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High School Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Union County Community Action, Inc

School Cook

Monroe, NC · On-site

$13.16/hr

Cook Union County Community Action, Inc. Work Location- Monroe, Union County, NC www.uccainc.org ... High School Diploma or GED required * Six months to one year of related food service experience ...

The Goddard School

School Cook

Shiloh, IL · On-site

$33K/yr

Maintain high standards of food safety, sanitation, and hygiene throughout the kitchen area ... Previous experience in food preparation, preferably in a school or childcare environment * Strong ...

Union County Community Action, Inc

School Cook

Monroe, NC · On-site

$13.16/hr

Cook Union County Community Action, Inc. Work Location- Monroe, Union County, NC www.uccainc.org ... High School Diploma or GED required * Six months to one year of related food service experience ...

Ogden Community Schools

Substitute School Cook

Ogden, IA · On-site

$12.50/hr

Ogden Middle School/High SchoolOgden Community Schools is seeking applicants for the position of substitute school cook. This position would work on an as-needed basis and assist with preparation and ...

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How much do high school cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for high school cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a high school cook?

High school cooks are food service professionals responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving meals to students and staff in a high school setting. They ensure that meals meet nutritional guidelines, maintain food safety standards, and often accommodate special dietary needs. High school cooks may also help with menu planning, kitchen cleaning, and inventory management. Their work is essential in providing healthy, balanced meals to support students' learning and well-being.

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

To thrive as a High School Cook, you need knowledge of food preparation, safe food handling, and basic nutrition, often supported by a high school diploma and food safety certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and menu planning software is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help ensure efficient meal service and a positive environment. These abilities are vital for maintaining food quality, safety standards, and smooth operations in a busy school cafeteria.

What are some common challenges high school cooks face when preparing meals for large groups of students?

High school cooks often manage tight schedules while preparing nutritious meals for hundreds of students, which can be challenging due to time constraints and varying student preferences. They must also adhere to strict food safety and dietary guidelines, ensuring all meals accommodate allergies and special dietary needs. Collaborating closely with other kitchen staff and school administrators is crucial for smooth meal service and menu planning. Additionally, cooks may need to adjust recipes or meal quantities quickly when participation numbers fluctuate.

What is the difference between High School Cook vs School Cafeteria Worker?

AspectHigh School CookSchool Cafeteria Worker
CredentialsFood Handler's Permit, culinary skillsFood Handler's Permit, basic food service knowledge
Work EnvironmentHigh school kitchen, preparing meals for studentsSchool cafeteria, assisting with meal service and cleanup
Job DutiesCooking, menu planning, food preparationServing food, cleaning, maintaining cafeteria area

High School Cooks focus on preparing and cooking meals, often with culinary training, while School Cafeteria Workers assist with meal service and maintaining the cafeteria environment. Both roles require food safety knowledge and are essential to school food service operations, but they differ mainly in responsibilities and skill levels.

What cities are hiring for High School Cook jobs?

Cities with the most High School Cook job openings:

What states have the most High School Cook jobs?

States with the most job openings for High School Cook jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to High School Cook jobs?

For High School Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

High School Cook

Upper Arlington, OH • On-site

Upper Arlington Schools
501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Upper Arlington Schoolsexternal

$19.45 - $21.59/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Prepare daily lunch and breakfast menus and serve meals promptly and courteously.

  • Order necessary food and supplies according to the menu plan and ensure proper food heating and storage.

  • Complete work efficiently, assist the head cook as necessary, and maintain cleanliness and safety standards in the kitchen.

Job description

Position Type:
Classified Staff/Cook
Date Posted:
8/21/2026
Location:
Upper Arlington High School
UPPER ARLINGTON CITY SCHOOLS
Position: High School Cook
Building: Upper Arlington High School
Hours: M- F 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m
Salary Rate or Ratio: $19.45 - $21.59 p/hour
Reports to: Director of Nutritional Services
Employment Status: Classified - Regular/Part Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Description: Prepare daily lunch menu and breakfast as necessary. Serve it promptly and courteously. Order necessary food and supplies in accordance with the menu plan. Ensure proper heating and storage of food. Complete work in a timely and efficient manner and assist the head cook as necessary
Probationary Period: 120 days
NOTE: The lists below are not ranked in order of importance:
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • One to two years of related experience
  • Serve Safe Certification or the ability to acquire if hired.
  • Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Supervisor and/or Board of Education may find appropriate

