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First Cook Jobs in Harrisburg, PA (NOW HIRING)

WellSpan Health

First Cook- York Hospital- Day

York, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Cooks are expected to follow appropriate food handling techniques in accordance with ServSafe food & safety procedures in all aspects of job and must have a working knowledge of the following Minimum ...

WellSpan Health

First Cook- York Hospital- Day

York, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Prepares, seasons and cooks food including meats, fish, poultry, and vegetables. * Demonstrates knowledge of how to cook all food on the menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. * Previews menus and ...

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Cook 1

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$41K - $57K/yr

As a Cook 1 with the Southwestern Veterans' Center, you will help create nutritious and enjoyable meals for the residents who rely on your skill and dedication. This position gives you the ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Marietta, PA · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Cook I Location: Pharmaceutical Company - 41901020 Workdays/shifts: Weekdays - morning shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $16.00 ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Marietta, PA

$16 - $17/hr

Cook I Location: Pharmaceutical Company - 41901020 Workdays/shifts : Weekdays - morning shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $16 ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Marietta, PA

$16 - $17/hr

Cook I Location: Pharmaceutical Company - 41901020 Workdays/shifts : Weekdays - morning shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $16 ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Marietta, PA

$16 - $17/hr

Cook I Location: Pharmaceutical Company - 41901020 Workdays/shifts : Weekdays - morning shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $16 ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Marietta, PA

$17/hr

Cook I Ubicación: Pharmaceutical Company - 41901020 Días de trabajo/turnos: Weekdays - morning shifts. Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de entrevista. Tipo de empleo: Full-time ...

Sodexo

Cook I

Marietta, PA

$17/hr

Cook I Ubicación: Pharmaceutical Company - 41901020 Días de trabajo/turnos: Weekdays - morning shifts. Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de entrevista. Tipo de empleo: Full-time ...

First Watch Restaurants, Inc.

Cook

Hershey, PA · On-site

$20/hr

Our YOU FIRST Philosophy In addition to no night shifts, ever and our fully chef-curated menu, our ... Newly hired cooks will train in a specific station based on their comfort level & innate skill. In ...

First Watch Restaurants, Inc.

Cook

Camp Hill, PA · On-site

$20/hr

Our YOU FIRST Philosophy In addition to no night shifts, ever and our fully chef-curated menu, our ... Newly hired cooks will train in a specific station based on their comfort level & innate skill. In ...

Masonic Village at Elizabethtown

Cook

Elizabethtown, PA · On-site

$16.59/hr

Cook - Senior Living Full Time | Days & Evenings Pay: Starting at $16.59/hr (Based on experience ... Reports upon first notice any environmental situation which could pose a threat to the safety or ...

Masonic Villages

Cook

Elizabethtown, PA · On-site

$16.59/hr

Cook - Senior Living Full Time | Days & Evenings Pay: Starting at $16.59/hr (Based on experience ... Reports upon first notice any environmental situation which could pose a threat to the safety or ...

Metro Services, LLC

COOK

Mechanicsburg, PA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cooks are a key part of Metro Diners success. It is your responsibility to prepare food products ... First Stop Health (after 1 year)Referral Bonus ($250 per referral, no limit)Perks at Work (over 30 ...

Metro Services, LLC

COOK

Mechanicsburg, PA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cooks are a key part of Metro Diners success. It is your responsibility to prepare food products ... First Stop Health (after 1 year)Referral Bonus ($250 per referral, no limit)Perks at Work (over 30 ...

Metro Services, LLC

COOK

Mechanicsburg, PA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cooks are a key part of Metro Diners success. It is your responsibility to prepare food products ... First Stop Health (after 1 year)Referral Bonus ($250 per referral, no limit)Perks at Work (over 30 ...

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All JobsFirst Cook JobsFirst Cook Jobs in Harrisburg, PA

First Cook information

See Harrisburg, PA 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 Harrisburg, PA is $17.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 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.

