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Cooks Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Best Western Portland West Beaverton

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Cooks

West Slope, OR · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Cooks play a vital role in a small bar kitchen environment, typically working within a team of 1-3 staff members. They are responsible for preparing and cooking food while maintaining cleanliness and ...

Elk Ridge Golf Course Restaurant

FB Cooks

Carson, WA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

An excellent cook must be able to follow instructions in cooking and delivering well-prepared meals. They must be deft in moving around the kitchen and good at multitasking. Experience in using ...

Wassabi Pan asian Cusine

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Cooks

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The Line Cook is responsible for prepping ingredients, preparing, cooking, and plating menu items in accordance with the Wassabi's recipes and specifications. The Line Cook keeps their work area ...

Elk Ridge Golf Course Restaurant

FB Cooks

Carson, WA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

An excellent cook must be able to follow instructions in cooking and delivering well-prepared meals. They must be deft in moving around the kitchen and good at multitasking. Experience in using ...

Wassabi Pan asian Cusine

Be Seen First

Cooks

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The Line Cook is responsible for prepping ingredients, preparing, cooking, and plating menu items in accordance with the Wassabi's recipes and specifications. The Line Cook keeps their work area ...

Param Hotel Corp

Line Cooks

Portland, OR · On-site

$19/hr

Overview Join our dynamic culinary team as a cook, where your passion for food and dedication to exceptional service will shine! In this role, you will be a vital part of creating memorable dining ...

Param Hotel Corp

Line Cooks

Portland, OR · On-site

$19/hr

Overview Join our dynamic culinary team as a cook, where your passion for food and dedication to exceptional service will shine! In this role, you will be a vital part of creating memorable dining ...

Urban Restaurant Group

Cook

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

You will be preparing and cooking a variety of dishes for restaurant guests to enjoy. You are passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences through good, quality food. With previous ...

Denny's

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

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 ...

Denny's

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

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 ...

Denny's

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

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 ...

Denny's

Cook

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

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 ...

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Cooks information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks in Portland, OR is $16.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are cooks?

Cooks are culinary professionals responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, and other food service establishments. They follow recipes, measure ingredients, and use various kitchen equipment to create meals that meet quality and safety standards. Cooks may specialize in specific types of cuisine or work in a variety of settings, and they often collaborate with chefs and other kitchen staff to ensure timely and efficient meal preparation.

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

To thrive as a Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and often a high school diploma or culinary certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and inventory management tools is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality food preparation, safe kitchen practices, and smooth kitchen operations in fast-paced environments.

What is the difference between Cooks vs Chefs?

AspectCooksChefs
CredentialsMay require food safety certifications or culinary trainingOften have formal culinary education or extensive experience
Work EnvironmentWork in restaurants, cafeterias, or catering servicesTypically lead kitchen operations, may own or manage kitchens
Industry UsageCommonly employed in various food service settingsUsually hold leadership roles in kitchens
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare Cooks with Chefs to understand roles, skills, and career paths

While both Cooks and Chefs work in food preparation, Cooks generally perform specific cooking tasks under supervision, whereas Chefs often have leadership roles, oversee kitchen operations, and possess advanced culinary skills. The choice depends on experience, training, and career goals within the culinary industry.

What are some common challenges cooks face in a busy kitchen environment, and how can they overcome them?

Cooks often encounter challenges such as time pressure, coordinating with team members, and maintaining consistency during high-volume service periods. Staying organized, communicating clearly with colleagues, and practicing strong multitasking skills can help manage these demands. Additionally, being proactive about prepping ingredients and understanding the flow of service makes it easier to meet expectations and ensure smooth operations. Many kitchens provide mentorship and cross-training, helping cooks develop resilience and adaptability in fast-paced settings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Cooks jobs in Portland, OR? For Cooks jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooks jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Cooks jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Cooks jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Cooks job openings:
Cooks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,069 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Cooks

Best Western Portland West Beaverton

West Slope, OR • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

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Job description

Cooks play a vital role in a small bar kitchen environment, typically working within a team of 1-3 staff members. They are responsible for preparing and cooking food while maintaining cleanliness and managing inventory. Cooks ensure compliance with food safety standards and deliver well-presented meals that meet recipe specifications. This role involves using standard kitchen equipment in a fast-paced bar setting, with no travel required.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare and cook food according to recipes and quality standards
  • Maintain kitchen cleanliness and sanitation
  • Manage inventory to ensure ingredient availability
  • Ensure compliance with food safety regulations
  • Present meals attractively in line with bar environment standards
  • Operate standard kitchen equipment safely and efficiently
  • Collaborate with team members to execute orders promptly
  • Adhere to recipe guidelines for consistent meal quality

Required Qualifications

  • 3+ years of cooking experience

Preferred Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent