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First Cook Jobs in Middletown, PA (NOW HIRING)

First Cook

Camden, NJ · On-site

$33/hr

Short Description Accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for all meal periods including patient service, retail, and catering. Assist ...

Short DescriptionAccurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for all meal periods including patient service, retail, and catering. Assist ...

First Cook

Camden, NJ · On-site

$21 - $33/hr

Accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for all meal periods including patient service, retail, and catering. Assist with the ...

First Cook

Camden, NJ · On-site

$33/hr

Short DescriptionAccurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for all meal periods including patient service, retail, and catering. Assist ...

Cook I

Philadelphia, PA

$15.25 - $19/hr

Know and comply consistently with standard portion size, cooking methods, quality standards, kitchen rules, policies and procedures. * Stock and maintain sufficient levels of food products at line ...

Cook I

Philadelphia, PA

$15.25 - $19/hr

Know and comply consistently with standard portion size, cooking methods, quality standards, kitchen rules, policies and procedures. * Stock and maintain sufficient levels of food products at line ...

Cook I

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Know and comply consistently with standard portion size, cooking methods, quality standards, kitchen rules, policies and procedures. * Stock and maintain sufficient levels of food products at line ...

Cook I

Philadelphia, PA

$15.25 - $19/hr

Know and comply consistently with standard portion size, cooking methods, quality standards, kitchen rules, policies and procedures. * Stock and maintain sufficient levels of food products at line ...

Cook I

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Know and comply consistently with standard portion size, cooking methods, quality standards, kitchen rules, policies and procedures. * Stock and maintain sufficient levels of food products at line ...

Cook I

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Know and comply consistently with standard portion size, cooking methods, quality standards, kitchen rules, policies and procedures. * Stock and maintain sufficient levels of food products at line ...

Cook I

Princeton, NJ

$17 - $21.25/hr

Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality standards, presentation standards, and food ... JW believes our associates come first. Because if you're happy, our guests will be happy. JW ...

New

Cook- PT|Episcopal Campus

Philadelphia, PA

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Prepares quality food products as per standardized recipes and production requirements. Adheres to HACCP procedures for all prep and food safety and maintains records as required. Meets customer ...

Cook- PT|Episcopal Campus

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Prepares quality food products as per standardized recipes and production requirements. Adheres to HACCP procedures for all prep and food safety and maintains records as required. Meets customer ...

Cook

King Of Prussia, 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 ...

Cook

Montgomeryville, 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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

First Cook information

See Middletown, PA salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do first cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for first cook in Middletown, PA is $17.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.
What cities near Middletown, PA are hiring for First Cook jobs? Cities near Middletown, PA with the most First Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various First Cook job openings in Middletown, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,551 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

$33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Cooper University Health Care rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 133 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

About Us
At Cooper University Health Care, our commitment to providing extraordinary health care begins with our team. Our extraordinary professionals are continuously discovering clinical innovations and enhanced access to the most up-to-date facilities, equipment, technologies and research protocols. We have a commitment to our employees to provide competitive rates and compensation programs. Cooper offers full and part-time employees a comprehensive benefits program, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement. We also provide attractive working conditions and opportunities for career growth through professional development.
Discover why Cooper University Health Care is the employer of choice in South Jersey.
Short Description
Accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for all meal periods including patient service, retail, and catering. Assist with the supervision of kitchen personnel. Selects recipes per menu cycle, prepares bakery items, received inventory, moves and lifts foodstuff and supplies and prepares meals for patients requiring special diets. Serves as a lead cook guiding and assisting in the training of less experienced cooks. Prepares food by operating a variety of kitchen equipment to measure and mix ingredients, washing, peeling, cutting and shredding fruits and vegetables, and trimming and cutting meat, poultry or fish for culinary use. Tastes product, read menus, estimates food requirements, check production, and keep records in order to accurately plan production requirements. Clean and sanitize work stations and equipment and must follow all regulatory rules and procedures. Produces small to large batch goods using advanced and full range of classical and contemporary cooking, plating and garnishing techniques. Follows complex recipes and/or product directions for preparing, seasoning, cooking, tasting, caving and serving soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, etc. Review next day production needs. Performs other duties as assigned.
Education Requirements
High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
Salary Min ($)
USD $21.00
Salary Max ($)
USD $33.00

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