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Hospital Cafeteria Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prime Healthcare

Hospital Cook

Mission, TX · On-site

The Hospital Cook will work in our hospital cafeteria, responsible for preparing meals to staff, patients, and visitors while ensuring they meet dietary requirements and safety standards. The Food ...

JKV

Cook - Fireside Cafeteria, FT

Lees Summit, MO · On-site

$15.50/hr

Accident, critical illness, long term disability, long term care insurance and hospital indemnity ... JOB SUMMARY Prepare and cook basic food items in a cafeteria or restaurant environment. Responsible ...

Upson Regional Medical Center

Cook

Thomaston, GA · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

The Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting high-quality meals and food items for the hospital cafeteria, catering functions, and other Food & Nutrition Services operations. This ...

Upson Regional Medical Center

Cook

Thomaston, GA · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

The Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting high-quality meals and food items for the hospital cafeteria, catering functions, and other Food & Nutrition Services operations. This ...

Glendora Hospital

Hospital Cook

Glendora, CA · On-site

$24/hr

... Cafeteria. Weekends and holidays are required. * Setting up service lines, pre-plating foods ... cooking, working the grill, and serving hospital staff. * Review menus, production sheets, recipes ...

Upson Regional Medical Center

Prep Cook

Thomaston, GA · On-site

$11.25 - $14.25/hr

The Prep Cook is responsible for the preparation of ingredients and food items used in the hospital cafeteria, catering functions, and patient meal services. This position supports the kitchen team ...

Upson Regional Medical Center

Prep Cook

Thomaston, GA · On-site

$11.25 - $14.25/hr

The Prep Cook is responsible for the preparation of ingredients and food items used in the hospital cafeteria, catering functions, and patient meal services. This position supports the kitchen team ...

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How much do hospital cafeteria cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for hospital cafeteria cook in the United States is $15.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hospital cafeteria cook do?

A hospital cafeteria cook prepares and cooks meals for patients, staff, and visitors in a hospital setting. They follow specific dietary guidelines and safety standards to meet the nutritional needs of patients with various health conditions. Duties typically include preparing ingredients, cooking meals, ensuring food safety, and maintaining a clean kitchen environment. Hospital cafeteria cooks may also help plan menus and accommodate special dietary requests as directed by dietitians or nutritionists.

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

To thrive as a Hospital Cafeteria Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and certification in food handling or ServSafe are typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure the preparation of nutritious, safe, and timely meals for patients and staff, directly impacting health and satisfaction.

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

Hospital cafeteria cooks often face the challenge of preparing large volumes of meals while adhering to strict nutritional guidelines and accommodating diverse dietary needs, such as low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, or allergen-free options. Time management is crucial, as meals must be prepared and served promptly during set meal periods. Collaboration with dietitians and food service staff is routine to ensure accuracy and quality. Staying organized and adaptable helps manage these demands effectively and maintain high food safety standards.

What is the difference between Hospital Cafeteria Cook vs Hospital Dietary Aide?

AspectHospital Cafeteria CookHospital Dietary Aide
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingBasic food handling certification
Work EnvironmentHospital cafeteria, food prep areasPatient meal service, food tray assembly
Job DutiesPreparing cafeteria meals, menu planningAssisting with patient meal delivery, cleaning

The Hospital Cafeteria Cook primarily prepares meals for staff and visitors in the hospital cafeteria, focusing on culinary skills and menu planning. In contrast, the Hospital Dietary Aide assists with patient meal service, ensuring dietary needs are met and maintaining cleanliness. Both roles support hospital food services but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

How to become a hospital cafeteria cook?

To become a hospital cafeteria cook, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and experience in food preparation or cooking. Some positions may require food safety certifications such as ServSafe, and strong skills in food handling, sanitation, and teamwork are important in a hospital environment.

How to work at a hospital cafeteria?

