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Food Service Cook Jobs in Edison, NJ (NOW HIRING)

The Bowery Mission

Food Services Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Strong Interpersonal and Customer Service skills. Preferred: * Knowledge in commercial cooking and lead cook responsibilities. * Knowledge in food and workplace safety. * Experience working with the ...

Maschio's Food Service

Lead Food Service Worker

Wayne, NJ · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Kitchen Food Service Lead needed for school food service in the Wayne, NJ area. Monday through ... Food preparation * Cooking * Serving * Ordering * Inventory * Stocking * POS/cashier * Cleaning ...

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All JobsFood Service Cook JobsFood Service Cook Jobs in Edison, NJ

Food Service Cook information

See Edison, NJ salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do food service cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service cook in Edison, NJ is $15.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $17.79 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.

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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Food Service Cook jobs in Edison, NJ? For Food Service Cook jobs in Edison, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Service Cook jobs in Edison, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Food Service Cook jobs in Edison, NJ are:
What cities near Edison, NJ are hiring for Food Service Cook jobs? Cities near Edison, NJ with the most Food Service Cook job openings:
Food Service Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Cook job openings in Edison, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,030 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Cook needed for School Food Service

Maschio's Food Service

North Brunswick, NJ • On-site

$17.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Maschio's Food Services rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Cook needed for school food service in the South Brunswick, NJ area. Monday through Friday, day shift, 5.25 hours daily. No weekends or holidays, summers off!
ServSafe® certification a plus. Must have the ability to cook over a grill. Able to obtain the proper documentation to work in NJ schools.
This is a Union position for the 2026/2027 school year which will start in September 2026.
  • Cooking experience required, K-12 a plus
  • Must have grill experience
  • Prepare hot and cold meals
  • Inventory
  • Stock
  • Serving
  • cleaning, etc.

Apply today!

What Maschio's Food Services employees say

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Benefits

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About Maschio’s Food Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Maschio’s Food Services is an industry leader in food service management specializing in K-12 nutrition. We provide the highest level of service for all school district food service programs with our experienced personnel. Our entire team of food service workers, school nutrition specialists, registered dietitians, and corporate chefs, have contributed to making lunch the best part of the day for students. We have partnered with local farms to have dedicated farmland that grows produce solely for Maschio’s Food Services. Our Farm to School Program allows our students to enjoy fresh and local farm to school meals. Maschio’s Food Allergy Management Program is unmatched. Our team of registered dietitians will create a safe menu for students who have life-threatening food allergies or medical conditions. We are involved in various green committees and recycling committees. Our Sustainable Maschio’s Program can assist your school district to bring greater sustainability to your food service program.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chester, NJ, US

Year founded

1992

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