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Hospital Cook Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Cook 1

Portland, OR · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Department Overview This position serves as a production cook for preparation, service, support of ... of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes ...

Cook 1

Portland, OR · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Department Overview This position serves as a production cook for preparation, service, support of ... of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes ...

Retail Cook 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

The OHSU Catering Cook 2 produces high-quality meals, coordinates catering menu production, and ... of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes ...

Retail Cook 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Cook 2's are responsible for enforcing standards of cleaning kitchen area and equipment and helps ... of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes ...

Line Cook

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Accident, Critical Care Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity plans (voluntary) * Flexible medical ... Cook Guest orders to recipe specification and Guest preference (i.e. special requests) in ...

Showing results 21-40

Hospital Cook information

See Portland, OR salary details

$5

$16

$20

How much do hospital cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for hospital cook in Portland, OR is $16.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.66 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 Portland, OR?

For Hospital Cook jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hospital Cook jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Hospital Cook jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Hospital Cook jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Hospital Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Hospital Cook job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,092 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

$17 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

This position serves as a production cook for preparation, service, support of retail and patient cooking. This position has an extremely high level of interaction with other culinary team mates and requires excellent service skill, attention to detail, multi-tasking and ability to work well under pressure. This position covers the food production positions during break periods, performs meat and poultry fabrication tasks and is responsible for maintaining general expectations set forth for Cook 1

A Cook 1 prepares and cooks simple foods according to standardized menus, recipes, or verbal instructions from supervisor. These recipe items include but are not limited to: salads, dressings, sandwiches, soups, meat fabrication, etc. Duties include use of grills, char-broilers, ovens, tilt grills, steam kettles, steam oven, choppers, blenders, slicers and other various and specialty pieces of kitchen equipment. Cleaning & maintenance of equipment and work areas is required including mopping, sweeping, scrubbing.

Function/Duties of Position
  • Prepare (physically produce) existing and new recipes for Patient and guests. Production and service of menu items, special requests preparation, specialty and individualized services unique to patients and guests.

  • Conveyance of supplies, storage of foods employing OSHU specified controls, temperature monitoring and recording and food and work safety compliance assurance. 

  • Cleaning.

  • Covering co-workers for breaks and absences. 

  • Special preparation, banquets, special assignments.

Required Qualifications
  • An OR food handlers' card or equivalent; AND
  • Food Protection Manager Certification with 6 months of hire; AND
  • Two years of experience as a cook in a commercial food service facility; OR
  • Possession of a Certificate of Completion in culinary arts and/or Foods and Hospitality Service from a certified community college or technical school.
  • Food handlers' card or Servsafe certificate obtained by hire date.

Some positions in this class may require one or more of the following:

  • Basic knowledge of therapeutic diets.
  • Ability in checking trays to ensure diet cards have been accurately followed.
  • Good understanding of Math, Customer service, Cleanliness and Food handling skills 
Preferred Qualifications
  • High School / Culinary Diplomas
  • 2 years industry related exp.
Additional Details
  • Exposure to loud noise, heat, grease, cold.
  • Ability for continuous standing, moving, bending, walking, lifting up to 50 pounds, pulling, twisting, moving. 
Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

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Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887