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Hospital Cook Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Hhs

Cook

Knoxville, TN

$16/hr

Knoxville Rehabilitation Hospital Pay Rate: Hourly - Hourly Plan, 16.00 USD Hourly Work Shift: W ... Responsibilities Cook Wage: $16/hour Full-time and part-time positions available Day/Evening/Night ...

HHS LLC

Cook

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16/hr

Knoxville Rehabilitation Hospital Pay Rate: Hourly - Hourly Plan, 16.00 USD Hourly Work Shift: W ... Responsibilities Cook Wage: $16/hour Full-time and part-time positions available Day/Evening/Night ...

HHS LLC

Cook

Athens, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: 15.00 Full-time position available Day/Evening/Night shifts available ... Prepare high-quality meals for patients, visitors, and hospital staff * Follow company recipes and ...

Memorial Hospital - Chattanooga

Cafe Cook

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$16.06 - $22.69/hr

... care to acute hospital services specializing in cancer, cardiac, neuroscience, stroke, and ... Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Cook, you will be essential to patient, staff, and visitor ...

Hhs

Cook

Athens, TN

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: 15.00 Full-time position available Day/Evening/Night shifts available ... Prepare high-quality meals for patients, visitors, and hospital staff * Follow company recipes and ...

Memorial Hospital - Chattanooga

Cafe Cook

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$16.06 - $22.69/hr

... care to acute hospital services specializing in cancer, cardiac, neuroscience, stroke, and ... Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Cook, you will be essential to patient, staff, and visitor ...

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Sr. Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Provide instruction and guidance to the cooks. Follow proper food handling, sanitation, and storage ... Adhere to department, hospital, and culinary policies and procedures. Job Responsibilities:

West Tennessee Healthcare

Cook

Bolivar, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Employee is subject to call back and overtime as required by the hospital. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: * Prepares and cooks to order foods requiring short preparation time. * Typically performs fast ...

West Tennessee Healthcare

Cook

Jackson, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Employee is subject to call back and overtime as required by the hospital. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: * Prepares and cooks to order foods requiring short preparation time. * Typically, performs fast ...

Elior North America

Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18/hr

From senior living to hospital and care facilities, Trio focuses on service to the most vulnerable members of your community. Each day, you can feel confident that the work you do has a real ...

Elior North America

Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18/hr

From senior living to hospital and care facilities, Trio focuses on service to the most vulnerable members of your community. Each day, you can feel confident that the work you do has a real ...

Delta Specialty Hospital

Cook

Memphis, TN

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Cook and prepare food according to approved menus. Direct activities of workers who assist in ... school, hospital or cafeteria preferred. LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: ServSafe ...

The Waters of Smyrna

Cook

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

... hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility preferred (but not ... be able to cook a variety of foods in large quantities • Must be knowledgeable of dietary ...

Metz Culinary Management

Cook

Bristol, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Experience is a plus in a Food Service setting such as Hospital, School, or College desired but the ... LINE AND PREP COOKS: Prepare and present DELICIOUS meals and IMPRESSIVE presentations following our ...

The Waters of Shelbyville

Cook

Shelbyville, TN

$12 - $16/hr

One (1) year dietary experience in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility preferred (but not necessary) * Must be able to cook a variety of foods in large ...

The Waters of Gainesboro

Cook

Gainesboro, TN

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

One (1) year dietary experience in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related ... Must be able to cook a variety of foods in large quantities * Must be knowledgeable of dietary ...

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Hospital Cook information

See Tennessee salary details

$4

$14

$18

How much do hospital cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for hospital cook in Tennessee is $14.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $17.45 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 are popular job titles related to Hospital Cook jobs in Tennessee? For Hospital Cook jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hospital Cook jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Hospital Cook jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Hospital Cook jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Hospital Cook job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Hospital Cook jobs in TN? For Hospital Cook jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Hospital Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hospital Cook job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,280 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Cook

Hhs

Knoxville, TN

$16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Location:

Knoxville Rehabilitation Hospital

Pay Rate:

Hourly - Hourly Plan, 16.00 USD Hourly

Work Shift:

Job Description

We're looking for friendly, compassionate, team players to join our culinary team!
Under the guidance of the chef/production manager, cook meals and provide food service for patients, the retail cafe, and catering events at the hospital.

Responsibilities

Cook

Wage: $16/hour
Full-time and part-time positions available
Day/Evening/Night shifts available
Background check, drug screen, and proof of employment eligibility required
Location: Knoxville Rehabilitation Hospital

Responsibilities

  • Prepare high-quality meals for patients, visitors, and hospital staff

  • Follow company recipes and guidelines to prepare all food items

  • Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all cleaning, sanitation, and closing procedures

  • Adhere to the facility's health and safety policies and procedures

  • Assist team members and management as needed to help the department operate efficiently

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in a commercial kitchen (fast food, hotel operations, healthcare)

  • Must be at least 18 years old

  • Communicate effectively in English and work well in a team environment

  • Must practice good personal hygiene, be neatly groomed, and be in uniform

  • Preferred: Culinary experience (cook, cooking, line cook, commercial kitchen, fast food, dietary cook, healthcare foodservice)

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged standing and walking continuously, pushing dish racks, frequent stooping, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds

  • Must be able to operate equipment necessary to perform essential functions of the job

Benefits

We offer flexible schedules, excellent training, competitive wages, work-life balance, job satisfaction, and promotion opportunities.

  • Paid Time Off

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • 401K

  • Short Term Disability

  • Voluntary Life

  • Safety Incentive Program

Important to Know

  • Applicants must pass a background check, drug screen, and provide proof of employment eligibility in the U.S.

  • Many healthcare facilities require employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption in place.

  • Veterans and candidates with military experience are encouraged to apply.

  • HHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to workplace diversity and inclusion.

About HHS

HHS is a private, family-owned business dedicated to caring for its team members and providing honest, quality-driven customer service. Founded in 1975 as Hospital Housekeeping Systems, today HHS provides services including housekeeping, food, and facility management to nearly 1,000 customers across six industries.

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