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Cooking Job Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Line Cook

Poland, ME · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Strong knowledge of basic cooking techniques, knife skills, and safe food handling practices; ServSafe or similar certification is a plus. * Ability to follow recipes and directions accurately while ...

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 ...

Cook/Chef, Full time

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Know how to plan menus, prepare food, and use different cooking methods. * Organize time well and pay attention to details. * Commit to maintaining high-quality standards. * Know food safety rules ...

Cook/Chef, Full time

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Know how to plan menus, prepare food, and use different cooking methods. * Organize time well and pay attention to details. * Commit to maintaining high-quality standards. * Know food safety rules ...

Cook/Chef, Full time

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Know how to plan menus, prepare food, and use different cooking methods. * Organize time well and pay attention to details. * Commit to maintaining high-quality standards. * Know food safety rules ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 - Per Diem

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Cooking experience in a healthcare, institutional, or commercial kitchen preferred * Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices * Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Cook - Per Diem

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Cooking experience in a healthcare, institutional, or commercial kitchen preferred * Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices * Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook, you prepare high-quality meals that support residents' health and enjoyment while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized kitchen environment.What You'll Do: Prepare and serve meals ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook, you prepare high-quality meals that support residents' health and enjoyment while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized kitchen environment.What You'll Do: Prepare and serve meals ...

Cook - Per Diem

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Cooking experience in a healthcare, institutional, or commercial kitchen preferred * Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices * Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Showing results 21-40

Cooking Job information

See Portland, ME salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do cooking job jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 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 careers in cooking?

Careers in cooking include roles such as chef, sous chef, line cook, pastry chef, and kitchen manager. These jobs typically require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often certification or training from culinary schools or programs. Cooking careers can be found in restaurants, hotels, catering services, and other food service establishments.

What jobs can I do with a cooking job?

With a cooking job, you can pursue roles such as line cook, sous chef, pastry chef, kitchen manager, or catering chef. These positions often require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments.

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, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,015 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Cook Chef

Blue Pig LLC

Gorham, ME • On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Cook Chef to join our dedicated kitchen staff! 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 hours
  • Memorize, record, and comprehend menu items, abbreviations, plate appearance, and portions
  • Operate standard kitchen equipment safely and efficiently
  • Adhere to all sanitation and food production codes
  • Clean and maintain kitchen equipment, utensils, and appliances

Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in cooking, culinary arts, or other related fields
  • Knowledge of kitchen equipment and cooking techniques
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work well in teams