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Cooking Job Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

IHOP

Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$17.50 - $18.75/hr

Cooking food using various culinary techniques. * Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation. * Managing food storage, stock, and ingredient orders. Cook Job Requirements: * Must follow ...

IHOP

Cook

Saco, ME · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Cooking food using various culinary techniques. * Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation. * Managing food storage, stock, and ingredient orders. Cook Job Requirements: * Must follow ...

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Seasonal Cook

Boothbay, ME · On-site

$27 - $28/hr

... cooking a variety of dishes according to established recipes and standards. This position supports the mission by using local, seasonal and Gardens grown ingredients to connect our guests to the ...

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Seasonal Cook

Boothbay, ME · On-site

$27 - $28/hr

... cooking a variety of dishes according to established recipes and standards. This position supports the mission by using local, seasonal and Gardens grown ingredients to connect our guests to the ...

Aramark

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your passion, and pursue what matters by cooking with us! This role involves availability to work Thursday overnights on a rotating schedule. Job ...

Aramark

Cook

Kennebunk, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your passion, and pursue what matters by cooking with us! This role involves availability to work Thursday overnights on a rotating schedule. Job ...

Aramark

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your passion, and pursue what matters by cooking with us! This role involves availability to work Thursday overnights on a rotating schedule. Job ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Falmouth, ME · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and ...

Blue Pig LLC

Cook Chef

Gorham, ME · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...

Blue Pig LLC

Cook Chef

Gorham, ME · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...

SSH DT Portland LLC

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Understanding of basic cooking techniques and kitchen equipment. Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management. Ability to follow recipes and take direction. A food handler's permit ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Falmouth, ME · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Falmouth, ME · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

... cooking nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care facility. At HCSG, we are passionate about positively impacting the communities we serve. If you share our commitment to excellence and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCooking Job JobsCooking Job Jobs in Portland, ME

Cooking Job information

See Portland, ME salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do cooking job jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking job in Portland, ME is $17.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you do if you like cooking?

If you enjoy cooking, you can pursue roles such as chef, line cook, pastry chef, or sous chef in restaurants and hotels. Other options include catering, food styling, food service management, or working as a personal chef or culinary instructor, often requiring culinary training or certifications.

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 highest paying job in cooking?

The highest paying jobs in cooking are executive chef and culinary director roles, which can earn six-figure salaries, especially in high-end restaurants or hotel chains. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced culinary certifications or degrees.

Can I get paid to cook at home?

Cooking jobs can include freelance catering, private chef services, or online cooking instruction, which allow individuals to earn money by preparing food at home or remotely. These roles often require culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and sometimes certifications, and may involve scheduling flexibility or client interactions.

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 are some careers that involve cooking?

Careers that involve cooking include chef, cook, sous chef, pastry chef, line cook, and culinary instructor. These roles typically require knowledge of food preparation, kitchen safety, and often certification or training in culinary arts. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, catering, and institutional food services.

What are cooking jobs?

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 Portland, ME? For Cooking Job jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Job jobs in Portland, ME look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking Job jobs in Portland, ME are:
What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Cooking Job jobs? Cities near Portland, ME with the most Cooking Job job openings:
Cooking Job jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Job job openings in Portland, ME as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,416 per year, or $17.5 per hour.
General Cook Positions

General Cook Positions

Holiday Inn By the Bay

Portland, ME

$19 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 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:

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 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.

Experience the best of Portland, Maine. The Holiday Inn By the Bay is set along the picturesque shores of Casco Bay. We effortlessly combine convenience, entertainment, and beauty to create the perfect environment for every traveler. Our spacious rooms can offer ocean or city views. Our downtown waterfront location fully captures the beauty and culture of Portland, Maine.

Education:no requirementsEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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