Cook
Jefferson, OR · On-site
$3.3K/mo
Duties include all aspects of kitchen work - prepping, cooking, kitchen clean up, creating menus, and other tasks as assigned. Full time, Friday-Tuesday, 9:30a-6:30p. Wed-Thu off. Requirements of ...
Quick apply
Cook
Jefferson, OR · On-site
$3.3K/mo
Duties include all aspects of kitchen work - prepping, cooking, kitchen clean up, creating menus, and other tasks as assigned. Full time, Friday-Tuesday, 9:30a-6:30p. Wed-Thu off. Requirements of ...
Cook
$14.25 - $19.25/hr
A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized work area. We are seeking an individual who has experience in the food ...
Cook
$14.25 - $19.25/hr
A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized work area. We are seeking an individual who has experience in the food ...
Cook II
Newberg, OR · On-site
$20.81 - $22.42/hr
... Cooking Pro amp; Flavor Hero! Location: Friendsview, Newberg OR Shifts : Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm Weekends Required. Pay: $20.81 - $22.42 DOE Do you dream in recipes and wake up ...
Cook II
Newberg, OR · On-site
$20.81 - $22.42/hr
... Cooking Pro amp; Flavor Hero! Location: Friendsview, Newberg OR Shifts : Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm Weekends Required. Pay: $20.81 - $22.42 DOE Do you dream in recipes and wake up ...
Prep Cook
Keizer, OR · On-site
$15 - $18/hr
Cooking and par-cooking foods and sauces * Dishwashing, both by hand and by machine * Taking out the trash, cleaning, and sanitizing the kitchen * Adhering to all relevant nutrition and sanitary ...
Quick apply
Prep Cook
Keizer, OR · On-site
$15 - $18/hr
Cooking and par-cooking foods and sauces * Dishwashing, both by hand and by machine * Taking out the trash, cleaning, and sanitizing the kitchen * Adhering to all relevant nutrition and sanitary ...
Prep Cook
Keizer, OR · On-site
$15 - $18/hr
Cooking and par-cooking foods and sauces * Dishwashing, both by hand and by machine * Taking out the trash, cleaning, and sanitizing the kitchen * Adhering to all relevant nutrition and sanitary ...
Quick apply
Prep Cook
Keizer, OR · On-site
$15 - $18/hr
Cooking and par-cooking foods and sauces * Dishwashing, both by hand and by machine * Taking out the trash, cleaning, and sanitizing the kitchen * Adhering to all relevant nutrition and sanitary ...
Cook II
Newberg, OR · On-site
$20.81 - $22.42/hr
... Cooking Pro & Flavor Hero! Location: Friendsview, Newberg OR Shifts : Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm Weekends Required. Pay: $20.81 - $22.42 DOE Do you dream in recipes and wake up thinking ...
Cook II
Newberg, OR · On-site
$20.81 - $22.42/hr
... Cooking Pro & Flavor Hero! Location: Friendsview, Newberg OR Shifts : Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm Weekends Required. Pay: $20.81 - $22.42 DOE Do you dream in recipes and wake up thinking ...
Cook
Newberg, OR · On-site
$14.75 - $19.75/hr
We focus on cooking and baking almost everything from scratch. The ideal candidate is a skilled and passionate culinary professional committed to providing exceptional service to seniors. KEY ...
Quick apply
Cook
Newberg, OR · On-site
$14.75 - $19.75/hr
We focus on cooking and baking almost everything from scratch. The ideal candidate is a skilled and passionate culinary professional committed to providing exceptional service to seniors. KEY ...
Cooking Job information
See Salem, OR salary details
$9.92 - $11.04
1% of jobs
$11.04 - $12.16
2% of jobs
$12.16 - $13.28
5% of jobs
$13.28 - $14.40
8% of jobs
$15.02 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.40 - $15.53
15% of jobs
$15.53 - $16.65
14% of jobs
The median wage is $16.93 / hr.
