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Institutional Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summit Hospital

Cook

Frisco, CO · On-site

$18.50 - $28.46/hr

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

Summit Hospital

Cook

Frisco, CO · On-site

$18.50 - $28.46/hr

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

Summit Hospital

Cook

Frisco, CO · On-site

$18.50 - $28.46/hr

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

Southwest LTC

Cook

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/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

Oklahoma City, OK

$11.75 - $15.75/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 ...

Blackstone Consulting Inc.

CNL Lead Cook

New London, CT

$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 ...

CVRMC

Cook I

Globe, AZ · On-site

$17.98/hr

One year minimum institutional cooking required.Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively ...

Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center

Cook I

Globe, AZ

$15.25 - $19/hr

One year minimum institutional cooking required. * Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos. * Ability to write simple correspondence. * Ability to ...

CVRMC

Cook I

Globe, AZ · On-site

$17.98/hr

One year minimum institutional cooking required. * Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos. * Ability to write simple correspondence. * Ability to ...

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 ...

Beach Garden Rehab & Nursing Center

Cook

Queens, NY · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Some experience in institutional cooking. * Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation and hygienic methods. * Follow verbal and written instructions. * Sincere desire to work with elders and others ...

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 ...

Hurley Medical Center

Senior Cook

Flint, MI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Six (6) months of experience cooking a variety of foods in a large commercial or institutional cooking setting or completion of an approved culinary arts education program. * Working knowledge of the ...

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Institutional Cook information

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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

Summit Hospital

Frisco, CO • On-site

$18.50 - $28.46/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Cook, you will prepare high-quality food for patients, staff, and visitors, meticulously following safe cooking techniques and complying with all state and federal regulations for healthcare environments.
Every day you will prepare and serve food according to menu and dietary requirements, modifying for allergies, and using various kitchen equipment. You will adhere to healthcare foodservice standards, monitor food temperatures, prevent cross-contamination, maintain food labeling and storage, and perform washing/cleaning duties to ensure sanitation.
To be successful in this role, you will possess proven cooking skills, a strong understanding of therapeutic diets and food allergies, meticulous attention to safety and sanitation (including temperature control), and the ability to work efficiently within a healthcare foodservice environment.

  • Cooks all foods according to the standardized recipes.
  • Ensures that all food prepared meets existing standards for quality, freshness, taste, and appearance, maintaining quality product freshness as assured by proper label dating and rotation.
  • Prepares food items according to patientspecific restrictions and established schedules.
  • Demonstrates the ability to operate commercial food preparation equipment.
  • Practices proper portion control on a consistent basis.
  • Follows proper food handling procedures by checking for appropriate food temperatures.
Job Requirements

Required

  • One year of previous restaurant or institutional cooking experience

Preferred

  • High School Diploma/G.E.D.
  • Food Service Safe Certification
  • Strong communication skills; ability to read, write and speak English
  • Culinary training
  • Experience in hospital food service setting
Where You'll Work

St. Anthony Summit Hospital is a Level III trauma center serviced by Flight For Life Colorado. We are nationally recognized as a multiple-time recipient of the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award for Patient Experience, and we were named a Top 100 Hospital in the U.S. by IBM Watson Health in 2018. We also are a Pathway to Excellence-designated hospital, recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as being one of the best hospitals for nurses to work. We provide a full range of medical specialties and health care services to Summit County and the surrounding region, including surgical, emergency/trauma, critical care, birth center, orthopedics, breast care, digital mammography, breast MRI, radiology and imaging, infusion therapy, nuclear medicine, cardiology, oncology, Summit Sleep Disorders Center, Ear Nose and Throat (ENT), gastroenterology and Total Joint Replacement. We proudly provide convenient care where you live, work and play - that's why visitors and residents alike can count on us for emergent and urgent medical services. In addition to 24/7, Level III emergency care at St. Anthony-Summit Hospital in Frisco, we have three emergency mountain clinics at the base of the Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and Keystone resorts, as well as urgent care and primary care available from CMG High Country Healthcare clinics in Frisco, Breckenridge and Silverthorne.

Qualifications:

Required

  • One year of previous restaurant or institutional cooking experience

Preferred

  • High School Diploma/G.E.D.
  • Food Service Safe Certification
  • Strong communication skills; ability to read, write and speak English
  • Culinary training
  • Experience in hospital food service setting
Employment Type: PRN

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