ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hospital 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 ...

Prime Healthcare

Hospital Cook

Mission, TX

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 ...

Dominion Hospital

Hospital Cook

Falls Church, VA

$16.54 - $22.33/hr

Hospital Cook Falls Church, VA Position Type: Part-Time Salary Scale: $16.54-$22.33 Make a Difference in the Mental Health! Dominion Hospital , the only freestanding mental health facility in ...

Select Medical

Hospital Cook

Saddle Brook, NJ · On-site

$20 - $26.93/hr

Hospital Cook Location: Saddle Brook, NJ Schedule: Full-Time 8AM - 4PM / 11Am - 7PM (Includes Weekday & Weekend Shifts) Compensation: $20.00 - $26.93 (Based on Experience) + Shift Differential Our ...

Brookside Rehab and Nursing

Hospital Cook

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$16.54 - $22.33/hr

) Hospital Cook Falls Church, VA Position Type: Part-Time Salary Scale: $16.54-$22.33 Make a Difference in the Mental Health! Dominion Hospital , the only freestanding mental health facility in ...

Select Medical

Hospital Cook

Galloway, NJ

$18 - $21.94/hr

AtlantiCare Rehabilitation Hospital - In partnership with Select Medical Position: Cook Location: Galloway, New Jersey Schedule: Fulltime Compensation: $18.00 - $21.94 hourly *based on years of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHospital Cook Jobs

Hospital Cook information

See salary details

$5

$16

$19

How much do hospital cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for hospital cook in the United States is $16.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Hospital Cook?

The responsibilities of a hospital cook are similar to those of a chef working in any restaurant. However, strict adherence to nutritional requirements and healthcare plans are essential for all patients. As a hospital cook, your duties include working in a cafeteria and helping craft a menu that caters to various dietary requirements. You complete food preparation each morning and determine each meal plan, with help from doctors and nurses. You proportion meals onto trays based on provided instructions and ensure meals are delivered on time so that patients can take their medications. You also ensure that produce and other foods are rotated in a timely fashion to ensure freshness.

How much money do hospital chefs make?

Hospital cooks, also known as hospital food service workers or dietary aides, typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the hospital size and the complexity of food preparation required in healthcare settings.

What are hospital cooks?

Hospital cooks are food service professionals responsible for preparing meals for patients, staff, and visitors in a hospital setting. They follow specific dietary guidelines to accommodate various medical conditions and nutritional needs. Hospital cooks work as part of a team to ensure that food is safe, nutritious, and meets the standards set by healthcare providers. Their duties often include planning menus, cooking in large quantities, and maintaining cleanliness and food safety in the kitchen.

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

AspectHospital CookHospital Dietary Aide
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingFood safety training, basic dietary knowledge
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food prep areasDining areas, patient rooms, food service stations
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing meals, menu planning, cookingServing meals, assisting with food distribution, cleaning
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, long-term care, healthcare settings

Hospital Cooks focus on preparing and cooking meals according to dietary guidelines, requiring culinary skills and certifications. Dietary Aides assist with meal service and patient food distribution, often with less emphasis on cooking. Both roles are essential in hospital food service but differ mainly in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What are some common challenges Hospital Cooks face when preparing meals for patients with diverse dietary needs?

Hospital Cooks often encounter the challenge of accommodating a wide range of dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences while ensuring meals are both nutritious and appealing. They must strictly follow guidelines provided by dietitians and nutritionists, which can include preparing low-sodium, gluten-free, or diabetic-friendly options. Balancing these requirements while maintaining food safety standards and meeting tight meal schedules requires strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Effective communication with the dietary team and adaptability are key to success in this role.

What does a cook do at a hospital?

A hospital cook prepares and cooks meals for patients, staff, and visitors, ensuring dietary restrictions and nutritional needs are met. They follow specific menus, maintain food safety standards, and often work in a fast-paced environment requiring attention to hygiene and proper food handling. Certification in food safety may be required.

What is a hospital cook called?

A hospital cook is typically referred to as a dietary aide, food service worker, or hospital cook. They prepare meals according to dietary guidelines, often working in a hospital kitchen environment and following food safety standards. Certification in food handling may be required depending on the facility.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Hospital cooks typically do not earn $4,000 a week; most earn lower wages. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree include certain sales roles, real estate agents, commercial pilots, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers with experience. These positions often require specialized skills, certifications, or licenses rather than formal degrees.

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

To thrive as a Hospital Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often a food handler’s certification or related training. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, dietary management systems, and inventory tools is typical for the role. Strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with staff and patients set standout candidates apart. These competencies ensure safe, nutritious meals are prepared efficiently, supporting patient health and meeting strict healthcare standards.
More about Hospital Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Hospital Cook jobs? Cities with the most Hospital Cook job openings:
What states have the most Hospital Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Hospital Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hospital Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hospital Cook jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Hospital Cook jobs? For Hospital Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Hospital Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hospital Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,362 per year, or $16 per hour.
Hospital Cook

Hospital Cook

Mission Regional Medical Center

Mission, TX • On-site

Per diem

Medical, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Mission Regional Medical Center rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

897th of 1,020 rated hospitals

Job description

Overview
Shift's Available: Varied
Employment Type: Per Diem (PD / PRN)
Location: Mission Regional Medical Center - Mission, TX
We are seeking a Hospital Cook, sometimes referred to as our Food Service Cook. 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 Service Cook will collaborate with dietitians to create menus, manage inventory, and maintain a clean, compliant kitchen environment. Their role is vital in supporting patient health and satisfaction through nutritious, well-prepared meals. This position is on a per diem basis, meaning PD/PRN as needed.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (includes, but not limited to):
  • Cook meals according to recipes, portion sizes, and nutritional guidelines provided by dietitians
  • Prepare specialized diets for patients with specific medical or dietary needs, such as low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, or pureed foods
  • Collaborate with dietitians and food service managers to develop menus that are balanced, appealing, and compliant with hospital policies and patient requirements
  • Follow strict sanitation guidelines to prevent contamination and ensure food safety
  • Clean and maintain kitchen equipment, utensils, and work areas
  • Monitor inventory and order ingredients to ensure an adequate supply of fresh and necessary items
  • Properly store food to maintain quality and comply with health regulations

Qualifications
Before we go any further, we do have some deal-breakers. You must have:
  1. County Specific Food Handlers certification required upon hire and maintained current

Additional Qualifications That Are a Plus:
  1. Two (2) years experience in food service with commercial, institutional cooking experience preferred.
  2. Knowledge of therapeutic diets desired.

Here are some of the benefits of working at Prime Healthcare:
  • Competitive compensation
  • Medical insurance benefit plan
  • 401K
  • Sick leave accrual

Employment Status
Per Diem
Shift
Variable
Equal Employment Opportunity
Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

What Mission Regional Medical Center employees say

Pay

Benefits

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Mission Regional Medical center logo

About Mission Regional Medical center

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mission Regional Medical Center is a 297-bed non-profit community hospital that provides inpatient and outpatient hospital services to the people of the Rio Grande Valley. Rated one of the top hospitals in the country for clinical excellence in many services, including maternity and orthopedic care, Mission Regional Medical Center has been offering quality health care for more than 65 years.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Mission, TX, US

Year founded

1954

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Mission Regional Medical center Jobs

Apply