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Daycare Cook Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

ThedaCare

Hospital Cook

Appleton, WI · On-site

Access & Affordability * e.g. minimal or zero copays, team member cost sharing premiums, daycare About ThedaCare! Summary : The Cook prepares food according to the menu and food production needs of ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

WI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every day. Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Oregon, WI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every day. Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Monona, WI · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every day. Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Monona, WI

$13 - $17.50/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every day. Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is ...

ThedaCare

Hospital Cook - Part Time

Neenah, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Access & Affordability * e.g. minimal or zero copays, team member cost sharing premiums, daycare About ThedaCare! Summary : The Cook prepares food according to the menu and food production needs of ...

ThedaCare

Hospital Cook - Full Time

Neenah, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Access & Affordability * e.g. minimal or zero copays, team member cost sharing premiums, daycare About ThedaCare! Summary : Job Profile Summary The Cook prepares food according to the menu and food ...

ThedaCare

Cook - Long Term Care Facility

Appleton, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Access & Affordability * e.g. minimal or zero copays, team member cost sharing premiums, daycare About ThedaCare! Summary : The Cook prepares food according to the menu and food production needs of ...

La Petite Academy

Child Care Center Cook

Oregon, WI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive--and play--every day. Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Monona, WI · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every day. Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is ...

La Petite Academy

Child Care Center Cook

Monona, WI

$13.50 - $18/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive--and play--every day. Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Oregon, WI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every day. Working at a childcare center is something special. The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is ...

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All JobsDaycare Cook JobsDaycare Cook Jobs in Wisconsin

Daycare Cook information

See Wisconsin salary details

$11

$19

$25

How much do daycare cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare cook in Wisconsin is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a daycare cook?

Daycare Cooks are responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for children at a daycare facility. They plan menus that meet dietary guidelines and accommodate food allergies or special needs. Daycare Cooks also ensure that the kitchen area is clean and compliant with health and safety regulations, and they often work closely with daycare staff to support children's well-being. Their role is vital in providing healthy food choices to promote children's growth and development while at daycare.

What does a daycare cook do?

Daycare cooks plan, prepare, and clean up meals at a daycare facility. As a daycare cook, you prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for children. You must have knowledge of healthy, complete meals and use budgeting skills to make food purchases for a given period of time. Your responsibilities include ensuring enough food is available each day and that each meal is USDA food guide compliant. Other duties involve maintaining a clean kitchen workspace, storing food according to local health unit guidelines, and serving food hygienically. You also interact with children and model appropriate food handling and eating etiquette.

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

To thrive as a Daycare Cook, you need knowledge of nutrition, safe food handling, and meal preparation, often backed by a food handler's permit or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and compliance with health department regulations are typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication with staff and children are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the preparation of healthy, safe meals that support children's well-being and meet regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by a daycare cook and how can they be managed?

Daycare Cooks often face the challenge of preparing nutritious meals that meet strict dietary guidelines and accommodate various allergies and preferences among children. Managing time efficiently to serve meals on schedule while maintaining food safety and cleanliness standards is essential. Effective communication with daycare staff is crucial to stay informed about children's needs and any last-minute changes. Staying organized and planning menus in advance can help streamline meal preparation and reduce stress during busy times.

What is the difference between Daycare Cook vs School Lunch Cook?

AspectDaycare CookSchool Lunch Cook
CredentialsFood handler’s permit, basic cooking skillsFood handler’s permit, food safety certification
Work EnvironmentChildcare centers, daycare facilitiesSchools, educational institutions
Employer & IndustryChildcare providers, daycare industrySchool districts, education sector
Job FocusPreparing nutritious meals for young childrenPreparing meals for students, adhering to school menus

While both roles involve preparing meals for children, a Daycare Cook focuses on creating nutritious, age-appropriate food in daycare settings, whereas a School Lunch Cook prepares meals for larger groups of students in school cafeterias, often following strict nutritional guidelines and menus.

More about Daycare Cook jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Daycare Cook jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Daycare Cook jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Daycare Cook jobs in Wisconsin?

