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Cooks Helper Jobs in Washington, MO (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

HELPER COOK

MO · On-site

$15/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time and part time HELPER COOK positions. * Location : Union R ... Prepares and cooks food in accordance with company production records and standardized recipes.

Sunny Street Cafe

Daytime Cook

Wildwood, MO

$12 - $16/hr

Sunny Street Cafe, a breakfast and lunch restaurant is now hiring kitchen cooks to start ... We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our ...

Sunny Street Cafe

Daytime Cook

Wentzville, MO · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Sunny Street Cafe, a breakfast and lunch restaurant is now hiring kitchen cooks to start ... We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our ...

Aramark

Cook

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Aramark

Cook

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Aramark

Cook

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Sonic

Cook

Union, MO · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items * Trying to beat your best record, every time ... Continuously communicating with team to help motivate * Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

MO · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items * Trying to beat your best record, every time ... Continuously communicating with team to help motivate * Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Washington, MO · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items * Trying to beat your best record, every time ... Continuously communicating with team to help motivate * Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation ...

Sonic

Cook

Washington, MO · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items * Trying to beat your best record, every time ... Continuously communicating with team to help motivate * Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation ...

Sugarfire Smoke House

Head Cook/Prep Cook

Washington, MO · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Help with Lunch and/or Dinner services. * You will have creative freedom to come up with your own ... Passion for cooking * On time, every time * Culinary background preferred * Freedom to create your ...

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All JobsCooks Helper JobsCooks Helper Jobs in Washington, MO

Cooks Helper information

See Washington, MO salary details

$8

$15

$18

How much do cooks helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks helper in Washington, MO is $15.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $17.45 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 cities near Washington, MO are hiring for Cooks Helper jobs?

Cities near Washington, MO with the most Cooks Helper job openings:

Cooks Helper jobs near you

HELPER COOK

Compass Group

MO • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,094 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

346th of 496 rated business services

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for full time and part time HELPER COOK positions.
  • Location: Union R-XI School District - 21 Progress Parkway, Union, MO 63084. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time and part time schedules; Monday through Friday, hours may vary. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Prior cooking experience is preferred.
  • Fixed Pay Rate: $15.00 per hour.
    *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available

We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1564707.
The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg
Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!
Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.
Job Summary
Summary: Learns to assists in the preparation and cooking of various food items prior to being considered a qualified, skilled cook. Maintains food safety and sanitation standards in the preparation and kitchen areas.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Learns to read menu to estimate food requirements. Orders food from supplier or procures it from storage.
  • Prepares and cooks food in accordance with company production records and standardized recipes.
  • Learns to adjust thermostat controls to regulate temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, roasters and steam kettles.
  • Helps measure and mix ingredients according to recipes using a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment.
  • Bakes, roasts, broils and steam meats, fish, vegetables and other foods under guidance. Adds seasoning to food during mixing or cooking under the instruction of others.
  • Tests food by tasting, smelling and piercing to determine that it is cooked.
  • Carves meat, portions food on serving plates, and adds gravies, sauces and garnishes to fill orders as directed.
  • Washes, peels, cuts and shreds fruits and vegetables and fruits.
  • Butchers chicken, fish and shellfish as directed.
  • Bakes bread, rolls, cakes and pastry as course of instruction permits.
  • Maintains work area and equipment. Follows principles of sanitation and safety in handling food and equipment.
  • Interacts with customers and coworkers in a courteous, efficient and friendly manner.
  • Ensures compliance with company service standards and inventory and cash control procedures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits.
Both full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates:
  • Retirement Plan
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

In addition, full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf
Because this position requires you to perform services in an educational facility, there may be periods when the Company does not require you to perform work (such as winter and summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the Company's behalf will be unpaid and deemed a temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round, potentially at a different location during break periods. Business needs may vary from year to year.
About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

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