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Institutional Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Carson, NV

Cook

Carson City, NV · On-site

$51K - $72K/yr

Uses, cleans, adjusts and performs minor maintenance to a variety of large institutional cooking equipment. * Stores leftover food appropriately, inventories and maintains stocks of food and supplies.

Holy Cross Hospital Mountain Point

Cook

Lehi, UT · On-site

$17 - $22.71/hr

One (1) year of previous restaurant or institutional cooking experience * Strong communication skills; ability to read, write and speak English Preferred * High School Diploma/G.E.D. * Food Service ...

Holy Cross Hospital Jordan Valley

Cook

West Jordan, UT

$17 - $22.71/hr

One (1) year of previous restaurant or institutional cooking experience * Strong communication skills; ability to read, write and speak English Preferred * High School Diploma/G.E.D. * Food Service ...

Holy Cross Hospital West Valley

Cook

West Valley City, UT · On-site

$17 - $22.71/hr

One (1) year of previous restaurant or institutional cooking experience * Strong communication skills; ability to read, write and speak English Preferred * High School Diploma/G.E.D. * Food Service ...

Mercy Medical Center

Cook

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$26.75/hr

Prefer 1 year of institutional cooking experience Min USD $17.83/Hr. Max USD $26.75/Hr. Salary Information Compensation decisions are made in alignment with internal equity, role scope, and market ...

Holy Cross Hospital Davis

Cook

Layton, UT · On-site

$17 - $22.71/hr

One year of previous restaurant or institutional cooking experience * Strong communication skills; ability to read, write and speak English * Basic computer skills Preferred * High School Diploma/G.E.

Mercy Medical Center

Cook

Baltimore, MD

$26.75/hr

Prefer 1 year of institutional cooking experience Min USD $17.83/Hr. Max USD $26.75/Hr. Salary Information Compensation decisions are made in alignment with internal equity, role scope, and market ...

Mercy Medical Center

Cook

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$26.75/hr

Prefer 1 year of institutional cooking experience Min USD $17.83/Hr. Max USD $26.75/Hr. Salary Information Compensation decisions are made in alignment with internal equity, role scope, and market ...

Mercy Hospital

Cook

Durango, CO

$18 - $27.63/hr

One (1) year of previous restaurant or institutional cooking experience * Strong communication skills; ability to read, write and speak English Preferred * High School Diploma/G.E.D. * Food Service ...

Holy Cross Hospital Salt Lake

Cook

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$17 - $22.71/hr

One (1) year of previous restaurant or institutional cooking experience * Strong communication skills; ability to read, write and speak English Preferred * High School Diploma/G.E.D. * Food Service ...

Penrose Hospital

Cook

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$18 - $27.63/hr

One (1) year of previous restaurant or institutional cooking experience * Strong communication skills; ability to read, write and speak English Preferred * High School Diploma/G.E.D. * Food Service ...

St Francis Hospital

Cook

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$18 - $27.63/hr

One (1) year of previous restaurant or institutional cooking experience * Strong communication skills; ability to read, write and speak English Preferred * High School Diploma/G.E.D. * Food Service ...

St Francis Hospital

Cook

Colorado Springs, CO

$18 - $27.63/hr

One (1) year of previous restaurant or institutional cooking experience * Strong communication skills; ability to read, write and speak English Preferred * High School Diploma/G.E.D. * Food Service ...

Riverview Healthcare

Cook

Flandreau, SD

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Experience in institutional or large-scale cooking * Someone who shows initiative and can take the lead when needed * Dependable, team-oriented, and takes pride in a job well done * Strong ...

Evergreen Healthcare Group

Cook

Flandreau, SD · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Experience in institutional or large-scale cooking * Someone who shows initiative and can take the lead when needed * Dependable, team-oriented, and takes pride in a job well done * Strong ...

St Anthony Hospital

Cook

Lakewood, CO

$18 - $27.63/hr

Two (2) years of previous restaurant or institutional cooking experience * Strong communication skills; ability to read, write and speak English * Basic computer skills Preferred * High School ...

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Institutional Cook information

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$8

$16

$22

How much do institutional cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for institutional cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 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.

More about Institutional Cook jobs

What states have the most Institutional Cook jobs?