For Daycare Cook jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Daycare Cook jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Daycare Cook jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Daycare Cook jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Daycare Cook job openings:

Daycare Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Daycare Cook job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,353 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Hospital Cook

ThedaCare

Appleton, WI • On-site

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

ThedaCare rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

569th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Why ThedaCare?
Living A Life Inspired!
Our new vision at ThedaCare is bold, ambitious, and ignited by a shared passion to provide outstanding care. We are inspired to reinvent health care by becoming a proactive partner in health, enriching the lives of all and creating value in everything we do. Each of us are called to take action in delivering higher standards of care, lower costs and a healthier future for our patients, our families, our communities and our world.
At ThedaCare, our team members are empowered to be the catalyst of change through our values of compassion, excellence, leadership, innovation, and agility. A career means much more than excellent compensation and benefits. Our team members are supported by continued opportunities for learning and development, accessible and transparent leadership, and a commitment to work/life balance. If you're interested in joining a health care system that is changing the face of care and well-being in our community, we encourage you to explore a future with ThedaCare.
Benefits, with a whole-person approach to wellness -
  • Lifestyle Engagement
    • e.g. health coaches, relaxation rooms, health focused apps (Wonder, Ripple), mental health support

  • Access & Affordability
    • e.g. minimal or zero copays, team member cost sharing premiums, daycare

About ThedaCare!
Summary :
The Cook prepares food according to the menu and food production needs of the department. Prepares individual servings and/or quantity production for patients/residents, cafeteria/retail areas, catering events, and other areas where food is needed. Follows production sheets and recipes to ensure quality and quantity standards are met. Follows department standards for safe food handling, storage, and sanitation.
Job Description:
Schedule:
  • 2:30p-7:30p variable days
  • Every other weekend required
  • rotating holidays required

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
  • Gathers and prepares ingredients to use in cooking and sets up work station. Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipe.
  • Cooks food using proper cooking technique to ensure desired quality standards for portion size, taste, appearance, and temperature. Displays and serves food according to standards, meeting service deadlines. Taste tests recipes to ensure quality standards are met.
  • Follows standards for safe food handling, storage, and sanitation. Maintains accurate temperature logs per department standards. Correctly labels and dates all food produced.
  • Reviews and follows production sheets and recipes. Collaborates with team to improve food quality and food production to control food waste.
  • If scheduled for café production, efficiently prepares food to recipe standards and established steps of service, while maintaining friendly interaction with customers. Ensures food is at correct temperature and attractively displayed.
  • Rotates inventory of food items to ensure freshness, quality, and food storage standards are maintained. Communicates inventory purchasing needs to the appropriate person.
  • Follows established food handling procedures, monitors temperature of food and equipment, etc., to ensure food safety and infection control practices are met.
  • Uses necessary equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.
  • Cleans, sanitizes, and maintains an organized work area.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or GED preferred
  • One year of experience in food production or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Ability to move freely (standing, stooping, walking, bending, pushing, and pulling) and lift up to a maximum of twenty-five (25) pounds without assistance
  • Job classification is not exposed to blood borne pathogens (blood or bodily fluids) while performing normal job duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Normally works in climate controlled environment, however will be exposed to heat and humidity from cooking equipment, and cold while in walk in coolers and freezers
  • Frequent standing with movement throughout work area
  • Frequent exposure to sharp objects and instruments
  • Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock
  • Occasional high noise level in work environment
  • Possible exposure to hazardous materials
  • Interaction with department members and other healthcare providers.

Position requires compliance with department specific competencies.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
20Scheduled FTE:
0.5Location:
ThedaCare Regional Medical Center - Appleton - Appleton,WisconsinOvertime Exempt:
NoWorker Shift Details:
Variable

What ThedaCare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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ThedaCare logo

About ThedaCare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We want to make exceptional care effortless for our patients. At ThedaCare, that means going above and beyond treating a particular condition – it means helping you achieve better health for life. You and your family are at the center of everything we do, from prioritizing your schedule when making appointments to designing our facilities for your comfort and convenience. Remaining proactive in your care allows us to better predict and prevent disease before complications arise, and when it comes to making important health-related decisions, we are here to support you. In every interaction, we want you to have full confidence the care you receive is purposeful, cost-effective and will help you continue enjoying life as you’ve planned it. ThedaCare is the third largest healthcare employer in Wisconsin, and the largest employer in Northeast Wisconsin with over 7,000 team members.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Neenah, WI, US

Year founded

1909

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