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Daycare Cook Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Zaxby's

Cook

Fuquay Varina, NC

$10 - $17/hr

Cooks are directly responsible for creating a great guest experience by consistently serving ... Daycare assistance available for qualifying employees. Requirements: * Must be 16 years of age or ...

Zaxby's

Cook

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$11 - $15/hr

As a Cook you are the "magic" behind the scenes--prepping and serving up fast, hot and fresh food ... Daycare Assistance · *All candidates 18 years and older are subject to a criminal background check.

Zaxby's

Nightime Cook

Raleigh, NC

$11 - $15/hr

As a Cook you are the "magic" behind the scenes--prepping and serving up fast, hot and fresh food ... Daycare Assistance * 401(K) *All candidates 18 years and older are subject to a criminal background ...

All JobsDaycare Cook JobsDaycare Cook Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Daycare Cook information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do daycare cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for daycare cook in Raleigh, NC is $16.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.65 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 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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Daycare Cook jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Daycare Cook jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Daycare Cook jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Daycare Cook jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Daycare Cook jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Daycare Cook job openings:
Daycare Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Daycare Cook job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,298 per year, or $17 per hour.

Cook

Zaxby's

Fuquay Varina, NC

$10 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Zaxby's rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 697 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 106 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

Hungry For A Great Career?


To our guests, Zaxby’s is more than just a place to eat – it’s a place to have fun, spend some time with friends and experience great food.
To our team members, Zaxby's is a family. So come on in! We're saving a seat for you.

Full-time and Part-time jobs available!


Position Overview


This position is classified as non-exempt and reports to the Assistant Manager and General Manager.


Cooks are directly responsible for creating a great guest experience by consistently serving quality food in a timely manner. You will receive and stock inventory, prepare, cook and assemble orders, keep the kitchen clean and organized, and maintain food safety and quality standards by following standard operating procedures.

Benefits:

  • 50% meals when at work. 25% off duty for employee only
  • Flexible hours
  • Room for growth
  • Employee referral bonus
  • Fun workplace 
  • Opportunities to advance because we reward great work
  • Paid Time off for full time employees
  • Medical/Dental/Vision benefits for full time employees
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Daycare assistance available for qualifying employees.

Requirements:

  • Must be 16 years of age or older
  • Ability to work 32 to 40 hours per week

Capability Requirements

  • Sit, stand, and walk continuously
  • Occasionally stoop, bend, crouch, or climb, including the use of ladders
  • Frequently lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds, including lifting overhead
  • Continuous use of hands and wrists for grasping and fine manipulation
  • Communicate proficiently through speech, reading, and writing
  • Maintain effective audio-visual perception and judgement to observe and respond to the environment
  • Work in an environment that features hot and cold temperature variations and exposure to food allergens
  • Operate and work safely with restaurant equipment including, but not limited to, knives, fryers, and potentially hazardous equipment
  • All applicants 18 years and older are subject to a criminal background check. Employment is contingent upon results.

Zaxby's is an American chain of fast casual restaurants offering chicken wings, chicken fingers, sandwiches, and salads. The chain operates primarily in the South, and has more than 900 locations.

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