1

Industrial Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Industrial Cook is responsible for operating and maintaining computerized cooking kettles that manufacture starch gelatin products. Ways you will make a difference * Check production schedule to ...

The Industrial Cook is responsible for operating and maintaining computerized cooking kettles that manufacture starch gelatin products. Ways you will make a difference * Check production schedule to ...

Industrial Kitchen Cleaner

Zion, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

This role involves cleaning food processing plants, maintaining industrial cooking equipment, and performing preventative maintenance on food production systems. We offer training, certifications ...

2nd shift-- Manufacturing Cook

York, ME · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Operate industrial kitchen equipment and support overall production needs Requirements: What You ... Industrial cooking experience preferred * Experience in fast-paced, multitasking environments

2nd shift-- Manufacturing Cook

York, ME · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Operate industrial kitchen equipment and support overall production needs Requirements What You ... Industrial cooking experience preferred * Experience in fast-paced, multitasking environments

... industrial cooking equipment Experience with properly logging all necessary information within the kitchen as required by audits / safety Ability to comprehend & create menu specifications Ensure ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Industrial Cook information

See salary details

$5

$19

$25

How much do industrial cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for industrial cook in the United States is $19.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are industrial cooks?

Industrial cooks are professionals who prepare large quantities of food in commercial or industrial settings such as factories, food processing plants, or institutional kitchens. Unlike restaurant chefs, they follow standardized recipes and use specialized equipment to ensure consistency, safety, and efficiency when producing food products. Their work often includes overseeing batch cooking, monitoring quality control, and adhering to strict sanitation and safety regulations.

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

To thrive as an Industrial Cook, you need expertise in large-scale food preparation, food safety protocols, and recipe standardization, typically supported by a culinary degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, HACCP guidelines, and inventory management systems is crucial. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and attention to detail help ensure efficiency and consistency in high-volume environments. These skills are vital for maintaining product quality, food safety, and smooth kitchen operations.

What is the difference between Industrial Cook vs Commercial Kitchen Worker?

AspectIndustrial CookCommercial Kitchen Worker
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingFood safety certification, basic culinary skills
Work EnvironmentLarge-scale food production facilities, factoriesRestaurants, catering services, small-scale kitchens
Employer & IndustryFood manufacturing companies, industrial food plantsRestaurants, hotels, catering companies
Work TasksPreparing large quantities of food, following industrial recipesPreparing meals, following restaurant recipes

Industrial Cooks focus on large-scale food production in factories, requiring specialized certifications and working in industrial environments. Commercial Kitchen Workers operate in restaurants or catering settings, preparing meals on a smaller scale. Both roles require food safety knowledge but differ mainly in scale and work setting.

What are some common challenges industrial cooks face in high-volume kitchen environments?

Industrial cooks often work in fast-paced settings where they must prepare large quantities of food while maintaining consistency and quality. One of the main challenges is managing time efficiently to meet strict production schedules, especially during peak demand periods. Additionally, industrial cooks must adhere to rigorous food safety and sanitation standards, often while coordinating with a team and using industrial-sized equipment. Effective communication and organization are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth kitchen operations.
More about Industrial Cook jobs
What states have the most Industrial Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Industrial Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Industrial Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Industrial Cook jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Industrial Cook jobs? For Industrial Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Industrial 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 $41,125 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Industrial Cook-Overnight Shift

Industrial Cook-Overnight Shift

Ferrara Candy Company

Bellwood, IL

$25.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Ferrara Candy rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 397 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Work Location: Bellwood

Position requires the ability to work overtime.  As a result, it may require working varying start times, end times, and weekends dependent on business needs.
**This is an OVERNIGHT shift position, hours are 4pm-4:30am.  2 nights on, 2 nights off, every other weekend (Sat, Sun, Mon) off)

Want to make an impact?

The Industrial Cook is responsible for operating and maintaining computerized cooking kettles that manufacture starch gelatin products.

Ways you will make a difference
  • Check production schedule to determine variety and quantity of products to cook
  • Lead machine set up and changeover for production runs 
  • Follow work instructions, standards and SOP's for equipment set up and changeover 
  • Identify and resolve issues during set up and changeover
  • Identify ingredients and equipment needed for each production run; set product information into touch screen panel, including but not limited to raw materials, pumps, gauges, valves and temperatures 
  • Feed cooker with raw materials including but not limited to starch, liquid colored flavors, sugar, corn syrup and gelatin; cook mixed products
  • Conduct adjustments to controls to regulate temperature, amount of raw materials and other variables to ensure product quality exceeds established standards
  • Diagnose and resolve mechanical issues with equipment at the entry maintenance mechanic level
  • Follow escalation protocol in a timely manner when troubleshooting efforts fail
  • Work closely with maintenance when escalation to maintenance support is needed for a mechanical issue
  • Adhere to all company policies and procedures, GMP and safety standards
Skills that will make you successful
  • Basic mathematical skills 
  • Basic understanding of equipment capabilities, standards and proper set points
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to understand detailed written and/or oral instructions
  • Promote teamwork; possess a good attitude, and exhibit flexibility and willingness to perform tasks as needed
  • Ability to solve problems by adjusting variables in standardized situations 
Experiences that will support your success
  • Minimum of 1 year experience batch making and/or work as a cook in food manufacturing strongly preferred
  • Ability to pass certification test on pallet jack and fork lift
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months' related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Working Conditions - This position requires knowledge and awareness of manufacturing and industrial sites. Protective gear will be required where appropriate. 
  • Physical Requirements - Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop, reach and lift up to 50 pounds repetitively.
What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO).  Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

$25.50 per hour plus a $.75 per hour shift differential.


What Ferrara Candy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom