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Head Cooks Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Friske Farm Market, Inc

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Head Cook

Charlevoix, MI · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Head Cook & Café Department Lead Friske Farm Market - Charlevoix, Michigan Friske Farm Market is seeking a motivated, organized, and passionate Head Cook & Café Department Lead to oversee our café ...

NU3S

Head Cook (Market Cafe)

Jamaica, NY · On-site

Head Cook (Chef)- Market Café Opening (Queens, NY) Start Date: Training July 1, 2, and July 6-10 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Grand Opening: July 11 NU3S is seeking an experienced Head Cook to support the ...

Samaritan Daytop Village

Head Cook

Bronx, NY

$27.88/hr

Overview Head Cook Don't Just Feed Your Community.....Plan the Menu! $27.88 per hour A nationally ... Provides Food Services supervision to cooks toward building proficiency in institutional cooking.

Samaritan Daytop Village

Head Cook

Bronx, NY · On-site

$27.88/hr

Overview Head Cook Don't Just Feed Your Community.....Plan the Menu! $27.88 per hour A nationally ... Provides Food Services supervision to cooks toward building proficiency in institutional cooking.

Samaritan Daytop Village

Head Cook

Bronx, NY

$27.88/hr

Head Cook Don't Just Feed Your Community.....Plan the Menu! $27.88 per hour A nationally recognized ... Provides Food Services supervision to cooks toward building proficiency in institutional cooking.

Hutchinson USD #308

Head Cook

Hutchinson, KS

$16.50/hr

Hutchinson Public Schools is looking for a Head Cook. This is a 7 hour a day position (6:00am - 1:00pm) and starts at $16.50 an hour. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Bar W Guest Ranch

Assistant Head Cook

Whitefish, MT · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Head Cook Pay Range: $20-$22 At the Bar W our core focus is connection. We want our guests to have an experience not just a vacation, so we want them to connect to our staff, the people they came ...

Hillbillies One Stop, LLC

Head Cook

Erhard, MN

Hillbillies One Stop, LLC - Head Cook Are you passionate about creating delicious meals that bring people together? Do you have a knack for leading a team in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Five Sandoval Indian Pueblos, Inc.

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Head Start School Cooks

Cochiti Pueblo, NM · On-site

$15.32/hr

Head Start School Cooks (Two Positions - Cochiti Pueblo & Zia Pueblo) Program: Five Sandoval Indian Pueblos, Inc. (FSIP) Head Start Program Employment Type: Full-Time Locations: * Cochiti Pueblo Head ...

Clear Creek School District RE-1

Head Cook

Idaho Springs, CO · On-site

$20.73 - $22.32/hr

Food Service Head Cook Salary Grade:$20.73 - $22.32 per hour Work Year:154 Days Status: Nonexempt Department:Food Service Reports To:Director of Food Service We are filling positions at Clear Creek ...

County of Newaygo

Part-Time Head Cook

White Cloud, MI

$15.57 - $17.96/hr

Description The Commission on Aging is seeking a detail-oriented, reliable Part-Time Head Cook to oversee the back-of-house logistics and culinary execution. In this hybrid role, the selected ...

County of Newaygo, MI

Part-Time Head Cook

White Cloud, MI · On-site

$15.57 - $17.96/hr

Continuous Description The Commission on Aging is seeking a detail-oriented, reliable Part-Time Head Cook to oversee the back-of-house logistics and culinary execution. In this hybrid role, the ...

New

Waconia Public Schools

Assistant Head Cook

Waconia, MN · On-site

$17.06 - $21.67/hr

Nutritional Services/Assistant Head Cook Date Posted: 6/18/2026 Location: Bayview Elementary School Date Available: 08/17/2026 Closing Date: Open Until Filled Waconia Public Schools is looking for ...

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How much do head cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for head cooks in the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are head cooks?

