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

High Ridge House

Be Seen First

Cook - Food Service

Bronx, NY · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Cook - Food Service High Ridge House Position Overview High Ridge House is seeking a dependable and experienced Cook to join our Food Service team. This role is responsible for preparing and serving ...

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 ...

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

Food Service Cook information

See Springfield, NJ salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do food service cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service cook in Springfield, NJ is $16.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $18.27 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.
What cities near Springfield, NJ are hiring for Food Service Cook jobs? Cities near Springfield, NJ with the most Food Service Cook job openings:
Food Service Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Cook job openings in Springfield, NJ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,916 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Cook needed for School Food Service

Cook needed for School Food Service

Maschio's Food Services, Inc.

Leonia, NJ • On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Maschio's Food Services rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 67 rated caterers

Job description

Cook needed for School Food Service program in the Leonia, NJ areas. Full time position, day shift, 7 hours daily, Monday through Friday, no weekends or holidays. Summers off.

ServSafe® certification a plus. Must be able to obtain the proper documentation to work in NJ schools. Ability to work in a fast pace team environment.

  • Must have food service cooking experience, K-12 helpful
  • Follow all safety and cleanliness procedures
  • Must use personal protective equipment at all times.
  • Preparing hot and cold entrees according to NSLP guidelines.
  • Serving in a cafeteria setting


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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