$16.65 - $17.77
19% of jobs
$18.59 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.77 - $18.89
15% of jobs
$18.89 - $20.01
12% of jobs
$20.01 - $21.13
5% of jobs
$21.13 - $22.25
4% of jobs
$9
$17
$22
How much do cooking job jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking job in Salem, OR is $17.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.09 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?
| 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 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 Salem, OR?
For Cooking Job jobs in Salem, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Job jobs in Salem, OR look for?
The top searched job categories for Cooking Job jobs in Salem, OR are:
What cities near Salem, OR are hiring for Cooking Job jobs?
Cities near Salem, OR with the most Cooking Job job openings:
Denny's rating
4.5
Based on 260 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
82nd of 88 rated restaurants
Job description
Listed wages are based on company-wide ranges. Actual earnings will vary based on factors such as: restaurant brand, experience, education, geography, applicable minimum wage, unit volume(s), hours worked & potential overtime pay.
Position: Cook
Brand: Denny's
Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty
Job Overview
The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety requirements. This position plays a key role in delivering consistent, high-quality meals while supporting a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen operation in a full-service restaurant environment.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Cooking
Kitchen Operations
Teamwork & Guest Focus
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Physical Activity
Physical Requirements
Work Environment
Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant)
Requirements
This document describes the job and its traditional physical, cognitive, and environmental demands. It does not describe the abilities of any individual employee.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Position: Cook
Brand: Denny's
Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty
Job Overview
The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety requirements. This position plays a key role in delivering consistent, high-quality meals while supporting a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen operation in a full-service restaurant environment.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Cooking
- Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu items according to Denny's recipes and specifications.
- Ensure food quality, portion accuracy, temperature, and presentation meet brand standards.
- Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
- Properly handle, store, label, and rotate food products.
Kitchen Operations
- Operate grills, fryers, ovens, sauté stations, and other kitchen equipment safely.
- Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, prep areas, and cooking stations.
- Coordinate with servers and kitchen team members to support timely order execution.
- Monitor food inventory and communicate needs or issues to management.
Teamwork & Guest Focus
- Work collaboratively with other cooks, servers, and restaurant staff.
- Follow direction from management and shift leaders.
- Contribute to a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Physical Activity
- Standing, walking, bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, and grasping.
- Reading tickets, writing prep notes, and using kitchen display systems.
- Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects.
- Communicating with servers, kitchen staff, and management.
- Use of kitchen equipment and restaurant technology, as permitted by applicable state age requirements.
Physical Requirements
- Standing and walking for extended periods during the work shift.
- Lifting and carrying ranges:
- 0-10 lbs: Frequent
- 11-25 lbs: Frequent
- 26-50 lbs: Occasional with assistance
- 51-75 lbs: Seldom; team-lift only
- Pushing and pulling approximately 10-40 lbs of force occasionally.
- Frequent use of hands for grasping, handling, and repetitive motions.
Work Environment
- Work performed in a full-service restaurant kitchen environment.
- Exposure to heat, noise, wet or slippery surfaces, and cleaning chemicals.
- Fast-paced environment with variable schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant)
- Ability to follow detailed cooking instructions and plating standards.
- Ability to manage multiple orders simultaneously.
- Ability to maintain focus and accuracy during high-volume periods.
- Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Requirements
- Previous cooking or line cook experience preferred but not required.
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred.
- Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
This document describes the job and its traditional physical, cognitive, and environmental demands. It does not describe the abilities of any individual employee.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
About Denny's
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
We are the classic American diner and proud of everything that means. Since 1953, we've served quality food and healthy portions at a fair price. No matter where we are, our light is always on, inviting guests around the world into a place where everyone is welcome. Our Denny's family is our most important asset. We trust, support and respect each other and work together for the greater good. We recognize the contributions of all. "Open" means so much more than just being open 24/7. It means being open to all people, appetites and budgets. It says we're open-minded and open to new ideas. Honest, warm and inviting. "Open" is the way we think and act every hour of every day.
Industry
Food services and drinking places
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Spartanburg, SC, US