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Cooking Job Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Saco, ME · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

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

Cook

South Portland, ME

$17.50 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

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

... 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 ...

Cook

Westbrook, ME

$20 - $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 ...

Cook

Falmouth, ME · On-site

$20 - $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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Portland, ME

$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 ...

Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

What you can expect as a Cook: * $1,000 Employee Referral Bonus * Tuition Reimbursement eligibility after three months of full-time employment * Competitive pay * 401(k) with company match * Next Day ...

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. • Understanding of basic cooking techniques and kitchen equipment. • Strong attention to detail, organization, and time ...

Cook

South Portland, ME

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

What you can expect as a Cook: * $1,000 Employee Referral Bonus * Tuition Reimbursement eligibility after three months of full-time employment * Competitive pay * 401(k) with company match * Next Day ...

Cook

South Portland, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. · Understanding of basic cooking techniques and kitchen equipment. · Strong attention to detail, organization, and time ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$23/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 ...

Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. · Understanding of basic cooking techniques and kitchen equipment. · Strong attention to detail, organization, and time ...

Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

What you can expect as a Cook: * $1,000 Employee Referral Bonus * Tuition Reimbursement eligibility after three months of full-time employment * Competitive pay * 401(k) with company match * Next Day ...

Cook

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$20 - $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 ...

Cook

Falmouth, ME · On-site

$20 - $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 ...

Cook

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$20 - $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

Cooking Job information

See Portland, ME salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do cooking job jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Cooking Job job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,416 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Cook

IHOP

Saco, ME • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 9 days ago


IHOP rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

IHOP - Immediate Opening for a Talented Cook

Are you passionate about creating delicious meals that bring smiles to people's faces? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where teamwork and communication are key? If yes, then IHOP has the perfect opportunity for you!

Join IHOP, a brand known for connecting people over breakfast and spreading joy through delicious food. As a Cook, you will not only prepare a wide variety of meals but also contribute to creating memorable dining experiences for our customers. With us, you will receive paid training, competitive pay, and real advancement opportunities.

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Sick Time
  • Competitive Pay
  • Flexible Hours
  • Paid Training
  • Real Advancement Opportunities

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.
  • Managing food storage, stock, and ingredient orders.

Cook Job Requirements:

  • Must follow sanitation procedures.
  • Must showcase teamwork and communication skills.
  • Must be able to multitask and act quickly.

Location: IHOP 3652

If you are a motivated and enthusiastic individual looking to kickstart your career in the food & beverage industry, apply now to be a part of the IHOP family!

Since 1958, IHOP® has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. And no matter what menu items they order, there’s one ingredient that’s always constant — a smile. We’ve seen millions of smiles over the years in our restaurants, and now shared in photos across our social properties. In fact, smiles are so much a part of our culture that we changed our logo to include one.
This is just one of the many fun and exciting changes you can expect from IHOP®. Because we know the shortest distance between two people is a smile. –


What IHOP employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


IHOP logo

About IHOP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The shortest distance between two people is a smile, so our logo changed to include one! Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. No matter what menu items they order, there's one ingredient that's always constant -- a smile.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

2003