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Institutional Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blackstone Consulting, Inc.

CNL Lead Cook

New London, CT · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Two to four years of experience in food service or institutional cooking. * Prior lead cook or supervisory kitchen experience preferred. * Knowledge of large-scale food production, recipes, and ...

Blackstone Consulting Inc.

CNL Lead Cook

New London, CT · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Two to four years of experience in food service or institutional cooking. * Prior lead cook or supervisory kitchen experience preferred. * Knowledge of large-scale food production, recipes, and ...

Garnet Health

Cook

Harris, NY · On-site

$19.80 - $20.40/hr

One (1) year institutional food production and cooking or equivalent preferred. On the job training for motivated committed candidate. Required Certification/Registration: Serv Safe Certification ...

Continental Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: • Some experience in institutional cooking. • Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation and hygienic methods. • Follow verbal and written instructions. • Sincere ...

Beach Garden Rehab & Nursing Center

Cook

Queens, NY

$19 - $24/hr

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: • Some experience in institutional cooking. • Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation and hygienic methods. • Follow verbal and written instructions. • Sincere ...

Southwest LTC

FT Cook

Oklahoma City, OK

$13 - $17.50/hr

Previous experience in institutional cooking, healthcare, or food service preferred but not required. * Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, and kitchen safety practices. * Ability to follow ...

Southwest LTC

Cook - Part Time

Tuttle, OK · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Previous experience in institutional cooking, healthcare, or food service preferred but not required. * Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, and kitchen safety practices. * Ability to follow ...

Beach Garden Rehab & Nursing Center

Cook

New York, NY

$19 - $24/hr

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: • Some experience in institutional cooking. • Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation and hygienic methods. • Follow verbal and written instructions. • Sincere ...

The Waters of Martinsville

Cook

Martinsville, IN

$12.75 - $17/hr

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: • Some experience in institutional cooking. • Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation and hygienic methods. • Follow verbal and written instructions. • Sincere ...

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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 Jul 11, 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 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, and why are they important?

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 institutional cooks?

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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

Line Cook - SUNY Cortland - $15.50

Auxiliary Service of SUNY Cortland

Cortland, NY • On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Description

About ASC & Cortland

Auxiliary Services Corporation of SUNY Cortland (ASC) has a long history of serving students on campus since 1952. ASC is one of the largest employers in Cortland County.

Most hourly, food service positions follow the college school year. During semester breaks, employees can apply for Unemployment Insurance or use paid vacation time.

ASC has an excellent benefit package including generous pension, health, dental and vision insurance, free meals, Paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

A full job description and a benefit listing are available when you apply on online at www.Cortlandasc.com

ASC of SUNY Cortland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


Job Description

Auxiliary Services of SUNY Cortland

looking for an experienced, line cook to provide large-scale production according to nutritional and tested recipes for an all-you-care-to-eat dining unit. Use state-of-the-art equipment to prepare cuisine to fuel athletes at the ultra-modern fitness center This position will learn from the Executive Chef on staff.

This position may provide direction to other kitchen staff to ensure compliance with all kitchen procedures for safe food preparation, handling, and storage.

Qualification: High-school diploma and three years of professional institutional cooking experience. ServSafe Certification preferred or training and testing to obtain within one year will be provided.

Apply online at

http://bit.do/ASC-apply 

ASC of SUNY Cortland is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualifications

Qualification: High-school diploma and three years of professional institutional cooking experience. ServSafe Certification preferred or training and testing to obtain within one year will be provided.

Additional Information

Apply online at

cortlandasc.com

Apply