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Cooks Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Cook

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

This schedule enables our cooks to be home in good time every evening, hold a second job if desired, and have 3-4 day weekends! EMPLOYEE BENEFITS We offer a range of valuable benefits to our ...

Cook

Lake Oswego, OR

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

This schedule enables our cooks to be home in good time every evening, hold a second job if desired, and have 3-4 day weekends! EMPLOYEE BENEFITS We offer a range of valuable benefits to our ...

Cook

Vancouver, WA

$17.13 - $23/hr

We believe that cooks are one of the most important jobs in the restaurant because preparing delicious food for our guests is key to providing a positive guest experience. What we offer: * This ...

Cook

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$16.66 - $23/hr

We believe that cooks are one of the most important jobs in the restaurant because preparing delicious food for our guests is key to providing a positive guest experience. What we offer: * This ...

Cook

Wilsonville, OR

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Line cook who can help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized ...

Cook

Battle Ground, WA

$15 - $20/hr

Line cook who can help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized ...

Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Cooks and prepare a variety of food according to production guidelines and standardized recipes * Sets up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment * Prepares ingredients by measuring ...

Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Cooks and prepare a variety of food according to production guidelines and standardized recipes * Sets up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment * Prepares ingredients by measuring ...

Cook

Beaverton, OR

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Cooks and prepare a variety of food according to production guidelines and standardized recipes * Sets up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment * Prepares ingredients by measuring ...

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Waverley Country Club is currently seeking several Cooks to add to our team. We are looking for talented Prep, Line, and Banquet Cooks to work with us! Ideal candidates will be motivated self ...

Cook

Tigard, OR · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Cook

Beaverton, OR

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Get paid after each day worked with our partner Daily Pay! * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program ...

Cook

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Cook

Wilsonville, OR

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Cook

Sherwood, OR

$15 - $20.25/hr

Line cook who can help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized ...

Cook

Portland, OR

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Line cook who can help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized ...

Cook

Portland, OR

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Get paid after each day worked with our partner Daily Pay! * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program ...

Cook

Hillsboro, OR

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Line cook who can help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooks information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks in Portland, OR is $16.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $18.94 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:
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 $35,040 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Cook

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


Denny's rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 257 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 87 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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