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Food Service Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Isle of Wight County Schools

Food Service Cook

Smithfield, VA · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Support Staff/Food Service Cook Date Posted: 7/3/2024 Location: Central Office Isle of Wight County Schools is seeking a Food Service Cook for the 2024-2025 school year. Salary will be based on the ...

Countryside Mental Health

Food Service Cook

Topeka, KS

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

Food Service Cook Countryside Mental Health, Topeka, KS, United States Job Summary We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Food Service Cook to join our team at Countryside Mental Health in ...

Countryside Mental Health

Food Service Cook

Topeka, KS · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

Food Service Cook Countryside Mental Health, Topeka, KS, United States Job Summary We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Food Service Cook to join our team at Countryside Mental Health in ...

NHC

Food Service Cook

Sumter, SC · On-site

$10 - $15/hr

Food Service Cook - Full Time or Part Time Pay: $10 - $15 / hour Depending On Experience Experience: Food Service experience preferred but not required Benefits we offer for Full Time: Flexible ...

True North

Food Service Cook

Tomahawk, WI

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Food Service Cook Departmen t: Operations Reports To: Store Management Exemption Status (FLSA): Non-Exempt Job Summary: The Food Service Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting ...

True North

Food Service Cook

Appleton, WI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

Food Service Cook Departmen t: Operations Reports To: Store Management Exemption Status (FLSA): Non-Exempt Job Summary: The Food Service Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting ...

True North

Food Service Cook

Wausau, WI · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Food Service Cook Departmen t: Operations Reports To: Store Management Exemption Status (FLSA): Non-Exempt Job Summary: The Food Service Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting ...

True North

Food Service Cook

Lakewood, WI · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Food Service Cook Departmen t: Operations Reports To: Store Management Exemption Status (FLSA): Non-Exempt Job Summary: The Food Service Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting ...

truenorth

Food Service Cook

Tomahawk, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Food Service Cook Departmen t: Operations Reports To: Store Management Exemption Status (FLSA): Non-Exempt Job Summary: The Food Service Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting ...

True North

Food Service Cook

De Pere, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Food Service Cook Departmen t: Operations Reports To: Store Management Exemption Status (FLSA): Non-Exempt Job Summary: The Food Service Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting ...

NHC

Food Service Cook

North Augusta, SC · On-site

$12 - $15.75/hr

Food Service Cook Are you looking to have fun in a work environment where you can express your talents and creativity, while making a difference in the lives of others? Come join our Food Nutrition ...

True North

Food Service Cook

Oconto, WI

$13 - $17/hr

Food Service Cook Departmen t: Operations Reports To: Store Management Exemption Status (FLSA): Non-Exempt Job Summary: The Food Service Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting ...

truenorth

Food Service Cook

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Food Service Cook Departmen t: Operations Reports To: Store Management Exemption Status (FLSA): Non-Exempt Job Summary: The Food Service Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting ...

truenorth

Food Service Cook

Rhinelander, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Food Service Cook Departmen t: Operations Reports To: Store Management Exemption Status (FLSA): Non-Exempt Job Summary: The Food Service Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting ...

truenorth

Food Service Cook

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Food Service Cook Departmen t: Operations Reports To: Store Management Exemption Status (FLSA): Non-Exempt Job Summary: The Food Service Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting ...

True North

Food Service Cook

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Food Service Cook Departmen t: Operations Reports To: Store Management Exemption Status (FLSA): Non-Exempt Job Summary: The Food Service Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting ...

truenorth

Food Service Cook

De Pere, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Food Service Cook Departmen t: Operations Reports To: Store Management Exemption Status (FLSA): Non-Exempt Job Summary: The Food Service Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting ...

True North

Food Service Cook

Green Bay, WI

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Food Service Cook Departmen t: Operations Reports To: Store Management Exemption Status (FLSA): Non-Exempt Job Summary: The Food Service Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting ...

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All JobsFood Service Cook Jobs

Food Service Cook information

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How much do food service cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service cook in the United States is $15.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Service Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Service Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or culinary certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and compliance with ServSafe or similar food handling certifications is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safety, and efficient kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment.

How to start working as a cook?

To start working as a food service cook, gain basic cooking skills through training or culinary classes, and obtain any required food safety certifications. Look for entry-level positions in restaurants, cafeterias, or catering services, and be prepared to work flexible hours. Experience with kitchen equipment and good teamwork skills can improve your chances of employment.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Food service cooks typically do not earn $4,000 a week without advanced experience or supervisory roles. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include specialized trades like commercial pilots, real estate brokers, or sales managers, which require skills, certifications, or licenses rather than formal degrees. Most roles paying this much are in sales, entrepreneurship, or highly skilled trades with significant experience or commission-based pay structures.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying jobs for cooks are often in executive chef or head chef positions, especially in fine dining restaurants, hotels, or resort settings. These roles typically require extensive experience, culinary skills, and management abilities, and they can offer salaries significantly higher than standard line cook positions.

