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$22

How much do cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking in the United States is $17.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.99 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the cooking industry, executive chefs or restaurant owners can earn $10,000 or more per month through high-end establishments or successful businesses, often requiring extensive experience, culinary skills, and business acumen rather than formal degrees. These roles typically involve long hours, leadership responsibilities, and a strong reputation in the culinary field.

What jobs can you do with cooking?

Jobs related to cooking include chef, line cook, pastry chef, sous chef, and kitchen manager. These roles typically require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and experience working in food service environments. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional food services.

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 jobs can I do if I like to cook?

Jobs for those who enjoy cooking include chef, line cook, pastry chef, and kitchen assistant, often requiring culinary skills and food safety knowledge. Other options include catering, food styling, and food service management, which may involve working in restaurants, hotels, or catering companies. Certifications like a culinary degree or food handler's permit can enhance job prospects.

What cooking jobs make the most money?

Executive chefs and head cooks typically earn the highest salaries in cooking careers, often exceeding $70,000 annually, especially in high-end restaurants or hotel establishments. Specialized roles such as pastry chefs, sous chefs, and culinary directors with advanced skills and certifications can also command higher wages. Experience, location, and the size of the establishment influence earning potential in cooking jobs.
More about Cooking jobs
What cities are hiring for Cooking jobs? Cities with the most Cooking job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs? The most popular types of Cooking jobs are:
What states have the most Cooking jobs? States with the most job openings for Cooking jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cooking jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking jobs are:
Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,582 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
After School Children's Enrichment Cooking Instructor

After School Children's Enrichment Cooking Instructor

Sticky Fingers Cooking

Denver, CO • On-site

$65/hr

Part-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Are you ready to TURNIP the BEET on what Kids Eat®?

Sticky Fingers Cooking® is looking for enthusiastic part-time After School Children's Enrichment Cooking Instructor in the Lakewood/Denver to help us Cultivate COOLinary Curiosity in Kids®! Applications are accepted through July 15, 2026.

If you're passionate about cooking, have experience working with kids, and are looking for a fun, flexible, and meaningful part-time job, we want to meet you!

Why You'll Love This Job

  • Make an Impact: Teach kids about cooking, nutrition, and healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
  • Flexibility: Summer Schedule: Some late weekday morning classes and afternoons (2-5 PM)
    School Schedule: Perfect for your schedule-classes are typically held on weekdays (1-5 PM).
  • Supportive Team: We provide all the tools, training, and recipes you need to succeed.
  • Fun Atmosphere: Enjoy creating a hands-on, dynamic learning experience for kids aged 3-18.

What You'll Do

  • Lead Hands-On Cooking Classes: Teach kids how to chop, mix, measure, and create healthy, exciting recipes from around the world.
  • Spark Creativity: Introduce kids to new ingredients, cuisines, and cultures in an engaging, interactive way.
  • Stay Organized: Prepare for classes using provided curricula, shop for fresh ingredients, and set up fun, safe kitchen environments.
  • Be the Face of Fun: Inspire and encourage kids as they gain confidence in the kitchen.

Who You Are

  • Experienced in working with kids of various ages and backgrounds.
  • Available to teach 1 hour classes (on campus 90+ mins) at least 2 days a week between 2-5 PM, Mondays- Fridays. Typically only 1 class/day.
  • Punctual, reliable, and comfortable managing groups of 8-14 kids. Must arrive on campus 20-30 minutes prior to scheduled class time. Varies per school.
  • Able to commit to teaching sessions that run 4-12 weeks.
  • Willing to obtain a ServSafe Food Handler Certification.
  • Lift up to 30 lbs to store and transport materials.
  • Must have a reliable vehicle and be able to drive.

What We Offer

  • Competitive Pay ($65 for a one-hour class + food reimbursement).
  • Ongoing Support.
  • All tools and equipment provided.
  • A chance to join a team that's passionate about making a difference.
  • Benefits Include:
    • Accrued Leave: Up to 48 hours of paid leave per year, for use of a variety of health- and safety-purposes, which employees "earn" at a rate of 1 hour of leave for 30 hours worked.
    • Public Health Emergency (PHE) Leave: Up to 80 hours of PHE-related leave when a PHE is declared.

A Day in the Life

As a Sticky Fingers Cooking® instructor, you'll travel to different schools in your area to bring "the kitchen" to kids. Using our tried-and-true recipes, you'll teach them essential cooking skills, food safety, and the history and culture behind each dish-all while fostering creativity and confidence. From slicing and dicing to learning about global cuisines, kids will have a blast in your classes, and so will you!

About Sticky Fingers Cooking®

Since 2011, Sticky Fingers Cooking® has been bringing the joy of cooking to thousands of kids across the country. We believe in making cooking fun, educational, and accessible for children, and we couldn't do it without passionate instructors like YOU!

Join Our Team and Get Kids Cooking!

If this sounds like your jam, apply today! We can't wait to meet you and welcome you to our team.

Meet some of our amazing Chefs here!


All employees must undergo a fingerprint background check 

Apply