States with the most job openings for Institutional Cook jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Institutional Cook jobs are:

Institutional Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Institutional Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

Cook

City of Carson, NV

Carson City, NV • On-site

$51K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : City Hall, 201 N Carson Street, Suite 4, Carson City, NV
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 139_06/2026
Department: Sheriff
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
This is a full-time, FLSA non-exempt position with the Sheriff's Office located in Carson City, Nevada. Under immediate supervision, oversees inmates and personally participates in the preparation, volume cooking and portioning of meals in a detention facility.
Individuals may choose between the following Nevada PERS Retirement plans:
Employer-Paid PERS: $20.5362 - $28.7506 hourly / $42,715.40 - $59,801.30 annually
Employee/Employer-Paid PERS: $24.7745 - $34.6843 hourly / $51,530.96 - $72,143.24 annually
To learn more about the Nevada Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), .
This position is covered by the Carson City Employees Association. The current collective bargaining agreement outlines the generous benefits offered to Carson City employees:
Human Resources determines whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications for the job based on your experience as you describe it on your application. Do not substitute a resume for your application, or write "See Attached Resume" on your application. We do not review resumes, unless specifically stated on the job announcement. Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education and Work Experience" section of the application. Applicants not meeting these requirements will not be considered for employment.
Examples of Duties
This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.
  • Oversees inmates and personally participates in the preparation, cooking and portioning of meals.
  • Prepares a full range of meals, including special diets.
  • Directs the portioning of food for distribution to the inmate population.
  • Ensures that food preparation equipment, cooking and serving utensils, kitchen work areas and the dining area are orderly, clean and sanitary.
  • Uses, cleans, adjusts and performs minor maintenance to a variety of large institutional cooking equipment.
  • Stores leftover food appropriately, inventories and maintains stocks of food and supplies.
  • Receives food and supplies, unpacks and stores in the appropriate location.
  • Directs inmates in the techniques of food preparation, cooking and portioning, safe work procedures, and the use and minor maintenance of institutional cooking equipment.
  • Maintains records of food and supplies used, meals served, etc.; prepares periodic and special reports.
  • Monitors and maintains the security of facilities and equipment.
  • Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.
  • Uses standard office equipment, including a computer, in the course of the work.
  • Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public, inmates and City staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

Typical Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and Experience:
Equivalent to a High School Diploma or GED AND two (2) years of experience in large-scale institutional food preparation and volume cooking; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
  • Carson City Health Department Food Service Handling Certificate.

Required Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of:
  • Principles, methods and equipment used in high volume meal preparation in an institutional setting.
  • Safe work practices and sanitation related to food preparation and service.
  • Basic detention security procedures and techniques.
  • Basic business arithmetic.
  • Inventory and record keeping principles and practices.
  • Office administrative practices and procedures.
  • Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  • Techniques for techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Skill in:
  • Overseeing and preparing meals in a large scale, institutional setting.
  • Maintaining custody and security of inmates.
  • Cleaning and performing minor maintenance to large institutional food preparation and cooking equipment.
  • Maintaining accurate records and preparing work related reports.
  • Directing others in work procedures.
  • Making accurate arithmetic calculations.
  • Reading, understanding and following recipes and oral and written directions.
  • Maintaining security of facilities and equipment
  • Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
  • Establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with staff, coworkers, contractors and the public.

Supplemental Information
  1. All new employees will serve a probationary period of twelve (12) months. Such employees are not subject to the collective bargaining agreement and may be laid off or discharged during this period for any reason, or no reason.
  1. Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
  1. Any City employee may be required to stay at or return to work during emergencies to perform duties specific to this classification or to perform other duties as requested in an assigned response position. This may require working a non-traditional work schedule or working outside normal assigned duties during the incident and/or emergency.
  1. Employees may be required to complete Incident Command System training as a condition of continuing employment.
  1. New employees are required to submit to a fingerprint based background investigation and a drug screen which costs $36.50. Employment is contingent upon passing the background and the drug screen.
  1. Carson City participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered employment with Carson City must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment. Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 775.887.2103 or go to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at .
  1. Carson City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Following is an overview of the benefit package offered to employees in this job classification.
• No Nevada state income tax
• Nevada Public Employees Retirement System contributions based on employee election
• No Social Security
• Medicare deduction of 1.45%
• Eleven paid holidays
• Annual leave
• Sick leave
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Worker's Compensation
• Employee assistance plan
• Deferred Compensation (457b) plans available
• Voluntary additional insurance plans available
• Flexible spending (IRS 125) plans available
For additional information, please contact Human Resources at (775) 887-2103.

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