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ZATV Inc.

Freelance Culinary Production Cook

Burbank, CA · On-site

In addition to cooking and baking, this role will support recipe testing, ingredient sourcing, food ... This is a freelance, on-site position reporting directly to the Culinary Producer. The majority of ...

Suited

Lead Pastry Cook

New York, NY · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

We are looking for a talented, passionate Part-Time Pastry Cook / Baker to join our growing kitchen ... It's the perfect fit for a skilled baker, freelancer, or moonlighting pastry pro who thrives in a ...

Solomon Page

Hotel PM Line Cook

East Elmhurst, NY · On-site

$21/hr

This is a great opportunity for cooks looking to grow within a fast-paced hospitality environment ... freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve. About Solomon Page Founded in 1990 ...

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As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance cook in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance cook?

A Freelance Cook is a self-employed chef who prepares meals for clients on a contract or gig basis. They may work for private households, events, catering companies, or restaurants that need temporary kitchen staff. Unlike traditional restaurant chefs, freelance cooks have flexible schedules and can choose their clients. Their responsibilities include meal planning, ingredient sourcing, cooking, and cleaning up after service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance cook?

To thrive as a Freelance Cook, you need proficiency in a variety of cooking techniques, knowledge of food safety, and ideally formal culinary training or certification. Experience with kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and current food safety certification is often required. Excellent time management, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills help you build client relationships and work efficiently in different environments. These skills and qualities ensure high-quality meals, client satisfaction, and the ability to succeed in a competitive, changing marketplace.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance cooks, and how can they be managed?

Freelance cooks often navigate challenges like inconsistent work schedules, adapting to new kitchen environments, and meeting diverse client expectations. Being organized, maintaining a flexible approach, and building strong client communication can help you overcome these obstacles. Many freelance cooks also find success by actively networking with local chefs, caterers, and event planners to secure steady work. Staying up-to-date with food trends and continuously improving your skills can further set you apart in the market. By proactively addressing these challenges, you can build a sustainable and rewarding freelance cooking career.

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Freelance Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Freelance Culinary Production Cook

ZATV Inc.

Burbank, CA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

About ZATV

ZATV is home to some of Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s favorite YouTube networks. Tune in to our channels—including React, People vs. Food, Brat TV, Kids Learning Tube, Crypt TV, and more—for original programming featuring some of the Internet’s biggest stars.

Across our portfolio of brands, we create engaging, digital-first entertainment for today’s audiences. To learn more about ZATV, our brands, and programming, visit https://www.zatv.com/.

Role Description

ZATV is looking for an experienced Culinary Production Cook with strong cooking and baking skills to help bring recipes to life across our culinary programming.

The ideal candidate has a strong professional culinary background and is comfortable executing a wide variety of recipes in a fast-paced production environment. This person should be organized, resourceful, and confident managing multiple dishes at once while maintaining consistency, quality, and presentation.

In addition to cooking and baking, this role will support recipe testing, ingredient sourcing, food preparation, plating, and on-camera food presentation. A strong eye for food styling and an ability to troubleshoot quickly during production are highly valued.

This is a freelance, on-site position reporting directly to the Culinary Producer. The majority of productions are filmed at our Burbank studios.

Rate: $21-23/HR, based on experience.

Key Responsibilities
  • Cook and bake a wide variety of recipes for production while maintaining consistency, quality, and accuracy.
  • Execute recipes efficiently and troubleshoot as needed within production timelines.
  • Collaborate with the Culinary Producer to test, adjust, and refine recipes based on creative and production needs.
  • Create shopping lists, source ingredients, prep food, and organize culinary needs in advance of shoots.
  • Manage multiple dishes and recipes simultaneously while staying on schedule.
  • Plate and style food for on-camera presentation, including visually appealing food and “beauty” shots.
  • Maintain an organized, clean, and production-ready kitchen throughout shoots.
  • Properly store, label, and handle ingredients and prepared food in accordance with food safety standards.
  • Assist the Culinary Producer with tracking production-related expenses and accurately organizing and reconciling receipts.
  • Communicate proactively with the Culinary Producer and production team regarding timing, ingredient needs, substitutions, or other culinary considerations.
  • Adapt quickly to production changes and remain calm and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced studio environment.
  • Collaborate effectively with culinary, production, creative, and other cross-functional teams on set.
  • Perform additional ad hoc duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
  • 3+ years of professional cooking and/or baking experience in a restaurant, catering, test kitchen, private chef, production, or similar professional culinary environment.
  • Strong cooking and baking fundamentals with the ability to confidently execute a wide variety of recipes.
  • Experience in culinary production, catering, food styling, or on-set environments is a plus but not required.
  • Strong recipe execution skills with the ability to adapt, problem-solve, and troubleshoot under time constraints.
  • Experience with plating and food presentation; experience styling food for photo or video is preferred.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to coordinate prep, ingredient sourcing, and production timelines.
  • Ability to manage multiple recipes and competing priorities simultaneously without sacrificing quality.
  • Working knowledge of kitchen safety, food handling, sanitation, and proper food storage practices.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Detail-oriented, resourceful, flexible, and able to remain composed under pressure.
  • Comfortable working on-site in a fast-paced studio and production environment.

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