and training ...

Cook

Madison, CT · On-site

$20.09/hr

) Join our wonderful team as a Cook today! Autumn Lake Healthcare at Madison is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Cook! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and training needed ...

Cook

Cromwell, CT · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

) Join our wonderful team as a Cook today! Autumn Lake Healthcare at Cromwell is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Cook! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and training ...

Cook

Madison, CT · On-site

$20.09/hr

Join our wonderful team as a Cook today! Autumn Lake Healthcare at Madison is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Cook! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and training needed ...

Cook

Meriden, CT · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Cook * 11p-7a OR 11am-7pm * Every Other Weekend 8 Hour Shift * Beautiful, Recently Renovated Work Environment Complete Care at Meriden is located at 845 Paddock Ave in Meriden, CT. We approach every ...

Cook

Danbury, CT · On-site

$21.22/hr

Join our wonderful team as a Cook today! Autumn Lake Healthcare at Glen Hill is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Cook! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and training ...

Cook

Danbury, CT · On-site

$24/hr

Join our wonderful team as a Cook today! The Residence at Glen Hill is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Cook! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and training needed to ...

Cook

Danbury, CT · On-site

$21.22/hr

) Join our wonderful team as a Cook today! Autumn Lake Healthcare at Glen Hill is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Cook! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and training ...

Cook

Danbury, CT · On-site

$24/hr

) Join our wonderful team as a Cook today! The Residence at Glen Hill is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Cook! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and training needed to ...

Cook

Naugatuck, CT · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Cook · Per Diem/Casual · 2nd Shift · ServSafe Certificate Required Complete Care at Glendale is a pillar in the community of Naugatuck, CT. We approach every day with one goal: To improve the ...

Cook

Waterbury, CT · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Safely prepares and cooks a wide variety of hot food items for patient, cafeteria, Healing Grounds Café, and any special function in the foodservice operation. Maintains the cooking area and ...

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Head Cook

Milford, CT · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

You will cook dishes that will delight our customers with their taste and timely delivery. An excellent cook must be able to follow instructions in cooking and delivering well-prepared meals. They ...

Line Cook/Pantry Cook

Guilford, CT · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

We are seeking a Pantry cook to join our kitchen team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing food items in accordance with the menu and recipes provided, ensuring high-quality dishes ...

Line Cook/Pantry Cook

Guilford, CT · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

We are seeking a Pantry cook to join our kitchen team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing food items in accordance with the menu and recipes provided, ensuring high-quality dishes ...

Cook

Plantsville, CT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Accurately and efficiently cook all food products as well as prepare and portion food products prior to cooking. Also perform other duties in the areas of food and final plate preparation including ...

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Cooker information

See Hamden, CT salary details

$15

$19

$21

How much do cooker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooker in Hamden, CT is $19.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 cities near Hamden, CT are hiring for Cooker jobs?

Cities near Hamden, CT with the most Cooker job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooker job openings in Hamden, CT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,568 per year, or $19 per hour.

Cook

Aviva West Hartford

West Hartford, CT • On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to planned menus and recipes.

  • Ensure meals are prepared, plated, and presented in an attractive and consistent manner.

  • Follow proper food handling, food safety, sanitation, and kitchen procedures.


Job description

COOK - SENIOR LIVING

Aviva Senior Living is hiring a Cook to join our Dining Services team! If you have experience as a Cook, Line Cook, Prep Cook, Kitchen Cook, Restaurant Cook, Dietary Cook, or Senior Living Cook and enjoy preparing great food in a welcoming environment, we want to meet you.

At Aviva Senior Living, dining is one of the highlights of our residents' day. Our Cooks play an important role in creating an exceptional dining experience by preparing fresh, delicious meals while providing friendly, dependable service to our residents.

Our senior living communities offer resort-style amenities, engaging social activities, and high-quality dining for residents in independent living, assisted living, and memory care.

If you are passionate about cooking, food preparation, hospitality, and serving seniors, this is an opportunity to put your culinary skills to work while making a difference every day.

SHIFT DETAILS

We are currently hiring a Cook to support various shifts in our community's kitchen and dining operation.

This position reports to the Dining Services Director. Depending on experience, the Cook may also assist with coordinating kitchen responsibilities and overseeing departmental work when the Dining Services Director is unavailable.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to planned menus and recipes.

  • Prepare high-quality meals in a senior living dining environment.

  • Prepare meals for residents with special diets and dietary requirements.

  • Perform food preparation and prep work for upcoming meals, special events, and dining services.

  • Ensure meals are prepared, plated, and presented in an attractive and consistent manner.

  • Follow proper food handling, food safety, sanitation, and kitchen procedures.

  • Monitor food temperatures for hot and cold foods to ensure safe food service.

  • Properly store, label, date, and rotate food according to food safety standards.

  • Maintain clean and organized refrigerators, freezers, food storage areas, and kitchen workstations.

  • Assist with food inventory, deliveries, and tracking food usage.

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment.

  • Follow proper procedures when using cleaning products and other potentially hazardous materials.

  • Provide excellent customer service to residents, families, guests, and team members.

  • Build positive relationships with residents and contribute to an enjoyable dining experience.

  • Communicate effectively with other cooks, kitchen staff, servers, dining associates, and community leadership.

  • Assist the Dining Services Director and culinary team with additional kitchen and dining responsibilities as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school diploma or GED preferred.

  • 1-2 years of cooking, kitchen, restaurant, food service, or culinary experience preferred.

  • Experience as a Cook, Line Cook, Prep Cook, Kitchen Cook, Restaurant Cook, Dietary Cook, or similar food service position preferred.

  • Senior living, assisted living, healthcare, hospitality, restaurant, or commercial kitchen experience is a plus.

  • ServSafe certification preferred, or willingness and ability to obtain certification.

  • Knowledge of food preparation, food safety, sanitation, and proper food storage procedures.

  • Ability to follow recipes, menus, dietary requirements, and written instructions.

  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Dependable and team-oriented.

  • Ability to interact with seniors in a courteous, friendly, and respectful manner.

  • Ability to safely prepare and handle food in accordance with company policies and applicable state and federal requirements.

WHY WORK AT AVIVA SENIOR LIVING?

Working in a senior living kitchen offers something different from many traditional restaurant Cook positions. You will have the opportunity to get to know the people you are cooking for and see firsthand how great food contributes to their quality of life.

You will join a team focused on creating an exceptional dining experience while working in a professional, resident-centered environment.

BENEFITS FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES

  • Medical and prescription insurance

  • Dental insurance

  • Vision insurance

  • Paid time off accrued up to 15 days per year

  • Paid holidays

  • Employee Referral Program

  • Company-paid life insurance

  • Pet insurance available

  • Company-matching 401(k)

  • Daily pay / available pay advance

APPLY TODAY

If you are searching for a Cook job where your work matters, join the Aviva Senior Living team.

Bring your experience in cooking, meal preparation, food service, kitchen operations, or restaurant dining to a community where great meals and great service make a difference in our residents' lives every day.

Apply today to join Aviva Senior Living as a Cook!

Aviva Senior Living has achieved designation as a Great Place to Work and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.

The final pay offered to a successful candidate will depend on several factors, which may include relevant experience, industry experience, education, qualifications, and other job-related considerations.