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Hospital Cook Jobs in Edison, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Montclair, NJ · On-site

$16.49/hr

Nursing Home, Senior Living, Hospital, or Healthcare Required! Cook Shifts: Day and Evening Shifts, Alternating Weekends, Holidays. Walk-In's Welcome - Fill Out Application In-Person Today!

Nursing Home, Senior Living, Hospital, or Healthcare Required! Cook Shifts: Day and Evening Shifts, Alternating Weekends, Holidays. Walk-In's Welcome - Fill Out Application In-Person Today!

Cook

Montclair, NJ · On-site

$16.49/hr

Nursing Home, Senior Living, Hospital, or Healthcare Required! Cook Shifts: Day and Evening Shifts, Alternating Weekends, Holidays. We provide on-the-job training! Walk-In's Welcome - Fill Out ...

The hospital is central to a comprehensive network of affiliated ambulatory and outpatient ... Plans cooking schedules in order for food to be ready at specified times. * Confers with Production ...

New

Cook

Montclair, NJ · On-site

$16.49/hr

Nursing Home, Senior Living, Hospital, or Healthcare Required! Cook Shifts: Day and Evening Shifts, Alternating Weekends, Holidays. Walk-In's Welcome - Fill Out Application In-Person Today!

Cook

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

... and hospitals nationwide. We put our people first to deliver finely tailored, expertly managed ... The Cook reports to the Executive Chef or General Manager and is responsible for preparing all ...

... and hospitals nationwide. We put our people first to deliver finely tailored, expertly managed ... The Cook reports to the Executive Chef or General Manager and is responsible for preparing all ...

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Hospital Cook information

See Edison, NJ salary details

$5

$16

$20

How much do hospital cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for hospital cook in Edison, NJ is $16.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $19.47 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 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.

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 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 popular job titles related to Hospital Cook jobs in Edison, NJ?

For Hospital Cook jobs in Edison, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hospital Cook jobs in Edison, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Hospital Cook jobs in Edison, NJ are:

What cities near Edison, NJ are hiring for Hospital Cook jobs?

Cities near Edison, NJ with the most Hospital Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Hospital Cook job openings in Edison, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,817 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

$22/hr

Per diem

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Overview
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
Position: Hospital Cook
Location: 1199 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052
Schedule: 6:00AM- 2:00PM Per Diem (PRN), (Includes Weekday & Weekend Shifts)
Compensation: $22.00 /Hour + Shift Differential
Our inpatient rehabilitation hospital is committed to providing exceptional and compassionate care to best address the medical, physical, emotional, and vocational challenges for individuals with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, orthopedic issues, amputation, and multiple traumas.
We support your career growth and personal well-being:
  • Start Strong: Orientation program to ensure a smooth transition into our setting.
  • Invest in Your Future: Company-matching 401(k) retirement plan (Part-Time or Per Diem, are eligible for 401k based on reaching 1,000 hours within their first anniversary or subsequent calendar year)
  • Opportunity for Advancement: Demonstrate your skills and dedication, which could lead to potential full-time opportunities.
  • Your Impact Matters: Join a team of over 44,000 committed to providing exceptional patient care.

Responsibilities
You will deliver superior quality in all that you do, and you will treat others as they wish to be treated. You are a results-oriented team player who is resourceful in overcoming obstacles. You are an inventive problem solver who thrives in a dynamic environment.
You will prepare food for patients, staff, and guests, and may assist with general cleaning of the cooking and eating areas. In the absence of the Manager, the Cook supervises the dietary staff, ensuring that our facility and departmental policies and procedures are adhered to, and that proper sanitation, safety and infection control policies are being followed.
  • Accepting and understanding both verbal and written instructions.
  • Providing high quality food preparation and service.
  • Cleaning and maintaining equipment to meet department standards.
  • Maintaining high standards of quality food production and portion control.
  • Demonstrating a wilhigh-quality, willingness to help with work that needs to be done.
  • Taking initiative to not only identify problems, but to bring about a positive and sustainable solution.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
  • One (1) year of cooking experience required

Preferred Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Culinary Arts degree preferred
  • Completion of state or local food safety training course preferred
  • Healthcare experience preferred

Per Diem Requirement: Must be available to work Six (6) shifts per Six (6) week schedule; Three (3) must be on the Weekend (Saturday's or Sunday's).
Additional Data
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans