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Institutional Cook Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Beach Garden Rehab & Nursing Center

Cook

Queens, NY · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Some experience in institutional cooking. * Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation and hygienic methods. * Follow verbal and written instructions. * Sincere desire to work with elders and others ...

Encompass Health Corporation

Cook

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Recent institutional cooking experience and/or exposure to special function cooking are desirable. * Familiarity with all H.A.C.C.P. and food safety guidelines. * Flexibility in working weekdays ...

Encompass Health

Cook

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Recent institutional cooking experience and/or exposure to special function cooking are desirable. * Familiarity with all H.A.C.C.P. and food safety guidelines. * Flexibility in working weekdays ...

Encompass Health

Cook

Tinton Falls, NJ

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Recent institutional cooking experience and/or exposure to special function cooking are desirable. * Familiarity with all H.A.C.C.P. and food safety guidelines. * Flexibility in working weekdays ...

Hartford HealthCare at Home

Cook

Westport, CT · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

... volume/institutional cooking preferred • Serv Safe Food Handlers certification preferred We take great care of careers. With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting ...

MB Healthcare

Cook

Cedar Grove, NJ · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Experience cooking in an institutional Kitchen preferred. Benefits * Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance * We offer a competitive salary and opportunity for increases and growth. * Great environment!

MB Healthcare

Cook

Cedar Grove, NJ

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Experience cooking in an institutional Kitchen preferred. * Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance * We offer a competitive salary and opportunity for increases and growth. * Great environment!

Prime Healthcare

Cook - Dietary

Passaic, NJ · On-site

$16.10/hr

Two (2) years experience in food service with commercial, institutional cooking experience preferred. * Knowledge of therapeutic diets desired. County Specific requirement. * County Specific Food ...

JFK Airport Restaurants

Cook

New York, NY · On-site

$24/hr

Culinary degree and/or cook certification is preferred * At least 2 years of experience cooking in a high volume institutional catering environment is preferred * Experience with maintaining ...

St. Mary's General Hospital

Cook - Dietary

Passaic, NJ · On-site

$16.10/hr

Two (2) years experience in food service with commercial, institutional cooking experience preferred. * Knowledge of therapeutic diets desired. County Specific requirement. * County Specific Food ...

MB Healthcare

Cook

West Orange, NJ · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Experience cooking in an institutional Kitchen preferred. * Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance * We offer a competitive salary and opportunity for increases and growth. * Great environment!

St. Mary's General Hospital

Cook - Dietary

Passaic, NJ · On-site

$16.10/hr

Two (2) years experience in food service with commercial, institutional cooking experience preferred. * Knowledge of therapeutic diets desired. County Specific requirement. * County Specific Food ...

MB Healthcare

Cook

Neptune, NJ

$20/hr

Experience cooking in an institutional Kitchen preferred. * Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance * We offer a competitive salary and opportunity for increases and growth. * Great environment!

Noble Hearts HR Consulting Inc.

Facility Cook

Bronx, NY · On-site

$26.90/hr

We are seeking dependable and professional individuals with institutional or commercial cooking experience who can work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment while maintaining high food ...

St. Barnabas

Second Cook

Bronx, NY · On-site

$18.50 - $23/hr

The 2nd Cook is responsible for assisting the Head/1st Cook in preparing of all meals and ensuring ... Candidates must have five (5) years experience in an institutional food preparation.

St Barnabas Hospital

Second Cook

Bronx, NY

$18.50 - $23/hr

The 2nd Cook is responsible for assisting the Head/1st Cook in preparing of all meals and ensuring ... Candidates must have five (5) years experience in an institutional food preparation.

Alameda Center

Dietary Cook

Perth Amboy, NJ · On-site

$19.50 - $20.50/hr

Dietary Cook RATE: $19.50 to $20.50 Per Hour BENEFITS: * Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance * 401K ... Experience in institutional food handling is preferred. JOB SKILLS: * Considerable knowledge of ...

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Institutional Cook information

See New York salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do institutional cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for institutional cook in New York is $17.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an institutional cook?

Institutional cooks are culinary professionals who prepare large quantities of meals in settings such as schools, hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, and other institutions. Their responsibilities include planning menus, following specific dietary guidelines, ensuring food safety, and working as part of a team to prepare and serve food efficiently. Unlike restaurant cooks, institutional cooks often follow strict regulations and standardized recipes to meet the nutritional and safety needs of large groups.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an institutional cook?

To thrive as an Institutional Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and experience in large-scale meal preparation, often supported by a food handler’s permit or related certification. Familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and standardized recipes is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and time management are valuable soft skills that set exceptional cooks apart. These abilities ensure efficient food service, compliance with regulations, and consistent meal quality in institutional settings.

What are some common challenges institutional cooks face when preparing meals for large groups, and how can they be addressed?

Institutional cooks often encounter challenges such as managing strict dietary requirements, ensuring food safety, and preparing meals in large quantities while maintaining quality and consistency. To address these issues, cooks must follow standardized recipes, stay organized, and work closely with nutritionists or dietitians. Effective communication and teamwork with kitchen staff are essential to coordinate tasks and meet tight meal schedules.

What is the difference between Institutional Cook vs Cafeteria Worker?

AspectInstitutional CookCafeteria Worker
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary skillsBasic food handling, safety training
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, prisonsSchool cafeterias, institutional dining halls
Employer & IndustryEducational, healthcare, correctional facilitiesEducational institutions, corporate cafeterias

Institutional Cooks typically have culinary training and handle food preparation in large-scale settings, while Cafeteria Workers focus on serving and maintaining food stations. Both roles work in institutional environments but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Institutional Cook jobs in New York?

For Institutional Cook jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Institutional Cook jobs in New York look for?

The top searched job categories for Institutional Cook jobs in New York are:

Institutional Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Institutional Cook job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,475 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Cook

Beach Garden Rehab & Nursing Center

Queens, NY • On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Looking for an Experienced Cook to come join our TEAM!

Day Shift Available

A comprehensive benefit package includes:

Health Insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

Life insurance plans

POSITION SUMMARY:

A Cook prepares and assists with food preparation for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while following specific dietary restrictions and provides alternatives for our residents.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Some experience in institutional cooking.

• Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation and hygienic methods.

• Follow verbal and written instructions.

• Sincere desire to work with elders and others who have a limited capacity for self-care.

• Mental & physical capacity to perform the essential job functions with or without accommodations.

• Work with and provides care to individuals of a wide range of personality types and maturity levels.

• The ability to demonstrate creative initiative and mature judgment in making competent decisions.

• Consistently maintain courteous, empathic, and professional attitude.

• Maintain confidentiality of all activities and persons.

• Maintain a professional appearance at all times.

• Communicate and comprehend orally and in writing to effectively receive and share information as necessary to perform job duties.

• Transportation accessible to enable flexibility of work schedule.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Must possess, as a minimum, a high school education or equivalent

• One (1) year dietary experience in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility preferred (but not necessary)

• Must have a sanitation certificate

• Must be able to cook a variety of foods in large quantities

• Must be knowledgeable of dietary procedures