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Cooker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cook We are looking for Cooks to work on our Circle K locations.- Full Kitchen inside Circle K.- We go in at 4:30 AM - we close at 3 PM.- NO LATE NIGHTS.- NO EVENINGS.- we close at 3PM.- we are ...

Cook Cook

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

Cooking and arranging food. Cook we are expanding!! WE are looking for Cooks that want to be part of this successful Brand.- Our business hours are from 6:30 Am to 3 PM.- NO EVENINGS- NO LATE NIGHTS ...

Cook Sets up and stocks food items and other necessary supplies. Prepares food items by cutting, chopping, mixing, and preparing sauces. Maintain cleanliness and complies with food sanitation ...

Cook

Florence, SC · On-site

$10.75 - $15/hr

Utilizing different equipment (cooker, grill, etc.) * Monitoring stock/inventory * Preparing exquisite dishes * Ensuring that the working environment is properly sanitized * Ensuring meals are ...

Prep Cook/Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Cook Sets up and stocks food items and other necessary supplies. Prepares food items by cutting, chopping, mixing, and preparing sauces. Maintain cleanliness and complies with food sanitation ...

Cook

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$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 ...

Cook

Bedford, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/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 ...

Cook

Providence, RI · On-site

$16 - $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 ...

Cook

Youngstown, OH

$13.25 - $17.50/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 ...

Cook

Youngstown, OH

$13.25 - $17.50/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 ...

Cook

Austintown, OH · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/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 ...

Cook

East Liverpool, OH

$12.50 - $16.75/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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Jonesboro, AR

$12 - $16/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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Bono, AR · On-site

$12 - $16/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 ...

Cook

Shepherdsville, KY

$13 - $17.50/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 ...

Cook

Paragould, AR · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/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 ...

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Cooker information

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$15

$19

$21

How much do cooker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 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:
Infographic showing various Cooker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 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 III -Fresh Mozzarella Make Department

Cooker Operator III -Fresh Mozzarella Make Department

Lactalis American Group Inc

Nampa, ID • On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Lactalis USA rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 395 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.


At Lactalis in the USA, we're committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive-whether you're just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.


As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.


In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani Italian cheeses and ricotta, President specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond cheddar, and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow, Oui, Yoplait, Go-Gurt, :ratio, Green Mountain Creamery, and Mountain High, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun, Gopi, and Arz.


At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.


Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy. 


From your PASSION to ours

 Lactalis American Group, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Cooker Operator III based in Nampa, ID. The Cooker Operator III position is responsible for blending product back into the cheese making process while assuring product meets quality standards. Assure product meets quality standards, and assumes responsibility for the operational flow of the Cooker equipment.


From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:


Meet efficiency budget levels with maintaining a high quality product.

Must remove and unload racks of cheese and feed cheese onto conveyors or input lines.

Stack empty racks for retrieval.

Accurately complete associated CCP and line operation paperwork while maintaining efficiencies.

Perform sanitation duties as assigned, and keep work area clean/organized.

Take immediate corrective action for any product that does not meet quality or product specifications.

Contribute to continual process improvement and increased performance.

Participate in internal/external audits and maintain ISO22000/ISO9001/HACCP compliance.

Attend department meetings and trainings as assigned by supervisor or manager.

Requirements

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:


Education

High School Diploma/General Education Degree preferred.


Experience

Previous employment in a food industry/manufacturing setting is preferred.


Specialized Knowledge

Previous Food Manufacturing experience preferred


Skills / Abilities

Basic Math Skills required (must be able to calculate averages).

Frequently required to lift or move 50 LB. and occasionally lift or move 100 LB.

Must be able to stand for the entire shift with repetitive bending, twisting, gripping, lifting, and reaching.


At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.


Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.


#CHEESEIND


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