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to estimate the amount of food needed for one day's menu
  • Ability to follow recipes
  • Ability to read and understand verbal and written instructions, written warnings, and labels
  • Ability to work effectively with others
  • Ability to work quickly and efficiently during lunch periods
  • Effective, active listening skills
  • Experience cooking in large quantities
  • Experience in preparing school lunches
  • Knowledge of various cooking procedures
  • Organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to supervise others performing semi-skilled and general cafeteria duties
  • Thorough understanding of friendly customer service
  • Such alternatives to the above knowledge, skills, and abilities as the Supervisor and/or Board of Education may find appropriate

Essential Functions:
  • Adhere to federal, state, and local laws pertaining to school food service programs
  • Adhere to prescribed standardized recipes
  • Adhere to rigid sanitary standards in work and attire
  • Assist in the daily cleaning of all kitchen equipment
  • Prepare all meals
  • Performs monthly inventory of supplies and orders supplies as needed
  • Prepares the food service daily report or equivalent and completes production records daily
  • Maintain kitchen security by locking and unlocking doors and storage areas, and checking freezer and refrigerator temperatures daily in accordance with the board of health regulations.
  • Keeps records of all receipts and categorize into children's lunches, free and reduced lunches, milk, ala carte and adult receipts
  • Assist with regular inventories of raw food, materials, and equipment
  • Attend meetings, online training courses, and in-services as required
  • Ensure the safety of students
  • Fill out daily usage papers
  • Follow the rules, regulations, and policies of the school lunch program
  • Follow the school district menu and see that all necessary foods and supplies are on hand in accordance with the menu
  • Interact in a positive manner with staff, students, and parents
  • Maintain orderly and clean work areas
  • Maintain respect at all times for confidential information, e.g., free and reduced lunch students
  • Set up serving lines as needed and appropriate
  • Make contacts with the public with tact and diplomacy
  • Prepare and serve food in an attractive manner
  • Prepare and serve quality food to the students in a quick and pleasant manner
  • Prepare foods prior to serving to ensure; cleanliness, appropriate thickness, serving size - this includes but is not limited to washing veggies, cutting meats, dishes, and side dishes
  • Prepare sandwiches, hot and cold, casseroles, soups, pizzas, desserts, nachos, and other - la carte foods
  • Monitor stoves, fryers, ovens while in use in preparing warm or baked goods
  • Report the inferior quality of food or faulty equipment to the appropriate supervisor
  • Schedule and plan in advance the foods that need to be defrosted
  • Serve food to students
  • Straighten and put away stock in storage areas
  • Check milk and bread deliveries
  • Responsible for baked items on the menu
  • Take a milk count from the staff and prepare for each period
  • Record all leftover food on the daily worksheet and food report
  • Wash pots, pans, and other utensils, scrub and sanitize sinks, table tops, and countertops, and maintain cleanliness for the entire area.
  • Promote good public relations by personal appearance, attitude, and conversation
  • Serve as a role model for students in how to conduct themselves as citizens and as responsible, intelligent human beings
  • Such alternatives to the above essential duties as the Supervisor and/or Board of Education may find appropriate

Other Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Complete food services time sheets
  • Perform a monthly inventory of supplies, and order supplies as needed
  • Plan accordingly and do your best not to have excess or waste
  • Respond to routine questions and requests in an appropriate manner
  • Ability to work as a team and assist the department as needed
  • Creativity in food preparation and how it is presented to customers
  • Ability to organize and maintain lunch count when the point of sale system is not working
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Nutritional Services
  • Clean, Clean, Clean
  • Organize daily routine to ensure lunches are served in a timely manner
  • Serve as a role model for the District.

Equipment Operated:
  • Point of sale computer system
  • Calculator
  • Copy machine
  • Pencil and paper
  • Can opener
  • Conventional oven/stove
  • Food thermometer
  • Gas stove
  • Fire prevention system
  • Dishwasher
  • Food processor
  • Grinder
  • Knives
  • Microwave
  • Mixer
  • Slicer
  • Steamer
  • Other related kitchen equipment necessary to complete duties as a Pre K-8 Cook

Additional Working Conditions:
  • Frequent excessive standing during the assigned workday
  • Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue
  • Interaction with children who are experiencing dysregulation and/or have experienced trauma?
  • Occasional requirement to lift, carry, push, and pull various items up to a maximum of 25 pounds, 300 pounds (on wheels)
  • Frequent requirement to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, see, read, speak, reach, stretch with hands and arms, crouch, kneel, climb, stoop, and balance
  • Frequent repetitive hand motion, e.g., cutting and grinding
  • Frequently move around the workspace and travel throughout the school building
  • Frequently move and position oneself as necessary to access and operate equipment

Employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance, use in the workplace throughout his/her employment with the District.
The Upper Arlington City School District Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, including sexual orientation and transgender identity, disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.
This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the incumbent. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties assigned by the incumbent's supervisor and/or appointing authority.

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