More about First Cook jobs

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What job categories do people searching First Cook jobs in Harrisburg, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for First Cook jobs in Harrisburg, PA are:

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Cities near Harrisburg, PA with the most First Cook job openings:

First Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Cook job openings in Harrisburg, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 61% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,406 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

First Cook- York Hospital- Day

WellSpan Health

York, PA • On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

WellSpan Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 307 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 895 rated healthcare providers

Job description

 Schedule:  

Full time 80 hours/Biweekly  

Schedule: Full-time, Day shift, various start times between 3:30 AM, 4:30am 6:00am, 9:00 AM, 9:30am and 10:30 AM. These may change due to staffing.  Team member will work Various 8.5-hour shifts scheduled between 3:30am start time and ending no later than 7:00pm with rotating weekends and holidays.

General Summary

Performs a variety of tasks to assist in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of food for hospital patients, employees and visitors. Follows standard practices, procedures and sanitation. Follows standardized recipes.

Qualifications: 

Preferred candidates will have no less than1 year of experience cooking some food service experience preferred, the ability to understand and follow recipes.  

Cooks are expected to follow appropriate food handling techniques in accordance with ServSafe food & safety procedures in all aspects of job and must have a working knowledge of the following 


Minimum Education:

  • None Required
  • High School Diploma or GED Preferred

Work Experience:

  • 1 year Relevant experience. Required

Courses and Training:

  • Training in institutional food preparation. Upon Hire Preferred
  • Serve Safe knowledge.  We provide classes 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to read, write, understand and speak English at a level which enables the individual to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job.
  • Knowledge of cooking methods/procedures, including types of preparation and related routines.

Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:

  • Prepares, seasons and cooks food including meats, fish, poultry, and vegetables.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of how to cook all food on the menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Previews menus and work orders to determine type and quantities of meats, vegetables, soups, salads and desserts to be obtained and prepared.
  • Plans and coordinates cooking schedules so that foods will be ready at required times.
  • Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipes.
  • Sets up utensils and food supplies when needed and is able to use a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment including grinders, slicers, mixers and blenders.
  • Alerts supervisor to problems and needs concerning equipment and food supplies. Detects and reports spoiled or unattractive food, defective supplies/equipment or other unusual conditions.
  • Ensures that all foods prepared meet existing standards for quality, freshness, taste and appearance.
  • Ensures that all cooking equipment and utensils are inspected and maintained for cleanliness and proper operation.
  • Ensures that required HACCP guidelines are maintained throughout the food preparation process.
  • Prepares, sets up, and tears down steam table and serving line.

Common Expectations:

  • Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment and safety standards.
  • Participates in educational programs and inservice meetings.
  • Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.
  • Assists with care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies.
  • Maintains appropriate records, reports, and files as required.

Required for All Jobs:

  • Performs other related duties as identified.
  • WellSpan Health has adopted and implemented a compliance program to support WellSpan's values and standards for professionalism, integrity, and ethics. Expected to support and meet the values and standards of the organization and the performance expectations of the job, the department, and the compliance program.
  • WellSpan Health has adopted and implemented a privacy program to safeguard the patient information and the business and operational information of the organization. Expected to support and meet the values and standards of the organization to safeguard patient and business/operational information.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Physical Demands:

  • Standing - Frequently
  • Walking - Frequently
  • Sitting - Rarely
  • Carrying/Lifting - Occasionally (50lbs)
  • Pushing/Pulling - Occasionally (50lbs)
  • Kneeling/Crouching - Frequently
  • Reaching - Frequently
  • Talking - Frequently
  • Hearing - Frequently
  • Repetitive Motions - Frequently
  • Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Frequently

Working Environment:

  • Occupational Hazards - Frequently

Benefits Offered: 

  • Comprehensive health benefits 
  • Retirement savings plan 
  • Paid time off (PTO) 
  • Education assistance 
  • Financial education and support, including DailyPay 
  • Expanded Paid Parental Leave 

For additional details: Benefits & Incentives | WellSpan Careers (joinwellspan.org) 

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