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First Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cooper University Hospital

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 ...

NYU Langone Health

First Cook

Manhattan, NY

$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 ...

BronxCare Health System

First Cook

Bronx, NY · On-site

$32.74 - $33.27/hr

Overview Performs a variety of tasks and operations to prepare and cook foods for patients, visitors, employees and others as directed, following standard practices and procedures in compliance with ...

Hebrew SeniorLife

First Cook

Roslindale, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or a manager, the Floating First Cook provide support to different schedules, campuses and assignments to fill in open cook's position. This position is ...

Hebrew SeniorLife

First Cook

Dedham, MA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

First Cook Position Summary: Prepares, cooks and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the ...

Hebrew SeniorLife

First Cook

Dedham, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks, and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

Cooper University Hospital

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 ...

Ditto'sGrill

First Cook

Louisville, KY

$15 - $24/hr

Cook for Established Highland's Bardstown Road restaurant. We are looking to hire a line cook with at least five years experience. You must be proficient in high volume grilling and sauting. This ...

Northside Hospital Inc.

First Cook

Duluth, GA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

On-boards and trains all new cooks. Responsible for ensuring the opening and closing guidelines of the department are met. Qualifications 1. Two (2) years ofexperience as a Cook in ...

Oglebay

First Cook

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Individual will possess advanced cooking skills, including: knife skills, charbroiling, and poaching, deep-frying, sautéing, braising, roasting and par-cooking. Ideal candidates will look forward to ...

Cooper University Hospital

First Cook

Camden, NJ

$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 ...

Equum Medical

First Cook

Roslindale, MA

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or a manager, the Floating First Cook provide support to different schedules, campuses and assignments to fill in open cook's position. This position is ...

Tufts Medicine

First Cook

Lowell, MA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

This position is responsible to accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a ... We balance the first-rate care of a premier medical center with the warmth of a four-time Magnet ® ...

Equum Medical

First Cook

Dedham, MA

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

First Cook Position Summary: Prepares, cooks and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the ...

Hebrew SeniorLife

First Cook

Dedham, MA · On-site

$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 ...

Fairview Health Services

First Cook

Edina, MN · On-site

$21.96 - $28.78/hr

Job Overview Fairview is looking for a Cook to join the Southdale Campus in Edina, MN! This position is approved for a 0.6 FTE 48 hours over a 2-week pay period and is benefit eligible! This position ...

Tufts Medicine

First Cook

Lowell, MA

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

This position is responsible to accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a ... We balance the first-rate care of a premier medical center with the warmth of a four-time Magnet ...

Fairview Health Services

First Cook

Edina, MN · On-site

$21.96 - $28.78/hr

Job Overview Fairview is looking for a Cook to join the Southdale Campus in Edina, MN! This position is approved for a 0.6 FTE 48 hours over a 2-week pay period and is benefit eligible! This position ...

Cooper University Hospital

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 ...

Equum Medical

First Cook

Roslindale, MA · On-site

$19.67 - $27.53/hr

Prepares, cooks and presents food in accordance with quality standards, productivity standards, cost controls and forecast needs. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the philosophy and goals of the ...

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All JobsFirst Cook Jobs

First Cook information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do first cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 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 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 are First Cooks?

First Cooks are experienced culinary professionals responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They often lead a team of kitchen staff, ensure food quality and safety standards are met, and may assist in menu planning and inventory management. First Cooks typically have advanced culinary skills and experience, and they play a key role in maintaining the kitchen’s efficiency and organization.

What does a first cook do?

A first cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food according to recipes and standards, supervising kitchen staff, and ensuring food quality and safety. They often oversee kitchen operations, manage inventory, and may assist in menu planning. Strong cooking skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and leadership abilities are essential for this role.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying roles for cooks include executive chefs and head chefs in fine dining restaurants or luxury hotels, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced culinary skills, and management responsibilities. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or restaurant owners can also command higher compensation.

How do I start working as a cook with no experience?

First cooks often start by gaining basic kitchen skills through entry-level positions such as dishwashers or prep cooks, which provide experience in food handling and kitchen operations. Developing knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and cooking techniques, along with a willingness to learn, can help you advance to a cook role. Certifications like a food handler's permit may also improve your chances of employment.

How much does a beginner cook make?

A beginner cook, such as an entry-level first cook, typically earns between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on the location and establishment. Starting salaries may increase with experience, skills, and certifications like food safety training.
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First Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
First Cook

First Cook

Cooper University Hospital

Camden, NJ • On-site

$33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 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

231st of 886 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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