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Culinary Professional Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

... culinary talent. Our team is willing to train individuals who have a strong work ethic, a passion for food, and a desire to grow their skills in a professional kitchen. Pay & Position Details $17-$24 ...

Tuition and/or professional certification reimbursement * Generous friends-and-family discounts at many of our hotels and resorts What will you do? * Supervise and lead the culinary team, ensuring ...

Tuition and/or professional certification reimbursement * Generous friends-and-family discounts at many of our hotels and resorts What will you do? * Supervise and lead the culinary team, ensuring ...

Tuition and/or professional certification reimbursement * Generous friends-and-family discounts at many of our hotels and resorts What will you do? * Supervise and lead the culinary team, ensuring ...

Line Cook-PM

Hilton, NY · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Successful candidates for this role will have previous experience working in a professional kitchen environment, with a strong desire to learn, to develop skills and work with the culinary leadership ...

Sous Chef Trainee

Pittsford, NY · On-site

$2.5K/day

You will learn about Wegmans values, business measures and culinary standards while mastering ... This team of security professionals is integral to and works in every facility and store in our ...

Banquet Sous Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Serve as an ambassador for the culinary department, upholding the highest standards of hospitality and professionalism. Required Skills/Abilities: * Able to work at a rapid pace while maintaining ...

Shift Leader

Webster, NY · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of rich culinary tradition and a unique New ... Handle guest concerns professionally and support a positive dining experience * Train new team ...

Fine Dining Line Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Free shift meals, professional culinary networking, and an advanced scratch kitchen environment. Key Responsibilities: * Prepare and cook menu items according to recipes and presentation standards.

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of rich culinary tradition and a unique New ... Handle guest concerns professionally and support a positive dining experience * Train new team ...

Shift Leader

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of rich culinary tradition and a unique New ... Handle guest concerns professionally and support a positive dining experience * Train new team ...

Shift Leader

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of rich culinary tradition and a unique New ... Handle guest concerns professionally and support a positive dining experience * Train new team ...

Shift Leader

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of rich culinary tradition and a unique New ... Handle guest concerns professionally and support a positive dining experience * Train new team ...

Shift Leader

Webster, NY · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of rich culinary tradition and a unique New ... Handle guest concerns professionally and support a positive dining experience * Train new team ...

As Executive Chef, you will oversee all back-of-house operations, driving culinary excellence ... Tuition and/or professional certification reimbursement * Generous friends-and-family discounts at ...

Showing results 21-40

Culinary Professional information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$17

$28

How much do culinary professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary professional in Rochester, NY is $17.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Professional, you need a solid foundation in cooking techniques, food safety, and menu planning, typically supported by a culinary arts degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are commonly required. Creativity, teamwork, and attention to detail are vital soft skills that distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies ensure consistently high food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and exceptional dining experiences for guests.

What is the difference between Culinary Professional vs Chef?

AspectCulinary ProfessionalChef
CredentialsOften includes culinary certifications, food safety, and hospitality trainingTypically requires culinary school, apprenticeships, and culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, food service, hospitality industryProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotels, culinary establishments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly for food service roles in hospitality and cateringSpecific to kitchen leadership and culinary arts

The term "Culinary Professional" encompasses a wide range of food service roles, including cooks, food prep staff, and kitchen assistants, often with various certifications. A "Chef" is a specialized culinary professional who typically has formal culinary training and leads kitchen operations. While all chefs are culinary professionals, not all culinary professionals are chefs. The main difference lies in the scope of responsibilities and level of specialization.

What is a culinary professional?