To work as a hospital cafeteria cook, you typically need food service experience, knowledge of food safety standards, and sometimes a food handler's permit. You may be required to work early mornings, evenings, or weekends and follow hospital policies for sanitation and safety. Applying through hospital job boards or staffing agencies is common for these positions.
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Hospital Cafeteria Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hospital Cafeteria Cook job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 4% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,861 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Cafeteria Food Service Cook- PART TIME

Wichita, KS • On-site

Heartspring, Inc.
Non-Profits • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Heartspring, Inc.external

$16.89 - $21.85/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
At Heartspring, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our team supports children and young adults with developmental, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities through education, therapy, residential living, and community services. We're looking for an experienced Cafeteria Cook who is passionate about preparing nutritious meals while creating a safe, welcoming dining experience for the students we serve.
  • Location: Wichita, KS
  • Position: Part-Time Cafeteria Cook, Food Service Cook
  • Schedule: Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Every Other Friday & Monday: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Requirements: 3+ years of experience in a school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, hospital, nursing home, long-term care (LTC), institutional kitchen, restaurant, or food service environment.
What You'll Do
As a Cafeteria Cook, you'll prepare nutritious meals while ensuring food quality, safety, sanitation, and outstanding customer service for students living in our residential program.
Meal Preparation & Food Service
  • Prepare and serve nutritious meals following KSDE meal program standards, approved menus, recipes, and portion guidelines.
  • Prepare therapeutic and modified diets to meet specialized nutritional needs.
  • Operate in a commercial heat-and-serve kitchen environment while maintaining food quality and consistency.
  • Ensure meals are served accurately and on schedule.
  • Maintain attractive food presentation and appropriate portion control.
Food Safety & Kitchen Operations
  • Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and health department regulations.
  • Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, dishes, utensils, food preparation surfaces, and workstations.
  • Assist with dishwashing and overall kitchen cleanliness.
  • Maintain organized food storage areas and proper food rotation.
Inventory & Kitchen Management
  • Monitor food inventory and stock levels.
  • Assist with ordering food and kitchen supplies.
  • Help reduce waste while maintaining adequate inventory.
  • Complete equipment inspections and report maintenance concerns.
Teamwork & Customer Service
  • Work closely with the Nutrition Services Manager, clinicians, and fellow kitchen staff.
  • Communicate effectively with coworkers and other departments.
  • Provide exceptional customer service while supporting a positive dining experience.
  • Maintain confidentiality and follow all Heartspring policies and procedures.

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • 6 hours of CEU'S, Certification in food safety and sanitation is required by KSDE
  • 3+ years of experience in healthcare, residential, commercial food service or school food service
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with inventory management and food ordering systems.
  • ServSafe® Food Handler or Food Manager Certification.
  • Experience preparing therapeutic, modified, or special diets.
Skills That Will Help You Succeed
  • Strong knowledge of food preparation, food production, sanitation, and food safety.
  • Understanding of HACCP principles and infection prevention.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced commercial kitchen.
  • Excellent organization, time management, and multitasking skills.
  • Dependable with strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork.
  • Comfortable using Microsoft Office and digital inventory or ordering systems.
Work Environment
Work is performed primarily in an indoor commercial kitchen within a residential school environment. Responsibilities include:
  • Environment: Indoor work environment with cold control environment exposure frequently
  • Manual Handling: constant handling of and manipulation of tools and equipment
  • Safety Compliance: Adherence to safety protocols and use of protective gear when required constantly.
  • Physical Interactions & Exposure Risks: Occasional exposure to physical interactions from clients, including slapping, hitting, punching, kicking, head-butting, and biting. Potential exposure to infectious diseases, parasites, bodily fluids, and blood-borne pathogens in a school and residential care setting.

Physical Requirements:
  • Lifting: Up to 40 lbs. frequently
  • Carrying: 40 lbs. seldom
  • Sitting/Standing/Walking: sit rarely; stand constantly; walk frequently
  • Bending/Twisting/Kneeling/Reaching: frequently
  • Reaching: frequently
  • Pushing/Pulling: 50 lbs. occasionally
  • Dexterity: constant hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
  • Stamina/Endurance: mild exertion frequently; heavy exertion occasionally
  • Vision/Hearing: constant ability to see clearly and hear instructions or warnings

Apply today and help nourish possibilities-one meal at a time. Cafeteria Cook, Food Service Cook, Cook, School Cook, Dietary Cook, Institutional Cook, Commercial Kitchen, Kitchen Staff, Food Service Worker, Restaurant Cook, Meal Preparation, Food Production, Food Safety, HACCP, Sanitation, Dietary Services, Nutrition Services, Heat-and-Serve, School Food Service, Long-Term Care, Hospital Cook, Kitchen Team, Full-Time Cook.
Salary Description
$16.89-$21.85

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