Head cooks, also known as chefs or executive chefs, are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a kitchen in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They create menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure the quality and presentation of dishes, and maintain inventory and food safety standards. Head cooks also supervise food preparation, train new employees, and may be involved in budgeting and ordering supplies. Their leadership is crucial to the smooth and efficient functioning of the kitchen.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Head cooks in high-end restaurants or private chef roles can earn $10,000 or more per month through tips, bonuses, and high-volume service, often without requiring a formal degree. Success in these roles depends on culinary skills, experience, reputation, and the ability to manage a busy kitchen or client relationships.

What is the difference between Head Cooks vs Line Cooks?

AspectHead CooksLine Cooks
CredentialsHigh school diploma, culinary training, experienceHigh school diploma, culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role in restaurants, hotels, institutionsKitchen station work in restaurants, hotels, institutions
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in restaurants, catering, hospitalityFound in similar settings, often reporting to Head Cooks
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in kitchensLearning about specific kitchen station tasks

Head Cooks oversee kitchen operations, manage staff, and ensure food quality, while Line Cooks focus on preparing dishes at specific stations. Head Cooks have more supervisory responsibilities, whereas Line Cooks specialize in cooking tasks. Both roles are essential in culinary settings, but they differ in scope and leadership level.

What do head cooks do?

Head cooks oversee kitchen operations, manage staff, plan menus, ensure food quality and safety, and control inventory and costs. They often coordinate with other kitchen staff and may hold certifications such as ServSafe to ensure compliance with health regulations.

How much do head cooks get paid?

Head cooks typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of establishment. Salaries can range from approximately $30,000 for entry-level positions to over $80,000 for experienced head cooks in high-end or large-scale operations.

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

To thrive as a Head Cook, you need advanced culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in kitchen management, often supported by formal culinary training or certification. Proficiency with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and compliance with health regulations is crucial. Leadership, time management, and strong communication skills are essential for motivating staff and ensuring smooth kitchen operations. These skills and qualities are vital to consistently deliver high-quality dishes, maintain safety standards, and efficiently manage a busy kitchen environment.

How much are head chefs paid per hour?

Head cooks typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the establishment. Senior head chefs or those in high-end restaurants may earn higher wages, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

What are some common challenges Head Cooks face when managing a kitchen team?

Head Cooks often face the challenge of balancing kitchen efficiency with maintaining high food quality standards. They must manage diverse teams, resolve conflicts, and ensure clear communication during busy service periods. Additionally, they are responsible for inventory control and adapting to last-minute changes, such as staff shortages or unexpected menu adjustments. Building strong leadership and organizational skills is key to overcoming these challenges and fostering a productive, positive kitchen environment.
What cities are hiring for Head Cooks jobs? Cities with the most Head Cooks job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs? The most popular types of Cooks jobs are:
What states have the most Head Cooks jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Cooks jobs include:
Head Cooks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Cooks job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,058 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Head Cook

Head Cook

Friske Farm Market, Inc

Charlevoix, MI • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

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Job description

Head Cook & Café Department Lead

Friske Farm Market – Charlevoix, Michigan

Friske Farm Market is seeking a motivated, organized, and passionate Head Cook & Café Department Lead to oversee our café kitchen operations and help create an exceptional experience for our guests.

This leadership position is responsible for preparing high-quality food, managing daily kitchen operations, maintaining food safety standards, and leading a small team in a fast-paced farm market environment.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare and cook cafĂ© menu items according to recipes and quality standards

  • Lead and supervise cafĂ© kitchen staff

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment

  • Manage inventory, ordering, and food cost controls

  • Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations

  • Assist with menu development and seasonal specials

  • Provide excellent customer service and support overall cafĂ© operations

Qualifications

  • Previous cooking and kitchen leadership experience preferred

  • Strong organizational and time management skills

  • Ability to lead and motivate a team

  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

  • Weekend and seasonal availability required

What We Offer

  • Competitive pay based on experience

  • Pooled Tips (Average $3-4/hr)

  • Employee discounts

  • Supportive, family-oriented work environment

  • Opportunity to be part of a growing agritourism destination

  • Beautiful Northern Michigan location

If you enjoy creating great food, leading a team, and being part of a fun and welcoming farm market atmosphere, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and join the Friske Farm Market team!

Company Description

Friske Farm Market, Inc