A culinary professional is an individual trained in the art and science of preparing, cooking, and presenting food. This can include chefs, cooks, bakers, and others working in restaurants, hotels, catering, or other food service establishments. Culinary professionals are skilled in a variety of cooking techniques, food safety, kitchen management, and menu planning. They often work in fast-paced environments, requiring creativity, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. Many pursue formal education at culinary schools, while others gain experience through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

What are some common challenges culinary professionals face in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary professionals often navigate challenges such as time management, maintaining consistency under pressure, and adapting to last-minute menu changes. Working in a bustling kitchen requires effective communication with team members and the ability to multitask without compromising food quality or safety standards. Additionally, long hours and physically demanding tasks are common, so resilience and a passion for the craft are essential for success and growth in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Culinary Professional jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Culinary Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Professional job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,002 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Cook (SUB) - Monroe County Children's Center

Whitsons Culinary Group

Rush, NY

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Whitsons Culinary Group rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Cook - Share Comfort and Care Through Every Meal

Cook with Compassion in a Structured Setting

On Call/Per Diem

Do you love preparing meals that make people feel at home? Are you looking for meaningful work where your skills truly make a difference? Join our team as a Cook in a secure residential environment, where you'll help bring comfort, nourishment, and stability to those in your care-one plate at a time.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Preparing and cooking meals based on set menus and dietary guidelines
  • Following batch-cooking practices to ensure quality, freshness, and timing
  • Ensuring food is served safely-with correct portions, temperatures, and presentation
  • Keeping kitchen and prep areas clean, organized, and fully stocked
  • Logging food temperatures and completing required records and checklists
  • Assisting with food orders and deliveries
  • Following all sanitation, food safety, and company procedures
  • Supporting a respectful and routine-focused kitchen environment

Why This Job Matters:

  • Your meals help provide structure, health, and a sense of normalcy every day
  • You'll be part of a team dedicated to compassionate, professional care
  • We provide training and support to help you succeed and grow
  • Every dish you prepare helps someone feel valued and cared for

We're Looking For People Who Are:

  • Reliable, friendly, and eager to be part of a team
  • Focused on quality, safety, and cleanliness
  • Comfortable working in a structured, routine-based setting
  • Willing to learn and follow clear procedures and standards
  • Passionate about using their skills to make a positive impact

Who We Are:

At Whitsons Culinary Group, we believe every meal is a chance to provide more than just nourishment. In our residential dining programs, food brings dignity, care, and comfort. We take pride in creating welcoming kitchen environments that support routine, healing, and respect for all.

Why You'll Love Working With Us:

  • Opportunities to learn, grow, and build your culinary career
  • A supportive, mission-driven team that values your work

Apply today and help us live our mission: Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time.

Pay Rate: $20/hour

Education:

  • High school graduate or equivalent.
  • Must complete all Whitsons and government required training as necessary

Certifications:

  • ServSafe certification
  • Local food safety certification, if required in jurisdiction of employment.

Other Qualifications, Experience and Competencies:

  • Ability to speak and read English in order to understand and perform job assignments.
  • Must be proficient in recipe procedures and cooking techniques.
  • 1 year professional culinary experience required
  • Always present a positive and professional image.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required to:

  • Sit, walk, talk and hear
  • Use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
  • Be standing on feet majority of the workday in addition to walking back and forth.
  • Lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Lifting while turning side to side is sometimes necessary.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • The work is performed primarily in the kitchen and on the serving line
  • Standing most of the work day is required.
  • Work requires movement in and out of store rooms, near ovens and freezers
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) due to cooking and refrigeration equipment.
  • The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, and Whitsons reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Whitsons and team member and is subject to change by Whitsons as the needs of Whitsons and requirements of the job change.


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About Whitsons Culinary Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whitsons Culinary Group, located in Islandia, NY, US, operates in the food service industry, offering a diverse range of services including school nutrition, residential and healthcare dining, prepared meals, emergency dining, and culinary education. First established in 1979, the family-owned company has built a reputation for its bespoke catering services, committed to delivering nutritionally balanced, tastefully diverse and quality assured meals. The company embraces a mission to enrich life one meal at a time, underlined by a focus on food quality, health, wellness, superior service, and social responsibility.

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Islandia, NY, US

Year founded

1979

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