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Hospital Cook Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Nashville General Hospital

FNS Cook

Nashville, TN

$13.50 - $18/hr

Key Responsibilities · Prepare and cook food according to standardized recipes and menus · Follow ... Nashville General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

Nashville General Hospital

FNS Cook

Nashville, TN

$13.50 - $18/hr

Key Responsibilities · Prepare and cook food according to standardized recipes and menus · Follow ... Nashville General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

Nashville General Hospital

FNS Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Description Key Responsibilities • Prepare and cook food according to standardized recipes and ... Nashville General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. We are an E-Verify ...

Hhs

Cook

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Knoxville Rehabilitation Hospital Pay Rate: Hourly - Hourly Plan, 20.00 USD Hourly Work Shift ... Responsibilities Cook Wage: $20/hour Full-time and part-time positions available Day/Evening/Night ...

HHS LLC

Cook

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Knoxville Rehabilitation Hospital Pay Rate: Hourly - Hourly Plan, 20.00 USD Hourly Work Shift ... Responsibilities Cook Wage: $20/hour Full-time and part-time positions available Day/Evening/Night ...

Hhs

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Covenant Health

COOK

Crossville, TN · On-site

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

Cook, Food Services Part Time, 48 Hours Per Pay Period, Variable Shifts Cumberland Medical Center ... The hospital features emergency and critical care, surgical suites, and specialized programs such ...

Covenant Health

COOK

Crossville, TN · On-site

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

Overview Cook, Food Services Part Time, 48 Hours Per Pay Period, Variable Shifts Cumberland Medical ... The hospital features emergency and critical care, surgical suites, and specialized programs such ...

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Sr. Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Adhere to department, hospital, and culinary policies and procedures. Perform other duties as ... Monitor cooks for compliance with proper food handling, sanitation, and storage procedures. Operate ...

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 ...

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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 8, 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.

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 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 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,280 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

FNS Cook

Nashville General Hospital

Nashville, TN

$13.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Nashville General Hospital rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

222nd of 1,055 rated hospitals

Job description

Key Responsibilities

· Prepare and cook food according to standardized recipes and menus

· Follow special dietary requirements (e.g., low sodium, diabetic, cardiac diets)

· Assist with catering services for meetings, events, and special functions

· Ensure proper food portioning, temperature control, and presentation

· Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment and work areas

· Store food properly and label items according to safety guidelines

· Monitor inventory and report shortages or waste

· Work collaboratively with dietitians and kitchen staff

Qualifications

· High school diploma or GED (preferred)

· Previous cooking experience (hospital, catering, restaurant, or institutional setting)

· Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices

· Ability to read and follow recipes and dietary instructions

· Strong time management and teamwork skills

Certifications (Preferred)

· Food Handler’s Permit or ServSafe Certification

· Basic knowledge of nutrition standards in healthcare settings

Work Environment & Schedule

· Fast-paced hospital kitchen environment

· May require early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays

· Standing for long periods and lifting kitchen supplies

Key Skills

· Food preparation and cooking

· Attention to detail

· Food Safety

· Organization and cleanliness

· Communication and teamwork

We have a few special perks of being an NGH Food and Nutrition Services employee: paid uniforms, free meals, free parking, free onsite gym, etc.

Nashville General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

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