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Institutional Cook Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Meadow Creek Village

Cook

Salem, OR

$18.50 - $20.50/hr

Experience working in institutional cooking including mechanical, pureed, finger food and renal diets * Reliable transportation and dependable when it comes to showing up on time * Compassionate ...

Meadow Creek Village Assisted Living

Cook

Salem, OR · On-site

$18.50 - $20.50/hr

Experience working in institutional cooking including mechanical, pureed, finger food and renal diets * Reliable transportation and dependable when it comes to showing up on time * Compassionate ...

Parkland Village

Cook

Mcminnville, OR

$19 - $21/hr

Experience working in institutional cooking including mechanical, pureed, finger food and renal diets * Reliable transportation and dependable when it comes to showing up on time * Compassionate ...

Cascade Living Group

Cook

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Experience working in institutional cooking including mechanical, pureed, finger food and renal diets * Reliable transportation and dependable when it comes to showing up on time * Compassionate ...

Royalton Place

Cook

Milwaukie, OR · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Experience working in institutional cooking including mechanical, pureed, finger food and renal diets * Reliable transportation and dependable when it comes to showing up on time * Compassionate ...

SkyChefs

Production Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$23/hr

At least 3-5 years of experience cooking in a high volume institutional catering environment preferred. * Culinary degree or cooking certification preferred. * Must have demonstrated culinary ...

Looking Glass

Part Time Cook

Eugene, OR · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Institutional or volume cooking experience. * Availability: Sunday - Wednesday plus some scheduled coverage for PTO hours * Driver's License: Valid in Oregon, acceptable record, and insurability ...

Mennonite Village

Cook I

Albany, OR · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

... institutional food service settingValid Oregon driver's license or golf cart driver ... year of cooking experienceApproachable, organized, and people-centeredDetail-oriented with the ...

Mennonite Village

Cook I

Albany, OR

$18.50 - $24/hr

Previous experience in a restaurant or institutional food service setting * Valid Oregon driver ... One year of cooking experience * Approachable, organized, and people-centered * Detail-oriented ...

Mennonite Village

Cook I

Albany, OR · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

Previous experience in a restaurant or institutional food service setting * Valid Oregon driver ... One year of cooking experience * Approachable, organized, and people-centered * Detail-oriented ...

Portland State University

Lead Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$19.36 - $21.91/hr

Position Summary The Lead Cook assists the Food Program Coordinator in the responsibility of ... institutional food service. • Knowledge of USDA/CACFP program guidelines. Key Cultural ...

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Institutional Cook information

See Oregon salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do institutional cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for institutional cook in Oregon is $16.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.04 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 Oregon?

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

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

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

Institutional Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Institutional Cook job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,250 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Cook

Meadow Creek Village

Salem, OR

$18.50 - $20.50/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

As a Cook at Meadow Creek Village you’ll be working in a team environment with new challenges every day. Unlike other cooking positions in hospitality (restaurants, hotels, resorts), in this role you’ll have the opportunity to build life-long relationships serving our residents the nutritious meals that keep them thriving every day.

What we look for in a Cook:

  • 2+ years’ experience in nutrition, food preparation, safe food handling techniques and food service management

  • Experience working in institutional cooking including mechanical, pureed, finger food and renal diets

  • Reliable transportation and dependable when it comes to showing up on time

  • Compassionate individuals who will represent our community in a positive and professional manner

  • Quick learner who is able to master working with various types of equipment

What you can expect to do as a Cook:

  • Responsible for maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, including properly distributing and storing away food

  • Ensure all special dietary needs are met

  • Work in a team environment where communication is key

  • Make a significant contribution to the quality of life our residents by maintaining the highest possible quality and consistency

  • Demonstrate organizational skills around time management

  • Promote the mission, values and beliefs of Cascade Living

Position Requirements:

  • Food Handlers Card

$18.50 - $20.50/hour
*Depending on Experience

Job Type:

  • Part Time

  • Hours of Operation between 6:30am-6pm

  • Weekend Availability Required

Cascade Living Group Benefit Offerings:

  • Competitive Wages

  • Career Pathways

  • Health Insurance (for those eligible)

  • Voluntary Benefits (Disability, Accident, Life)

  • Flexible Pet Insurance for cats and dogs

  • 401k (with company match)

  • Payroll advances on earned wages

  • Perks at Work Discount Program

  • Generous Paid Time Off

  • Education Assistance

  • Longevity Bonuses 

Cascade Living is committed to the quality of life around us as individuals and as a company. You'll find that we're different as our focus is to create a culture of wellness and purposeful living for both residents and employees alike. This is why our motto is:

The Difference Between Living and Living Well...

Meadow Creek Village (Assisted Living) provides care for residents and their families coming from all over the region. We invite you to learn more about us at:

https://www.cascadeliving.com/community/meadow-creek-village/

Cascade Living Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All offers of employment are conditioned on passing a background check. 

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability during the application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at 360-979-0149 or recruiter@cascadeliving.com.