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Institutional Cook Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 Corporation

Cook

Houston, TX · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/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

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $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 ...

Prime Healthcare

Hospital Cook

Mission, TX

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

Hospital Cook

Mission, TX

Two (2) years experience in food service with commercial, institutional cooking experience preferred. * Knowledge of therapeutic diets desired. Here are some of the benefits of working at Prime ...

UHS

COOK - PRN

Denison, TX · On-site

$11.75 - $16/hr

Institutional cooking experience required (1 - 3 years). * Food handler's permit required upon hire. ServSafe Certification preferred. * Must be able to read and comprehend. Good written and verbal ...

UHS

COOK - PRN

Denison, TX · On-site

$11.75 - $16/hr

Institutional cooking experience required (1 - 3 years). * Food handler's permit required upon hire. ServSafe Certification preferred. * Must be able to read and comprehend. Good written and verbal ...

Encompass Health Corporation

Cook

Bryan, TX · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/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

Texarkana, TX

$13 - $17.50/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

Conroe, TX · On-site

$12 - $16/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

Amarillo, TX

$12.75 - $17.25/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

Pearland, TX · On-site

$12.25 - $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

San Antonio, TX

$12.75 - $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 Corporation

Cook

Shenandoah, TX · On-site

$12 - $16/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

Robinson, 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 ...

Encompass Health

Cook

Conroe, TX · On-site

$12 - $16/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

Dallas Regional Medical Center

Mesquite, TX • On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Dallas Regional Medical Center rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 1,055 rated hospitals

Job description

Overview

Shift's Available:  Days 

Employment Type: Full-time 

Hours: 8-hour shifts 

Location: Dallas Regional Medical Center - Mesquite, TX

Here are some of the benefits of working at Prime Healthcare: 

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance options 
  • Paid vacation, sick time and holidays 
  • Bereavement leave, FMLA and other leave options 
  • Employer 401K options 
  • Tuition reimbursement options  
  • Life, disability, and other insurance options 
  • Many other amazing benefits 
Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (includes, but not limited to): 

  • Cook meals according to recipes, portion sizes, and nutritional guidelines provided by dietitians 
  • Prepare specialized diets for patients with specific medical or dietary needs, such as low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, or pureed foods 
  • Collaborate with dietitians and food service managers to develop menus that are balanced, appealing, and compliant with hospital policies and patient requirements 
  • Follow strict sanitation guidelines to prevent contamination and ensure food safety 
  • Clean and maintain kitchen equipment, utensils, and work areas 
  • Monitor inventory and order ingredients to ensure an adequate supply of fresh and necessary items 
  • Properly store food to maintain quality and comply with health regulations 
Qualifications

Before we go any further, we do have some deal-breakers. You must have: 

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

    • County Specific requirement.

  • County Specific Food Handlers certification required upon hire and maintained current
    • Employment StatusFull TimeShiftDaysEqual Employment Opportunity

    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

     #LI-MM5Employment Type: FULL_TIME

    What Dallas Regional Medical Center employees say

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