What is the difference between Food Service Cook vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Service CookKitchen Helper
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary training often preferredMinimal formal credentials required
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafeteriasSupport roles in same environments, assisting with prep and cleaning
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing meals, cooking, following recipesAssisting cooks, cleaning, basic food prep

The main difference is that Food Service Cooks are responsible for preparing and cooking meals, often requiring culinary skills and certifications. Kitchen Helpers support cooks by performing basic tasks like cleaning and prep work. Both roles work in similar environments, but Cooks have more advanced responsibilities and skills.

What companies will pay you to cook?

Food service companies, restaurants, cafeterias, catering services, and institutional kitchens hire cooks and pay them for preparing food. These employers range from large chains and hotel kitchens to healthcare facilities and school districts, often requiring food safety certifications and cooking skills. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and the type of establishment.

What does a Food Service Cook do?

A Food Service Cook prepares and cooks meals in restaurants, cafeterias, schools, hospitals, and other food service establishments. Their responsibilities include following recipes, ensuring food safety and cleanliness, managing ingredients, and sometimes assisting with menu planning. They may also be responsible for plating food, maintaining kitchen equipment, and working with other kitchen staff to ensure timely meal preparation. Food Service Cooks play a crucial role in delivering quality meals to customers or clients.

What are some common challenges Food Service Cooks face during busy meal periods, and how can they be managed?

Food Service Cooks often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, such as lunch or dinner rushes. Managing multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining food quality and safety can be challenging. Effective strategies include strong organizational skills, clear communication with kitchen staff, and prepping ingredients ahead of time to streamline workflow. Staying calm under pressure and being adaptable are essential for success in these fast-paced environments.
More about Food Service Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Service Cook jobs? Cities with the most Food Service Cook job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Food Service Cook jobs? The top employers for Food Service Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Food Service Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Service Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Service Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Service Cook jobs are:
Food Service Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service 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 $32,570 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Food Service Cook

Suburban Cook County Online Application Consortium

Steger, IL • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/Cook
Date Posted:
3/25/2026
Location:
Columbia Central School
Date Available:
ASAP
Closing Date:
until filled
District:
Steger School District 194
Food Service Cook
$15/Hr.
7:00am-2:30pm
We are currently seeking a Food Service Cook for Steger School District #194.
We are seeking someone who is outgoing, organized, resourceful, has great initiative and is a dedicated team player.
This position is responsible for assisting the facility Food Service Director in all aspects of food service operations.
Duties of this position include, but are not limited to:
  • Assist with daily food preparation within an established production schedule following standardized recipes, preparation, and serving methods.
  • Exhibit knowledge of operation of all equipment in the kitchen.
  • Identify serving utensils, temperature, and correct portion size for serving.
  • Assure product is cooked and held at proper temperature for higher quality food attainable.
  • Follow accepted procedures for operating, cleaning, and caring for large equipment and small equipment.
  • Maintain high standards of sanitation in compliance to Health Department Regulations.
  • Maintain high personal hygiene as the basis for sanitation in the kitchen.
  • Maintain high standards of safety in the kitchen.
  • Responsible for storage and handling of foods; work with manager on maintaining organized inventory and storage; communicate product needs to director.
  • Report maintenance needs or equipment malfunction to director.
  • Perform major cleaning at regularly scheduled Intervals as designated by director.
  • In professional responsibilities:
    • Responsible for working in a courteous and cooperative manner with director, coworkers, and school staff.
    • Demonstrate ability to deal fairly and pleasantly with students.
    • Follow the policies and procedures set by the school district and Food Service Director.
  • Serve as cashier
  • Other duties as requested

Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 2-4 years' experience in food service production

Reports to:
  • Food Service Director

Job Requirements:
  • Strong culinary, customer service, communication, teambuilding, and organizational skills required.
  • The ability to walk and stand for up to 8 hours and carry 50lbs.
  • Ability to work under crowded and noisy conditions without evidence of emotional fatigue.
  • Understand verbal and written instructions, and communicate via email and the telephone.
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft office, Microsoft Excel and Google Drive.
  • Utilizes time efficiently and productively.
  • Illinois Managers License or ServSafe recommended or must obtain within the first 60 days.

Apply