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Cooking Job Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Product Director, Cooking

New York, NY · Hybrid

$254K - $266K/yr

The Product Director for Cooking will lead the strategic direction and execution of our engagement portfolio - the product experiences, AI-powered features, and app platforms that keep cooks coming ...

Product Director, Cooking

New York, NY · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

The Product Director for Cooking will lead the strategic direction and execution of our engagement portfolio - the product experiences, AI-powered features, and app platforms that keep cooks coming ...

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Cooking Job information

See New York salary details

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How much do cooking job jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking job in New York is $18.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a cooking job, and why are they important?

To thrive in a cooking job, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a culinary degree or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food handling certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, time management, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure consistently high food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for customers.

What is the difference between Cooking Job vs Food Preparation Worker?

AspectCooking JobFood Preparation Worker
CredentialsNone required, culinary training preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesFood processing plants, kitchens, cafeterias
Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food serviceUsed in food manufacturing and institutional settings
Job FocusPreparing and cooking mealsPreparing ingredients, assembling dishes

Cooking jobs primarily involve preparing and cooking meals in restaurants or catering settings, often requiring culinary skills and training. Food preparation workers focus on preparing ingredients and assembling dishes, typically in food manufacturing or institutional environments. While both roles involve food handling, cooking jobs emphasize culinary techniques, whereas food prep roles concentrate on ingredient preparation.

What is a cooking job?

Cooking jobs involve preparing, cooking, and presenting food in various settings such as restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, and private homes. People in these roles may work as chefs, cooks, line cooks, or kitchen assistants, and are responsible for following recipes, ensuring food safety, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Cooking jobs often require creativity, efficiency, and the ability to work under pressure, especially during busy meal times. Depending on the position, formal culinary training or on-the-job experience may be necessary.

What are some common challenges faced by cooks in a busy kitchen environment?

Cooks in busy kitchens often face challenges such as managing time efficiently during rush periods, maintaining consistency in food quality, and handling multiple orders simultaneously. Strong communication with the kitchen team and front-of-house staff is crucial for smooth service. Adapting to last-minute menu changes or special dietary requests is also common, requiring flexibility and a calm demeanor under pressure.

What job categories do people searching Cooking Job jobs in New York look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooking Job jobs in New York are:

What cities in New York are hiring for Cooking Job jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Cooking Job job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooking Job job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,928 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Part-Time Cooking Instructor (Adults + Kids)

Sticky Fingers Cooking Central New Jersey

East Brunswick, NJ • On-site

$60/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Sticky Fingers Cooking® is a national cooking enrichment program that has brought hands-on cooking education to over one million students across 10 states since 2011. We are hiring part-time Chef Instructors across Central New Jersey to lead after-school cooking classes for kids and to support our growing seniors programming.
This role is built for someone with genuine schedule flexibility, a love of food, and the energy to run an engaging room. No professional cooking experience required.
What You'll Do
  • Lead 60-minute hands-on cooking classes for kids ages 3 to 18 at schools, libraries, and community venues
  • Shop for fresh ingredients before each class (all food costs reimbursed)
  • Set up and break down using our fully portable cooking kit; we supply all equipment and ingredients
  • Teach cooking technique, nutrition, food history, and kitchen safety in an engaging, structured format
  • Occasionally lead seniors cooking sessions (Silver Spatulas by Sticky Fingers Cooking®), ideal for instructors with morning or midday availability
Who We're Looking For
  • Experience working with children in a teaching, camp, childcare, coaching, or similar setting
  • Weekday afternoon availability at least 2 days per week between 2:00 and 5:00 PM; morning availability is a plus for adult programming
  • Reliable transportation and willingness to travel up to one hour within Central NJ
  • Organized and punctual; classes require arriving 15 to 20 minutes before start time
  • Able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs
  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification required; we will guide you through the process if you do not have one yet
  • Must pass state and FBI background checks as a condition of employment

Backgrounds that tend to thrive here: substitute teachers, former classroom teachers, camp counselors, early childhood educators, and stay-at-home parents with weekday availability who are looking for meaningful part-time work.
What We Offer
  • $60 per 60-minute class. Pay covers your shopping trip, setup, instruction, and cleanup. Total time per class is typically about two hours.
  • Adult and senior sessions (75 minutes) pay at the same adjusted hourly rate
  • Choose which days work for you; no mandatory schedule
  • All equipment, recipes, and lesson plans provided
  • Paid hands-on training and ongoing support
  • Class assignments as close to your home as possible
A Day in the Life
You pick up fresh ingredients. You arrive early, set up the portable cooking kit, and review the week's recipe. For 60 minutes, you run the class: guiding kids through each step, managing the group, and keeping it hands-on and fun. You clean up and you're done. Every week is a new recipe, a new ingredient, and a new story to tell.
About Sticky Fingers Cooking®
Our Central New Jersey operation is locally owned and operated with deep roots in the communities we serve. Instructors are the foundation of everything we do. We keep groups small, curriculum proven, and support consistent.
If this sounds like the right fit, apply today.
All applicants must pass a background check.