Student Worker
Allentown, PA · On-site
$11/hr
Executes assigned job duties for the agreed upon role, duties could include cooking and/or serving ... Employment Type: ENTRY_LEVEL
Student Worker
Allentown, PA · On-site
$11/hr
Executes assigned job duties for the agreed upon role, duties could include cooking and/or serving ... Employment Type: ENTRY_LEVEL
Entry Level Cook information
See Reading, PA salary details
$8.54 - $9.70
2% of jobs
$9.70 - $10.85
4% of jobs
$10.85 - $12
9% of jobs
$13.16 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12 - $13.16
10% of jobs
$13.16 - $14.31
14% of jobs
The median wage is $15.08 / hr.
$14.31 - $15.47
16% of jobs
$15.47 - $16.62
15% of jobs
$17.04 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$16.62 - $17.78
12% of jobs
$17.78 - $18.93
9% of jobs
$18.93 - $20.08
5% of jobs
$20.08 - $21.24
3% of jobs
$8
$15
$21
How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Reading, PA is $15.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level cook?
To thrive as an Entry Level Cook, you need basic cooking skills, familiarity with food safety standards, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions, often gained through high school education or culinary training programs. Exposure to kitchen equipment like grills, fryers, ovens, and knowledge of food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically expected. Attention to detail, reliability, strong communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications help ensure delicious, safe meals are prepared efficiently while maintaining a positive, productive kitchen environment.
What does an entry level cook do?
As an Entry Level Cook, your workday often starts with prepping ingredients and setting up your workstation according to the day's menu. Throughout your shift, you'll prepare and cook dishes under the supervision of senior cooks or kitchen managers, assist with cleaning and organization, and restock supplies as needed. The pace can be fast, especially during meal rushes, and you’ll frequently collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure orders are accurate and timely. This hands-on experience helps you build essential culinary skills and fosters a strong understanding of team operations in a professional kitchen.
What is an entry level cook?
An Entry Level Cook is responsible for basic food preparation and assisting in the kitchen under the supervision of senior chefs. Duties may include chopping ingredients, following recipes, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards. This position helps individuals gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen setting. It is a great starting point for those looking to advance in the culinary field.
How do I start working as an entry level cook with no experience?
To start as an entry level cook with no experience, focus on gaining basic kitchen skills, such as knife handling and food safety, through online courses or volunteering. Apply for entry-level positions at restaurants or cafeterias, emphasizing your willingness to learn and work in a team; some employers may provide on-the-job training. Obtaining a food handler's permit can also improve your chances of employment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Reading, PA? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Reading, PA are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cook jobs in Reading, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cook jobs in Reading, PA are:
What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs? Cities near Reading, PA with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:
$11/hr
Part-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 10 days ago
Sodexo rating
6.4
Based on 1,138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
338th of 483 rated business services
Job description
Student Worker
Location: #la-location_name
Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.
Employment Type: Part-time
Pay Range: $11 - $11
#la-school_shift_benefit
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way.
What You'll Do: As a Student Worker at Sodexo, you are also a pair of helping hands and an eager learner. You will work under the direct supervision of on-site Sodexo management and will serve in a role as mutually agreed upon.
Responsibilities include:
- May work in a variety of locations and vocations around the school campus, including food service, facilities (cleaning), and offices (clerical/marketing) on client premises.
- Executes assigned job duties for the agreed upon role, duties could include cooking and/or serving food, clerical work, or cleaning.
- Assists in daily operations and may be assigned special projects
- Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity
- Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements.
What You Bring:
- Successful candidates will be team-oriented, adaptable, reliable, and nurturers of a healthy/safe working environment for all.
- Must be a current student at the school of the work location that Sodexo is partnering with
Link to full Job description
What We Offer:
- Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life's important moments.
- Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career
- Full array of benefits that support you and your family's wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more.
- In addition to Sodexo's standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free "shift" meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking.
Link to benefits summary
Overall, Sodexo strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo's benefit offerings during the interview process.
Who we are:
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace culture and belonging as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form.
About Sodexo
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Food and beverage wholesalers
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Gaithersburg, MD, US