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Institutional Cook Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Prime Healthcare

Cook

Mesquite, TX · On-site

$12.75 - $17/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 ...

Dallas Regional Medical Center

Cook

Mesquite, TX · On-site

$12.75 - $17/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 ...

Dallas Regional Medical Center

Cook

Mesquite, TX

$12.75 - $17/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 ...

Dallas Medical Center

Cook

Dallas, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Prime Healthcare

Cook

Dallas, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Cook Children's

Cook I

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Education * High school diploma or equivalent Experience * 1 year of experience in healthcare, institutional or restaurant cooking to include food preparation Licensure, Registration, and/or ...

Cook Children's

Cook I

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

High school diploma or equivalent * 1 year of experience in healthcare, institutional or restaurant cooking to include food preparation Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification: * City of Ft.

Dallas Medical Center

Cook

Dallas, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Dallas Medical Center

Cook

Dallas, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Parkland Health and Hospital System

Cook

Dallas, TX · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Experience * Must have six month of experience as a cook or culinary school graduated, an assistant cook in hospital foodservice, restaurant, or institutional cooking of a comparable nature.

Encompass Health

Cook

Dallas, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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

Bedford, TX · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/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

Bedford, TX

$12.50 - $16.50/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 Corporation

Cook

Houston, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $18/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 Corporation

Cook

Sugar Land, TX · On-site

$12.50 - $17/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

Sugar Land, TX

$12.50 - $16.75/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

Houston, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $18/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

Midland, TX

$13.75 - $18.50/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

Houston, TX

$13.25 - $18/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 Corporation

Cook

Bedford, TX · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/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 ...

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All JobsInstitutional Cook JobsInstitutional Cook Jobs in Texas

Institutional Cook information

See Texas salary details

$8

$14

$20

How much do institutional cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for institutional cook in Texas is $14.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Institutional Cook jobs in Texas? For Institutional Cook jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Institutional Cook jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Institutional Cook jobs in Texas are:
Institutional Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Institutional Cook job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,061 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Cook

Prime Healthcare

Mesquite, TX • On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 25 days ago

Prime Healthcare rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 282 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

639th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Shifts Available: Varied

Employment Type: PRN

Hours: 8-hour shifts

Location: Dallas Regional Medical Center - Mesquite, TX


To prepare quality food according to established food safety policies in a sanitary environment.


Education and Work Experience

  1. Two (2) years experience in food service with commercial, institutional cooking experience preferred.
  2. Knowledge of therapeutic diets desired.

County Specific requirement.

  1. County Specific Food Handlers certification required upon hire and maintained current

Per Diem
Days

Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

 

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