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Head Cooks Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AVI Foodsystems

Head Cook (Siena University)

Albany, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Head Cook Position AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic team member to fill the role of Head Cook at Siena University in Loudonville, NY. This is a Full-Time position. The pay ...

Lesco Logistics

Cook II

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$19.75/hr

Excludes food service supervisors and head cooks who exercise general supervision over kitchen activities. Other duties as assigned. High school diploma or GED equivalent. Within the past 10 years, 3 ...

Bar W Guest Ranch

Head Cook

Whitefish, MT · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Head Cook Reports To: Director of Operations Pay Range: $23 - $25 Year Round Position with Benefits of Paid Vacation and Sick Days. There is a possibility of housing. At the Bar W our core focus is ...

Lesco Logistics

Cook II

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$19.75/hr

Excludes food service supervisors and head cooks who exercise general supervision over kitchen activities. Other duties as assigned. High school diploma or GED equivalent. Within the past 10 years, 3 ...

Bar Cilento

... line cooks and food prep with prior experience. As our Head Cook/Chef, you will be responsible for leading the Kitchen Team and producing consistent high quality foods. While doing so, you must ...

Waconia Public Schools

Head Cook

Waconia, MN · On-site

$20.09 - $27.10/hr

Nutritional Services/Head Cook Date Posted: 5/26/2026 Location: Bayview Elementary School Date Available: 08/10/2026 Closing Date: Open Until Filled Waconia Public Schools is looking for candidates ...

Sourcewell

M-State Head Cook

Staples, MN

M-State is seeking applicants for a Head Cook position. Must have or be willing to acquire Serve Safe certification within 60 days of hire. This position will primarily be at the M-State, but may ...

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How much do head cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 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 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.

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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,058 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Head Cook (Siena University)

Head Cook (Siena University)

AVI Foodsystems

Albany, NY • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

AVI Foodsystems rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 165 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 64 rated caterers

Job description

Head Cook Position

AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic team member to fill the role of Head Cook at Siena University in Loudonville, NY. This is a Full-Time position.

The pay for this position is $20.00/ an hr.

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service companies in the nation. Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients, impeccable service and total value is the reputation we have earned and live up to everyday.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Please customers by providing a pleasant dining experience
  • Assemble, combine, and cook ingredients
  • Maintain a sanitary kitchen
  • Attend to the detail and presentation of each order
  • Place and expedite orders
  • Prepare ingredients by following recipes; slicing, cutting, chopping, mincing, stirring, whipping, and mixing ingredients
  • Complete hot meal preparation by grilling, sautéing, roasting, frying, and broiling ingredients and assembling and refrigerating cold ingredients
  • Adhere to proper food handling, sanitation, and safety procedures
  • Maintain appropriate dating, labeling, and rotation of all food items
  • Stores leftovers according to established standards
  • Contribute to daily, holiday, and theme menus in collaboration with the team

Requirements

  • Two or more years of cooking experience to include food preparation
  • Strong working knowledge of food preparation techniques, cooking methods, and safety and sanitation practices
  • Exceptional food presentation skills
  • Familiarity with general kitchen equipment and appliances
  • Strong work ethic and high energy level

Benefits

  • A family culture and atmosphere
  • Competitive compensation
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time team members
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid vacations and holidays
  • Immense training and growth opportunities

We conduct pre-employment drug testing. EOE

What AVI Foodsystems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

AVI Foodsystems logo

About AVI Foodsystems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service companies in the nation. Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients, impeccable service and total value is the reputation we have earned and live up to everyday.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Warren, OH, US

Year founded

1960

Social media

Twitter

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