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Cooker Jobs in Newark, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$23.31/hr

Overview Cook Don't Just Feed Your Community.....Plan the Menu! $23.31 per hour A nationally recognized comprehensive Health and Human Services Agency, with over 60 programs across New York City and ...

Cook Don't Just Feed Your Community.....Plan the Menu! $23.31 per hour A nationally recognized comprehensive Health and Human Services Agency, with over 60 programs across New York City and the ...

Cook

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$23.31/hr

Overview Cook Don't Just Feed Your Community.....Plan the Menu! $23.31 per hour A nationally recognized comprehensive Health and Human Services Agency, with over 60 programs across New York City and ...

Cook

Matawan, NJ · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Mystic meadows is currently seeking an experienced Cook to join our team. This is a full-time opportunity. Our facility is comprised of professionals dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of ...

Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Cook Employment Type : Hourly : The Cook prepares meals by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, making salads, and cooking / assembling appetizers & entrees. In addition, helps with other tasks ...

Cook

Maywood, NJ · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Mystic meadows is currently seeking an experienced Cook to join our team. This is a full-time opportunity. Our facility is comprised of professionals dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of ...

Cook

Old Bridge, NJ

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Cook Position Summary * The Cook prepares and serves food including texture modified and therapeutic diets according to the facility menu. * Prepares food in accordance with current applicable ...

Cook -- Don't Matter Location: DUMBO, Brooklyn, NY Schedule: Wednesday-Sunday, 7:00 PM to close Position: Full-Time Compensation: $20/hr Don't Matter is looking for a reliable, experienced Cook to ...

Cook

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$20.21/hr

Overview Cook Don't Just Feed Your Community.....Plan the Menu! Work Schedule: Sunday-Thursday 11:00 am to 7pm $20.21 per hour A nationally recognized comprehensive Health and Human Services Agency ...

Cook

Matawan, NJ · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Mystic meadows is currently seeking an experienced Cook to join our team. This is a full-time opportunity. Our facility is comprised of professionals dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of ...

Cook

Maywood, NJ

$15.75 - $21/hr

Mystic meadows is currently seeking an experienced Cook to join our team. This is a full-time opportunity. Our facility is comprised of professionals dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of ...

Description Cook Full-Time and Part-time Positions Available. Apply Today! Nursing Home, Senior Living, Hospital, or Healthcare Required! Cook Shifts: Day and Evening Shifts, Alternating Weekends ...

Cook Don't Just Feed Your Community.....Plan the Menu! Work Schedule: Sunday-Thursday 11:00 am to 7pm $20.21 per hour A nationally recognized comprehensive Health and Human Services Agency, with over ...

Cook

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$20.21/hr

Overview Cook Don't Just Feed Your Community.....Plan the Menu! Work Schedule: Sunday-Thursday 11:00 am to 7pm $20.21 per hour A nationally recognized comprehensive Health and Human Services Agency ...

Description Cook Full-Time and Part-time Positions Available. Apply Today! Nursing Home, Senior Living, Hospital, or Healthcare Required! Cook Shifts: Day and Evening Shifts, Alternating Weekends ...

Cook

Edison, NJ · On-site

$21/hr

As a Dietary Cook on our team, you will make a meaningful impact on the lives of our extended family. In turn, we are dedicated to ensuring our team of caregivers feel the same compassion provided to ...

Cook

Riverdale, NY · On-site

$26/hr

Cook Location: Riverdale, Bronx, NY Shift/Schedule: Varying Hours Per Week: Full Time Starting Pay Rate: $26.00/hr Pay Frequency: Weekly - Direct Deposit What We Offer You: * Generous Compensation ...

Cook

Cedar Grove, NJ · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Cook Department: Dietary/Food Service Employment Type: Part Time Location: Eagle Rock Post Acute Care at Cedar Grove Description Our healthcare facility is seeking an experienced Cook Are you a ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooker information

See Newark, NJ salary details

$16

$19

$22

How much do cooker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooker in Newark, NJ is $19.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $21.35 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 Newark, NJ are hiring for Cooker jobs?

Cities near Newark, NJ with the most Cooker job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooker job openings in Newark, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $41,567 per year, or $20 per hour.

$23.31/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Samaritan Daytop Village rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
Cook
Don't Just Feed Your Community.....Plan the Menu!
$23.31 per hour
A nationally recognized comprehensive Health and Human Services Agency, with over 60 programs across New York City and the greater New York Area.
Samaritan Daytop Village serves over 33,000 New Yorkers annually within your neighborhoods and communities so our success depends on those we employ.
The Role
Under the general direction of the Program Director, the Cook is responsible for purchasing, stocking, preparing, and cooking the food that is provided to clients at a program site. This work is carried out in support of the mission and goals of Samaritan Daytop Village.
Responsibilities
What You Will Do
  • Cleans food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, equipment, and utensils.
  • Ensures sanitation, health, and safety standards are maintained in work areas.
  • Measures ingredients required for specific foods to be prepared.
  • Washes, cuts, chops, and prepares foods designated for cooking.
  • Follows menu in preparing meals.
  • Follows recipes in cooking meals.
  • Cleans, stocks, and restocks workstation and supply area.
  • Must follow personal sanitation standards before, during, and after cooking food.
  • Orders and takes delivery of food and supplies.
  • Complies with nutrition and sanitary regulations and safety standards.
  • Maintains a positive and professional approach with co-workers and clients.
  • Keeps abreast of new ideas in the field.
  • Performs other duties as requested.

Qualifications
Who You Will Be
  • At least Two (2) years of relevant experience as a Cook in a restaurant or similar environment such as the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) or another similar city-operated organization.
  • Food Protection Certificate issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
  • Good understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and procedures.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with clients and staff.
  • Available to work a flexible schedule as needed in response to participant and staff needs.
  • Computer literacy including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

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What Samaritan Daytop Village employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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