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Cooker Jobs in Union, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Nexdine Hospitality

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 ...

MB Healthcare

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 ...

Nexdine Hospitality

Cook

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

The Cook reports to the Executive Chef or General Manager and is responsible for preparing all types, including but not limited to, grilled foods. Responsible for preparing and serving breakfast ...

IHOP

Cook

Brooklyn, NY · 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 plating, menu items and ...

Universal Weather and Aviation

Cook

Carlstadt, NJ · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Job Purpose: The Cook is responsible for the quality of food ingredients used and preparation methods. The Cook prepares basic food and menu items needed in filling catering orders based on ...

SMITH MANAGEMENT GROUP MASTER

Cook

Montclair, NJ · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Line Cook A Line Cook at any Smith restaurant prepares food and ensures each dish is made to recipe with integrity. A line cook is responsible for the station's workflow and getting meals out on time.

Autumn Lake Healthcare

Part time cook

Old Bridge, NJ · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

) Join our wonderful team as a Part time Cook today! Autumn Lake Healthcare at Old Bridge is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Part time Cook ! We provide our staff with the resources ...

Uncle Jack's Steakhouse

Line Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18 - $22/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 ...

Amber Court of Elizabeth

Cook

Elizabeth, NJ · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Cook Amber Court of Elizabeth Elizabeth, NJ About the Role: As a Cook at Amber Court of Elizabeth, you will play a vital role in providing exceptional dining experiences for our residents. We are ...

Kellari Hospitality Group

Grill Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $20/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 ...

Kellari Hospitality Group

Grill Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $20/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 ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Uncle Jack's Steakhouse

Line Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18 - $22/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 ...

Gyu-Kaku

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 ...

Buffalo Wild Wings

Cook

Hillsborough, NJ · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

DESCRIPTION Cook - Bring Your Passion for Flavor to Our Kitchen We are looking for skilled and dedicated Cooks to join our kitchen team. Whether you specialize in the line, sauté, grill, or fry ...

Buffalo Wild Wings

Cook

Warren, NJ · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

DESCRIPTION Cook - Bring Your Passion for Flavor to Our Kitchen We are looking for skilled and dedicated Cooks to join our kitchen team. Whether you specialize in the line, sauté, grill, or fry ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsCooker JobsCooker Jobs in Union, NJ

Cooker information

See Union, NJ salary details

$15

$19

$21

How much do cooker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooker in Union, NJ is $19.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $20.82 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 Union, NJ are hiring for Cooker jobs?

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

Cooker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooker job openings in Union, 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 $40,557 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Cook

Nexdine Hospitality

Riverdale, NY • On-site

$26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Nexdine Hospitality rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Who We Are:
NEXDINE Hospitality's family of brands provides dining, hospitality, fitness center and facility management services to businesses, independent schools, higher education, senior living, and hospitals nationwide. We put our people first to deliver finely tailored, expertly managed programs. The NEXDINE Experience is responsive, transparent, and authentic. Learn more at www.NEXDINE.com.
Job Details
Position: 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 & Benefits Package
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick Time
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Career Growth Opportunities
  • Various Employee Perks and Rewards

Cook Job Summary:
The Cook reports to the Chef or Chef Manager. The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving breakfast, lunch and/or catered events. The Cook may be required to operate equipment, including but not limited to an oven, stove, dishwasher, slicer, coffee machine, steamer, mixer, and chef's knives. Representing not only the client but NEXDINE as well, the Cook needs to exhibit great customer service in all aspects of this job.
Cook Essential Functions and Key Tasks:
  • Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment and work surfaces, or serving areas to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices.
  • Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, roasters and other equipment.
  • Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, rotating stock and following food company labeling & dating procedures.
  • Monitor, cook and prepare foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, smelling, or utilization of food thermometers.
  • Responsible for preparation of stations, as directed, according to company guidelines.
  • Bake, roast, broil, and steam meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods.
  • Season, weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes with guidance from supervisor, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.
  • Wash, peel, cut, and seed fruits and vegetables to prepare for consumption.
  • Carve, trim and prepare meats and seafood for hot or cold service.
  • May bake breads, rolls, cakes, and pastries.
  • May wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, or other cooking equipment.
  • Compile and maintain records of food usage.
  • May assist with inventory.
  • Follow food specification amounts provided by supervisor. Assist in forecasting of preparation needs.
  • Prepare and serve food to customers in a timely manner.
  • May assist in supporting culinary staff at numerous stations as directed.
  • Communicate with supervisor regarding kitchen equipment/supply needs.
  • Adhere to and promote company standards for safety, proper food handling practices, sanitation, uniform guidelines, and productivity.
  • Provide excellent customer service to include being attentive, approachable, greeting and thanking customers.
  • May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Work Environment:
This job operates in a kitchen environment whereby employees may be exposed to and/or required to operate equipment, including but not limited to, an oven, stove, dishwasher, slicer, coffee machine, steamer, mixer and chef's knives. The employee is frequently exposed to heat, steam, fire and noise.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee may be required to sit, reach, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, and push, pull & lift items weighing 40 pounds or less. Employee may be required to stand for long periods of time. The position requires manual dexterity; auditory and visual skills; and the ability to follow written and oral instructions and procedures.

What Nexdine Hospitality employees say

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