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First Cook Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Golden Corral

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice ... Restocks and rotates food products by using the first-in, first-out method (FIFO). * Takes ...

Denny's

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Denny's - Cook At Denny's we love to feed people. Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced ... Take the first step towards a delicious career at Denny's. Denny's is the place that is always open ...

Golden Corral

Grill Cook

Springfield, MO

$13 - $15/hr

Cook Our franchise organization is currently seeking energetic, friendly individuals to join our ... Restocks and rotates food products by using the first-in, first-out method (FIFO). * Takes ...

Golden Corral

Grill Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15.50 - $16.50/hr

Cook Our franchise organization is currently seeking energetic, friendly individuals to join our ... Restocks and rotates food products by using the first-in, first-out method (FIFO). * Takes ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15/hr

Within your first year of working in the Restaurant, you can earn up to an extra $1.50 per hour in ... Cook: * Team player * Excellent communicator * Happy, Courteous and Enthusiastic * Hard working and ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15/hr

Within your first year of working in the Restaurant, you can earn up to an extra $1.50 per hour in ... Cook: * Team player * Excellent communicator * Happy, Courteous and Enthusiastic * Hard working and ...

Raising Cane's

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15/hr

Within your first year of working in the Restaurant, you can earn up to an extra $1.50 per hour in ... Cook: * Team player * Excellent communicator * Happy, Courteous and Enthusiastic * Hard working and ...

Select Medical

Cook

Ozark, MO

$18/hr

Cook Location: Ozark, Missouri Schedule: Per Diem/PRN Compensation: $18 per hour Be part of ... first anniversary or subsequent calendar year. We also offer our employee assistance program to ...

CoxHealth Rehabilitation Hospital

Cook

Ozark, MO · On-site

$18/hr

Cook Location: Ozark, Missouri Schedule: Per Diem/PRN Compensation: $18 per hour Be part of ... first anniversary or subsequent calendar year. We also offer our employee assistance program to ...

CoxHealth Rehabilitation Hospital

Cook

Ozark, MO · On-site

$18/hr

Cook Location: Ozark, Missouri Schedule: Per Diem/PRN Compensation: $18 per hour Be part of ... first anniversary or subsequent calendar year. We also offer our employee assistance program to ...

Texas Roadhouse

Line Cook - Broil/Grill

Springfield, MO · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

At Texas Roadhouse, we are a people-first company that just happens to serve steaks. Legendary Food ... As a Broil Cook your responsibilities would include: * High volume restaurant experience

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All JobsFirst Cook JobsFirst Cook Jobs in Springfield, MO

First Cook information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do first cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for first cook in Springfield, MO is $16.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.08 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

What are popular job titles related to First Cook jobs in Springfield, MO?

For First Cook jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for First Cook jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most First Cook job openings:

First Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Cook job openings in Springfield, MO as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,698 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Cook - Food Services North - Varied Shifts

CoxHealth

Springfield, MO • On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

CoxHealth rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 237 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

536th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Facility:
Cox North: 1423 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, Missouri, United States of America, 65802
Department:
1015 Food Services North
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Hours:
Hours are varied.
Work Shift:
Rotating (United States of America)
CoxHealth is a leading healthcare system serving 25 counties across southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas. The organization includes six hospitals, 5 ERs, and over 80 clinics. CoxHealth has earned the following honors for workplace excellence:
  • Named one of Modern Healthcare's Best Places to work five times.
  • Named one of America's Greatest Workplaces, Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare (2025, 2026), Greatest Workplaces for Women (2023, 2024), and Greatest Workplaces for Diversity (2024) by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.
  • Acknowledged by Forbes as one of the Best Employers for New Grads.
  • Healthcare Innovation's Top Companies to Work for in Healthcare (2025).

Benefits
  • Medical, Vision, Dental, Retirement with Employer Match and more (20+ hrs/week)
  • For a comprehensive list of benefits, please click here: Benefits | CoxHealth

Job Description:
Performs daily work routines and assignments as delegated. Prepares and cooks food for hospital patients, staff, visitors, and other functions. Maintains high standards of quality in food production and sanitation.Education:
• Required: none
• Preferred: High School Diploma or Equivalent
Experience:
• Preferred: 1 year of institutional food service experience
Skills:
• Basic reading and writing skills and able to do simple math
• Able to follow directions and work together as a team player
• Able to move quickly
• Able to stand for long periods of time
• Organized and flexible to change
• Self- motivated
• Food safety and sanitation knowledge
Licensure/Certification/Registration:
• ServSafe certification preferred

What CoxHealth employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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