Prep Cook/Cook
$17 - $20/hr
Cooking and arranging food. 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 ...
Quick apply
Prep Cook/Cook
$17 - $20/hr
Cooking and arranging food. 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 ...
Prep Cook/Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$17 - $20/hr
Cooking and arranging food. 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 ...
Prep Cook/Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$17 - $20/hr
Cooking and arranging food. 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 ...
Cook
$14/hr
Cooking and arranging food. 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 ...
Quick apply
Cook
$14/hr
Cooking and arranging food. 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 ...
Cook
$12/hr
Cooking and arranging food. 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 ...
Quick apply
Cook
$12/hr
Cooking and arranging food. 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 ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Northeast
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Northeast
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Blythewood
Blythewood, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Blythewood
Blythewood, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Irmo
Irmo, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Irmo
Irmo, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Northeast
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Northeast
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Elmwood
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Elmwood
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Irmo
Irmo, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Irmo
Irmo, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Blythewood
Blythewood, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Blythewood
Blythewood, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Elmwood
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Elmwood
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - West Columbia
West Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - West Columbia
West Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Dutch Square
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Dutch Square
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Spring Valley
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Spring Valley
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Restaurant Manager Cook Out Garners Ferry Rd
Columbia, SC · On-site
$17/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
At Cook Out, we aren't just flipping burgers; we're building careers. We are experiencing record-breaking growth and are looking for high-energy, hardworking leaders to join our management team. If ...
Quick apply
Restaurant Manager Cook Out Garners Ferry Rd
Columbia, SC · On-site
$17/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
At Cook Out, we aren't just flipping burgers; we're building careers. We are experiencing record-breaking growth and are looking for high-energy, hardworking leaders to join our management team. If ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Forest Drive
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Forest Drive
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Spring Valley
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Spring Valley
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - West Columbia
West Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - West Columbia
West Columbia, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Knox Abbott
Cayce, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cook/Prep Cook - Knox Abbott
Cayce, SC · On-site
$12 - $15/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
PTO
Are you a customer service rock star who loves country cooking and can contribute to our kitchen team? Are you interested in getting started with a family-friendly restaurant that cares about its ...
Cooking Job information
See Columbia, SC salary details
$9.12 - $10.15
1% of jobs
$10.15 - $11.18
2% of jobs
$11.18 - $12.21
5% of jobs
$12.21 - $13.24
8% of jobs
$13.81 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.24 - $14.27
15% of jobs
$14.27 - $15.30
14% of jobs
The median wage is $15.56 / hr.
$15.30 - $16.34
19% of jobs
$17.09 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$16.34 - $17.37
15% of jobs
$17.37 - $18.40
12% of jobs
$18.40 - $19.43
5% of jobs
$19.43 - $20.46
4% of jobs
$9
$15
$20
How much do cooking job jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking job in Columbia, SC is $15.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $17.55 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?
| Aspect | Cooking Job | Food Preparation Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | None required, culinary training preferred | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Work Environment | Restaurants, hotels, catering services | Food processing plants, kitchens, cafeterias |
| Industry Usage | Commonly used in hospitality and food service | Used in food manufacturing and institutional settings |
| Job Focus | Preparing and cooking meals | Preparing 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 are popular job titles related to Cooking Job jobs in Columbia, SC?
For Cooking Job jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Job jobs in Columbia, SC look for?
The top searched job categories for Cooking Job jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Cooking Job jobs?
Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Cooking Job job openings:
$17 - $20/hr
Full-time
Re-posted 28 days ago
Job description
Main Responsibilities of a Cook:
Preparing workstations, cooking ingredients, and kitchen equipment for cooking.
Cooking and arranging food.
Cook Job Description:
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 requirements by properly handling food and ensuring correct storage.
Cleans and sanitizes cooking surfaces at the end of the shift.'
'Work Remotely
No
The person we are hoping to employ is first and foremost a skilled, organized, and creative cook. We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and organizational skills are paramount.
A good candidate for this job is a person with attention to detail who can keep the kitchen tidy and clean all while preparing, cooking, and arranging food together with the rest of our kitchen staff. We pride ourselves in our exceptional service, and we expect nothing less from our cooks. The advantage goes to candidates with a diploma from a culinary school.
Responsibilities of a Cook:
Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen.
Preparing workstations for cooking.
Preparing and maintaining kitchen equipment.
Checking the quality of the ingredients.
Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques.
Cooking food using various culinary techniques.
Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation.
Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders.
Cook Job Requirements:
Must have prior experience as a cook.
Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment.
Must be skilled in various cooking techniques.
Must know and follow sanitation procedures.
Must showcase teamwork and communication skills.
Must showcase great organizational skills.
Must be able to multitask and act quickly.
Must carry at least a high school diploma.
OUR MISSION
Together, as a team, to be the very best that we can be. We are building more than just restaurants - we're creating lifelong careers.
OUR VISION
as we continues to grow, we recognize that our success depends on exceeding the expectations of our loyal patrons.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Provide every guest great hospitality, every time.
Maintain consistency from day to day, year to year, restaurant to restaurant.
Commit to give back, on a daily basis, to the communities that nurture us.