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Cooking Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Denny's

Cook

North Platte, NE · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

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 ...

Lantis Enterprises, Inc.

Cook

Kearney, NE · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

We are seeking someone who can elevate institutional meals - down-home cooking is the goal. If you have special skills such as baking, we'd love to hear about what you could add to our kitchen.

Denny's

Cook

Omaha, NE · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

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 ...

Denny's

Cook

Gretna, NE · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

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 ...

Holiday Inn Downtown Omaha - Downtown Airport

Cook

Omaha, NE · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Prepare ingredients for cooking, including washing and chopping vegetables and meat * Cook and present dishes according to menu specifications, including following recipes and presentation standards

Continental Springs

Cook

South Sioux City, NE

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

If you have a passion for cooking and providing excellent customer service, we encourage you to apply for this full-time opportunity. Job Duties: • Perform defined work routines, using various ...

Continental Springs

Cook

South Sioux City, NE

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

If you have a passion for cooking and providing excellent customer service, we encourage you to apply for this full-time opportunity. Job Duties: • Perform defined work routines, using various ...

Lantis Enterprises, Inc.

Cook

Ogallala, NE · On-site

$18/hr

Experience cooking for large groups is a plus! We are a family-oriented healthcare provider dedicated to excellence, whose mission is to enhance the lives of those we serve by providing quality care ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

North Platte, NE · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Preparing and cooking food orders to meet product quality standards Food preparation and portioning Cooking on the grill Operating the fry station Dressing items to order Packaging all menu items and ...

Continental Springs

Cook

South Sioux City, NE · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

If you have a passion for cooking and providing excellent customer service, we encourage you to apply for this full-time opportunity. Job Duties: • Perform defined work routines, using various ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

La Vista, NE · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

... cooking food orders to meet product quality standards - Food preparation and portioning - Cooking on the grill - Operating the fry station - Dressing items to order - Packaging all menu items and ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Scottsbluff, NE · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Preparing and cooking food orders to meet product quality standards Food preparation and portioning Cooking on the grill Operating the fry station Dressing items to order Packaging all menu items and ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Omaha, NE · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... cooking food orders to meet product quality standards - Food preparation and portioning - Cooking on the grill - Operating the fry station - Dressing items to order - Packaging all menu items and ...

Lantis Enterprises, Inc.

Cook

Chadron, NE · On-site

$17/hr

We are seeking someone who can elevate institutional meals - down-home cooking is the goal. If you have special skills such as baking, we'd love to hear about what you could add to our kitchen. Job ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Omaha, NE · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

... cooking food orders to meet product quality standards - Food preparation and portioning - Cooking on the grill - Operating the fry station - Dressing items to order - Packaging all menu items and ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Omaha, NE · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

... cooking food orders to meet product quality standards - Food preparation and portioning - Cooking on the grill - Operating the fry station - Dressing items to order - Packaging all menu items and ...

Lantis Enterprises, Inc.

Cook

Scottsbluff, NE · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

We are seeking someone who can elevate institutional meals - down-home cooking is the goal. If you have special skills such as baking, we'd love to hear about what you could add to our kitchen. We ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

La Vista, NE · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

... cooking food orders to meet product quality standards - Food preparation and portioning - Cooking on the grill - Operating the fry station - Dressing items to order - Packaging all menu items and ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Bellevue, NE · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... cooking food orders to meet product quality standards - Food preparation and portioning - Cooking on the grill - Operating the fry station - Dressing items to order - Packaging all menu items and ...

Sonic

Cook

La Vista, NE · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

... cooking food orders to meet product quality standards - Food preparation and portioning - Cooking on the grill - Operating the fry station - Dressing items to order - Packaging all menu items and ...

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All JobsCooking JobsCooking Jobs in Nebraska

Cooking information

See Nebraska salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking in Nebraska is $16.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cook do?

A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in a variety of settings, such as restaurants, cafeterias, or private households. Duties typically include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Cooks may also be involved in menu planning, inventory management, and collaborating with other kitchen staff to deliver high-quality meals on time.

What are some common challenges cooks face in a busy kitchen environment?

Cooks in fast-paced kitchens often deal with high-pressure situations, especially during peak dining hours when multiple orders need to be prepared quickly and accurately. Maintaining consistency in taste and presentation while juggling various tasks can be demanding. Communication and teamwork are crucial, as cooks must coordinate closely with other kitchen staff and servers to ensure timely service. Adapting to last-minute menu changes or handling special dietary requests can also add to the complexity of the role.

What is the difference between Cooking vs Food Preparation Worker?

AspectCookingFood Preparation Worker
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationsTypically no formal certifications needed
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringFood production lines, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Job DutiesPreparing, cooking, and presenting dishesChopping, assembling ingredients, basic food prep
Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesFood manufacturing, cafeterias, quick-service restaurants

Cooking involves preparing and cooking dishes, often requiring culinary skills and certifications. Food Preparation Workers focus on basic food assembly and prep tasks, usually without formal credentials. Both roles are essential in food service environments but differ in complexity and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook, foundational skills in food preparation, kitchen safety, and menu planning are essential, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for success in a busy kitchen environment. These abilities ensure consistent food quality, efficient operations, and a positive dining experience for customers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Nebraska? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Nebraska are:
What are popular job titles related to Cooking jobs in Nebraska? For Cooking jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking jobs in Nebraska are:
What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Cooking jobs? Cities in Nebraska with the most Cooking job openings:
Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking job openings in Nebraska as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,926 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Cook

Cook

Denny's

North Platte, NE • On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago

Denny's rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 246 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 86 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
  • 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.

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