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First Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

First Cook

Bronx, NY · On-site

$32.74 - $33.27/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Coordinates, leads, and performs food preparation activities and the cooking for multiple outlets. On-boards and trains all new cooks. Responsible for ensuring the opening and closing guidelines of ...

New

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

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 ...

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 ...

First Cook

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Rotates among six positions and performs multiple prep and cooking functions. Cleans and sanitizes personal work spaces and assists with various kitchen tasks. Under the direction of the Sous Chef ...

First Cook

Lowell, MA · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ® ...

First Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$21.97 - $29.28/hr

Summary The First Cook role performs a variety of duties normally performed in serving customers, preparing food, transporting and emptying trash receptacles, cleaning the kitchen, serving and ...

First Cook

Denver, CO · On-site

$22.50/hr

Experience in broiling, batch cooking, sauting, poaching, baking, frying and blanching * Ability to comprehend Menu specifications. * Ability to effectively communicate with customer both internal ...

Showing results 21-40

First Cook information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do first cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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 cities are hiring for First Cook jobs? Cities with the most First Cook job openings:
What states have the most First Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for First Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching First Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for First Cook jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to First Cook jobs? For First Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various First Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

$31.87/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


NYU Langone Health rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 247 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

NYU Langone Health is a fully integrated health system that consistently achieves the best patient outcomes through a rigorous focus on quality that has resulted in some of the lowest mortality rates in the nation. Vizient Inc. has ranked NYU Langone the No. 1 comprehensive academic medical center in the country for three years in a row, and U.S. News & World Report recently placed nine of its clinical specialties among the top five in the nation. NYU Langone offers a comprehensive range of medical services with one high standard of care across 6 inpatient locations, its Perlmutter Cancer Center, and over 320 outpatient locations in the New York area and Florida. With $14.2 billion in revenue this year, the system also includes two tuition-free medical schools, in Manhattan and on Long Island, and a vast research enterprise with over $1 billion in active awards from the National Institutes of Health.
For more information, go to NYU Langone Health, and interact with us on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Position Summary:
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 which involves a variety of cooking operations as instructed by immediate supervisor or designee. Oversees and leads all other cooks.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Plans work assignments accordantly and utilizes time effectively. Completes assignments within allotted time frames. Adjusts well to changes in work schedule, work flow and priorities.
  • Attends meetings and in-services for food production employees. Assures management of attendance at meeting and in-services by signing attendance sheet. Is aware and understands material and instructions given.
  • Prepares and cooks a wide variety of food including meats, poultry, and seafood. Sets up assigned work are by collecting and assembling food and supplies needed to complete duties. Sets up and prepares equipment for use in food production. Follows proper cooking procedures in accordance with the standardized recipe cards and the supervisors instructions to produce a uniformed product. Implements procedures necessary to satisfy all patient dietary restriction. Garnishes the food properly. Assists in the timely set-up of food delivery to user areas according to production sheets and the supervisors instructions.
  • Utilizes all types of kitchen equipment to prepare food. Uses the appropriate following equipment: broilers, ovens, deep-fat fryers, slicers, choppers, steamers, steam kettles, tilt fry kettles, mixers, robo coup, pumping station, and miscellaneous small equipment such as knives, paddles, whips, etc. Uses the appropriate equipment for the proper preparation and service of food.
  • Oversees preparation of all foods. Oversees and insures the timely set-up of food delivery to all users according to the production sheets and the supervisors instructions. Reviews the food prepared by the 2nd cook, 3rd cook and cooks helper and adherence to daily menu and set established guidelines. Brings discrepancies to the attention of the supervisor.
  • Maintains open communication and good relationships with others. Listens carefully to others in order to respond appropriately, answer questions, or obtain needed information. Works well with all levels of staff. Works at establishing a good rapport and professional working relationship with all departmental personal; maintains appropriate interdepartmental communications.
  • Follows established departmental sanitation standards. Follows HACCP code compliance, and all food safety standards. Applies correct sanitary procedures.
  • Provides assistance and contributes new ideas to the department. Volunteers assistance to others. Seeks additional assignments when work is completed. Demonstrates an ability to learn and adapt to changes in hospital functions, management style or routines.

Minimum Qualifications:
To qualify you must have a Minimum Qualifications:High School Diploma or the equivalent. Must be able to understand and communicate effectively in English. Thorough knowledge of portion control, forecasting procedures and recipe adherence with an emphasis on the timely production of items. Must be knowledgeable about all kitchen equipment. A minimum of four years of responsible cooking experience in high volume health care facility or commercial food service institution.

Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:Culinary degree preferred.

Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.
NYU Langone Health provides its staff with far more than just a place to work. Rather, we are an institution you can be proud of, an institution where you'll feel good about devoting your time and your talents.

At NYU Langone Health, we are committed to supporting our workforce and their loved ones with a comprehensive benefits and wellness package. Our offerings provide a robust support system for any stage of life, whether it's developing your career, starting a family, or saving for retirement. The support employees receive goes beyond a standard benefit offering, where employees have access to financial security benefits, a generous time-off program and employee resources groups for peer support. Additionally, all employees have access to our holistic employee wellness program, which focuses on seven key areas of well-being: physical, mental, nutritional, sleep, social, financial, and preventive care. The benefits and wellness package is designed to allow you to focus on what truly matters. Join us and experience the extensive resources and services designed to enhance your overall quality of life for you and your family.
NYU Langone Health is an equal opportunity employer and committed to inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration. We require applications to be completed online.

View Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal.

NYU Langone Health provides a salary range to comply with the New York state Law on Salary Transparency in Job Advertisements. The salary range for the role is $31.87 - $31.87 Hourly. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, specialty, education, and hospital need. The salary range or contractual rate listed does not include bonuses/incentive, differential pay or other forms of compensation or benefits.

To view the Pay Transparency Notice, please click here


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