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First Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

First Cook Location: MMC Southern Campus Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000254636 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $18.54 - $21.31 per hour Pay Transparency: The above reflects the ...

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

First Cook Location: MMC Southern Campus Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000254636 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $18.54 - $21.31 per hour Pay Transparency: The above reflects the ...

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

First Cook Location: MMC Southern Campus Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000254637 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $18.54 - $21.31 per hour Pay Transparency: The above reflects the ...

SkyChefs

First Cook

Des Plaines, IL

$22/hr

FIRST COOK J ob Requirements &Responsibilities The First Cook is a key member of our culinary team and works in close cooperation with our team of Chefs and Second Cooks preparing and producing meals ...

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

First Cook Location: MMC Southern Campus Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000254636 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $18.54 - $21.31 per hour Pay Transparency: The above reflects the ...

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

First Cook Location: MMC Southern Campus Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000254637 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $18.54 - $21.31 per hour Pay Transparency: The above reflects the ...

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

First Cook Location: MMC Southern Campus Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000254637 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $18.54 - $21.31 per hour Pay Transparency: The above reflects the ...

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

First Cook Location: MMC Southern Campus Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000254636 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $18.54 - $21.31 per hour Pay Transparency: The above reflects the ...

blueplate

Be Seen First

First Cook

Mullica Hill, NJ · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Busy South Jersey Restaurant looking for a First cook to complete our team. Candidate should be well rounded in sautee, pasta making and also some short order cookery. Looking for a candidate that ...

RWJBarnabas Health

First Cook

Lakewood, NJ

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

First Cook Location: MMC Southern Campus Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000254637 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $18.54 - $21.31 per hour Pay Transparency: The above reflects the ...

blueplate

Be Seen First

First Cook

Mullica Hill, NJ · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Busy South Jersey Restaurant looking for a First cook to complete our team. Candidate should be well rounded in sautee, pasta making and also some short order cookery. Looking for a candidate that ...

NYULMC

First Cook

New York, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a First Cook. In this role, the successful candidate is responsible for performing work of moderate difficulty in preparation of various menu items ...

Brookhaven at Lexington

First Cook

Lexington, MA

$25 - $28/hr

Brookhaven at Lexington, a prestigious, private retirement community in Lexington MA is currently seeking a First Cook. This is a full time 40 hour per week position and the ideal candidate will have ...

Equum Medical

First Cook

Dedham, MA

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Follow modified diets in accordance with diet spreads as approved by Sous Chef / First cook, or the consulting dietitian. * Read and execute Banquet Event Orders (BEO) to handle functions ...

Northside Hospital Inc.

First Cook

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

On-boards and trains all new cooks. Responsible for ensuring the opening and closing guidelines of the department are met. Qualifications REQUIRED * Two (2) years of experience as a Cook in Hospital ...

Garnet Health

First Cook

Harris, NY

$21.59 - $22.24/hr

Minimum 2 years institutional food production and cooking or equivalent. Required Certification/Registration: Serv Safe Certification (FPMCE) Physical Requirements: Extensive standing and walking.

New

NYU Langone Health

First Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a First Cook. In this role, the successful candidate is responsible for performing work of moderate difficulty in preparation of various menu items ...

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First COOK information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do first cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for first cook in the United States is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first cook?

A first cook works with the kitchen team throughout a breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. In this career, you provide food to diners and learn the fundamental elements of the culinary arts. Because you have experience in food service and working with a team, companies expect you to coordinate activity in the kitchen as part of your duties. Skills including hiring and training personnel, creating menus, and supporting the local food hygiene standard. A first cook must exhibit leadership abilities and have strong time management skills. Companies expect a you to create a culture of productivity and enthusiasm, and support upcoming leaders within the kitchen. Qualifications include a culinary degree and years of work experience.

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

To thrive as a First Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and prior experience in a professional kitchen, often supported by a culinary certificate or diploma. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and food preparation tools is essential. Leadership, time management, and the ability to work well under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

How does a first cook typically collaborate with other kitchen staff during busy service periods?

As a First Cook, you play a pivotal role in coordinating with line cooks, prep cooks, and kitchen assistants to ensure dishes are prepared accurately and efficiently during peak hours. Strong communication is essential, as you'll help delegate tasks, monitor food quality, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. You may also work closely with the Sous Chef or Head Chef to implement menu changes and maintain kitchen standards, fostering a team-oriented environment where everyone works together to deliver a seamless dining experience.

What is the difference between First Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectFirst CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training or certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentKitchen, often in supervisory or specialized rolesKitchen, focused on specific station or station tasks
ResponsibilitiesOversees kitchen operations, supervises staff, ensures qualityPrepares specific dishes, manages station tasks, supports team

The main difference between a First Cook and a Line Cook lies in their responsibilities and level of supervision. First Cooks typically oversee kitchen operations and supervise other cooks, while Line Cooks focus on preparing dishes at their designated station. Both roles require culinary skills and experience, but First Cooks often have more leadership duties.

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First COOK jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

First Cook

RWJBarnabas Health

Lakewood, NJ • On-site

$18.54 - $21.31/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 9 days ago

RWJBarnabas Health rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 331 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

234th of 895 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Job Title: First Cook
Location: MMC Southern Campus
Department Name: Dietary-Management
Req #: 0000254636
Status: Hourly
Shift: Day
Pay Range: $18.54 - $21.31 per hour
Pay Transparency:
The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.
The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.
Job Overview:
The First Cook position prepares and cooks food for hospital patients, employees, and visitors.
Qualifications:
Required:
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Knowledge of cooking methods and procedures

Scheduling Requirements:
  • Variable days and hours during the week, with shifts starting as early as 5:30am and ending as late as 7:30pm
  • Every other weekend
  • Per Diem

Essential Functions:
  • Alert Supervisor to problems and needs concerning equipment and food supplies
  • Appropriately prepares food as per therapeutic instructions
  • Assist in the care, maintenance, cleaning, and sanitizing of work areas, equipment and supplies
  • Clearly labels and dates all food items
  • Detect and report spoiled or unattractive food, defective supplies/equipment or other unusual conditions. Recommend corrective action. Maintains inventory, receives, inspects and stocks perishable and non-perishable items
  • Evaluate food preparation and effect or recommend changes to improve operations
  • Follows standardized recipes for modified and regular meals
  • Maintains order in dry and refrigerated storage areas; rotating first-in first-out basis
  • Observes and monitors food quality and temperature on patient tray line and cafeteria serving area
  • Review menu and assemble foods, supplies, and equipment for daily food preparation
  • Review patient satisfaction results, when appropriate, and aids in correcting problems
  • Utilize leftovers, avoid waste
  • Serves on tray assembly line in assigned position
  • Prepares food for special functions as needed
  • Performs all other duties as assigned

What RWJBarnabas Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

RWJBarnabas Health logo

About RWJBarnabas Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest integrated health care delivery system, providing treatment and services to more than three million patients each year. Throughout RWJBarnabas Health, our dedicated physicians, nurses, and health professionals are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care and health education to the community and region. We aim to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey - whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Orange, NJ, US

Year founded

2015

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