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Cooks Helper Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

Cook - Part Time

Hallowell, ME · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Do you have a soft spot in your heart for helping senior citizens and their families? Do you seek a ... Using standard commercial and non-commercial kitchen equipment cooks and serves meals (breakfast ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$22 - $26.40/hr

Overview We create communities where employees thrive in their work, helping our residents thrive ... One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a cook in a hospitality or healthcare environment

Cook

Kennebunk, ME

$22 - $26.40/hr

Overview We create communities where employees thrive in their work, helping our residents thrive ... One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a cook in a hospitality or healthcare environment

Cook

Cape Elizabeth, ME · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Do you have a soft spot in your heart for helping senior citizens and their families? Do you seek a ... Using standard commercial and non-commercial kitchen equipment cooks and serves meals (breakfast ...

Cook - Full Time!

Waterville, ME · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Do you have a soft spot in your heart for helping senior citizens and their families? Do you seek a ... Using standard commercial and non-commercial kitchen equipment cooks and serves meals (breakfast ...

Line Cook

Auburn, ME · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Let us help you reach your full potential at The Nines! At The Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub, we're ... We offer great restaurant culinary careers for line cooks (concinero / cocinera) who have back of ...

Cook - Part Time

Hallowell, ME · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Do you have a soft spot in your heart for helping senior citizens and their families? Do you seek a ... Using standard commercial and non-commercial kitchen equipment cooks and serves meals (breakfast ...

Cook - Full Time!

Waterville, ME · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Do you have a soft spot in your heart for helping senior citizens and their families? Do you seek a ... Using standard commercial and non-commercial kitchen equipment cooks and serves meals (breakfast ...

Line Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Prep, cook, and assemble dishes according to recipes and standards ... Practice portion control and minimize waste to help keep costs on track * Keep service running ...

Line Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

... Cooks to join our culinary team! This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about food and thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen. You'll help us provide high-quality breakfast and ...

Line Cook

Augusta, ME · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Let us help you reach your full potential at The Nines! At The Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub, we're ... We offer great restaurant culinary careers for line cooks (concinero / cocinera) who have back of ...

Showing results 41-60

Cooks Helper information

See Maine salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cooks helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks helper in Maine is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cooks helper?

Cooks Helpers assist chefs and cooks in the preparation and serving of food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing and chopping vegetables, preparing ingredients, cleaning work areas, and sometimes helping with basic cooking tasks. They play a vital role in ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently by supporting the culinary team with day-to-day tasks. Cooks Helpers may also be responsible for stocking supplies and disposing of kitchen waste. This position is often an entry point for those interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts.

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

To thrive as a Cooks Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and inventory systems is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills that help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient kitchen operations, ensuring food safety, and supporting chefs in delivering quality meals.

What are some common challenges faced by a cooks helper, and how can they be addressed?

As a Cook's Helper, one common challenge is working efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment, especially during peak hours. Staying organized, communicating clearly with chefs and fellow kitchen staff, and mastering time management are key to overcoming this. Additionally, adapting quickly to changing priorities and maintaining strict food safety standards are essential. Seeking feedback and being proactive in learning new tasks can also help you succeed and potentially advance to higher kitchen positions.

What is the difference between Cooks Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCooks HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafeteriasCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageFood service establishments, hotels, hospitalsFood service establishments, catering, hospitality
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Cooks Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles typically require similar credentials and work in fast-paced kitchen environments. While their duties may overlap, Cooks Helpers often assist with food prep and basic cooking tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may focus more on cleaning, prep work, and supporting kitchen staff. Understanding these differences can help job seekers find the right position in the food service industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Maine?

The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Maine are:

Infographic showing various Cooks Helper job openings in Maine as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,762 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

$18 - $25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 hours ago


Job description

Description:

Do you have an interest or background in working in kitchens or serving food? Do you have a soft spot in your heart for helping senior citizens and their families? Do you seek a rewarding career within a supportive workplace? Consider joining our team - we offer the opportunity to improve the lives of others while fulfilling your own career goals. Hiring immediately!

Woodlands Senior Living is the first senior living organization in New England to have earned an accreditation by The Joint Commission! What does this mean for you? You could have the opportunity to work with an organization that has surpassed high-level standards of quality, safety, and experience for the residents, families and staff served.


What you will do as a Cook:

  • Using standard commercial and non-commercial kitchen equipment cooks and serves meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and snacks daily for all residents according to facility’s cycle menus for regular and therapeutic diets.
  • Purchases raw food and food supplies from approved vendors to meet menu requirements and budgetary guidelines.
  • Follows facility policies and procedures for food storage, preparation, and handling to ensure industry and regulatory standards are met.
  • Follows facility policies for personal hygiene to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses.
  • Provides services in accordance with each resident’s service plan and taking into account the residents’ personal goals, choices and preferences, abilities and strengths in order to enhance the resident’s life experience and reduce the effect of losses.

The benefits to join the team:

  • Vacation and holiday pay because you deserve time to relax and recharge
  • Perfect attendance bonus to recognize your dedication and commitment
  • Referral bonus to show our appreciation for seeking new team members
  • Tuition assistance because we believe in the investment of your growth and success
  • Health, dental, vision and supplemental benefits to support your health
  • 401(k) savings and investment plan to prepare for your future
Requirements:

What you’ll bring to the role:

  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Must be able to cook a variety of foods in large quantities
  • 1 year of institutional cooking experience is preferred
  • Must provide proof of immunization/immunity to MMR, Varicella and Influenza
  • Strong command of the English language with the ability to follow oral and written instructions with precision