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Jail Cook Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Lead Cook

Indian River, MI · On-site

$21/hr

Lead Cook (Dual Full-Time) - Cheboygan County Jail/ Emmet County Jail Are you an experienced cook looking for a rewarding opportunity in a structured and professional environment? Tigg's Canteen ...

Lead Cook

Indian River, MI · On-site

$21/hr

Lead Cook (Dual Full-Time) - Cheboygan County Jail/ Emmet County Jail Are you an experienced cook looking for a rewarding opportunity in a structured and professional environment? Tigg's Canteen ...

Lead Cook

Beulah, MI · On-site

$20/hr

Benzie County Jail - Beulah, MI Leelanau County Jail - Benzie, MI???? Pay: $20.00 per hour ... If you enjoy cooking, leading others, and working as part of a team, this could be the opportunity ...

Lead Cook

Indian River, MI · On-site

$21/hr

Lead Cook (Dual Full-Time) - Cheboygan County Jail/ Emmet County JailAre you an experienced cook looking for a rewarding opportunity in a structured and professional environment? Tigg's Canteen ...

Lead Cook (Dual Full-Time) - Cheboygan County Jail/ Emmet County JailAre you an experienced cook looking for a rewarding opportunity in a structured and professional environment? Tigg's Canteen ...

Lead Cook

Beulah, MI · On-site

$20/hr

Benzie County Jail - Beulah, MI Leelanau County Jail - Benzie, MI Pay: $20.00 per hour Position ... If you enjoy cooking, leading others, and working as part of a team, this could be the opportunity ...

Calhoun County Jail/ Battle Creek MichiganTigg's Canteen Services is currently seeking a dedicated and reliable Full-Time Lead Cook to join our food service team at the Calhoun County Jail in Battle ...

Lead Cook

Charlotte, MI · On-site

$21/hr

Calhoun County Jail/ Battle Creek MichiganTigg's Canteen Services is currently seeking a dedicated and reliable Full-Time Lead Cook to join our food service team at the Calhoun County Jail in Battle ...

Lead Cook

Charlotte, MI · On-site

$21/hr

Calhoun County Jail/ Battle Creek Michigan Tigg's Canteen Services is currently seeking a dedicated and reliable Full-Time Lead Cook to join our food service team at the Calhoun County Jail in Battle ...

Lead Cook

Charlotte, MI · On-site

$21/hr

Calhoun County Jail/ Battle Creek Michigan Tigg's Canteen Services is currently seeking a dedicated and reliable Full-Time Lead Cook to join our food service team at the Calhoun County Jail in Battle ...

Lead Cook

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$25/hr

Temporary Full-Time Lead Cook Washtenaw County Jail - Ann Arbor, MI Join the Tigg's Canteen Services Team! Are you a dependable, motivated individual who takes pride in providing quality meals and ...

Lead Cook

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$25/hr

Temporary Full-Time Lead Cook Washtenaw County Jail - Ann Arbor, MI Join the Tigg's Canteen Services Team! Are you a dependable, motivated individual who takes pride in providing quality meals and ...

Lead Cook

West Olive, MI · On-site

$22/hr

Ottawa County Jail - West Olive, MI Position: Full-Time Permanent Lead Cook Starting Pay: $22.00 per hour Schedule: Varying days and hours, generally 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Are You Ready to Lead? Tigg ...

New

Lead Cook

West Olive, MI · On-site

$22/hr

Ottawa County Jail - West Olive, MI Position: Full-Time Permanent Lead Cook Starting Pay: $22.00 per hour Schedule: Varying days and hours, generally 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Are You Ready to Lead? Tigg ...

Berrien County Jail | St. Joseph, MichiganReady for Your Next Leadership Opportunity in Food ... We are looking for a Permanent Full-Time Lead Cook to join our team at the Berrien County Jail in ...

Berrien County Jail | St. Joseph, MichiganReady for Your Next Leadership Opportunity in Food ... We are looking for a Permanent Full-Time Lead Cook to join our team at the Berrien County Jail in ...

Lead Cook

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$18/hr

Muskegon Juvenile County Jail - Muskegon, MI Position: Permanent Part-Time Lead Cook Starting Pay: $18.00 per hour Schedule: Varying days and hours, generally 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM ARE YOU READY TO LEAD?

New

Lead Cook

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$18/hr

Muskegon Juvenile County Jail - Muskegon, MI Position: Permanent Part-Time Lead Cook Starting Pay: $18.00 per hour Schedule: Varying days and hours, generally 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM ★ ARE YOU READY TO ...

Lead Cook

Saint Joseph, MI · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Berrien County Jail | St. Joseph, MichiganReady for Your Next Leadership Opportunity in Food ... We are looking for a Permanent Full-Time Lead Cook to join our team at the Berrien County Jail in ...

Lead Cook

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$25/hr

Temporary Full-Time Lead CookWashtenaw County Jail - Ann Arbor, MIJoin the Tigg's Canteen Services ... As a Lead Cook, you will play an important role in the daily operation of the kitchen. You will ...

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Showing results 1-20

Jail Cook information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$13

$19

How much do jail cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for jail cook in Michigan is $13.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $15.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jail cook?

Jail Cooks are food service workers responsible for preparing and serving meals to inmates in correctional facilities. They follow strict guidelines to ensure food safety and meet nutritional requirements while working under supervision. Jail Cooks may also be responsible for maintaining kitchen cleanliness, managing inventory, and sometimes supervising inmate kitchen helpers. Their work is essential to the daily operations of jails and prisons. The role requires attention to detail, the ability to follow rules, and a commitment to safety and security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a jail cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Jail Cook, you need experience in large-scale food preparation, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food handler certifications are typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure help someone excel in this role. These skills ensure meals are prepared safely, efficiently, and in compliance with institutional regulations, supporting the health and well-being of inmates.

What are some common challenges faced by jail cooks and how can they be managed?

Jail cooks often work in fast-paced environments where they must prepare large quantities of food on a strict schedule while adhering to safety and security protocols. Managing limited resources and accommodating dietary restrictions—such as religious or medical needs—are common challenges. Effective communication with correctional officers and adherence to sanitation standards are crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient kitchen. Learning to adapt recipes and stay organized can help manage these challenges and ensure meal service runs smoothly.

What is the difference between Jail Cook vs Food Service Worker in correctional facilities?

AspectJail CookFood Service Worker in correctional facilities
CertificationsFood safety certification often requiredFood safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facility kitchens, secure environmentCorrectional facility kitchens, secure environment
Employer & IndustryJails, prisons, detention centersJails, prisons, detention centers
Job DutiesPreparing meals, following menus, maintaining hygienePreparing meals, assisting with food service, maintaining hygiene

Both Jail Cooks and Food Service Workers in correctional facilities work in secure environments preparing and serving food. Jail Cooks typically have more responsibility for meal planning and cooking, while Food Service Workers assist with food distribution and support kitchen operations. Both roles require food safety certifications and are essential in correctional food services.

What are popular job titles related to Jail Cook jobs in Michigan?

For Jail Cook jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Jail Cook jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Jail Cook jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Jail Cook jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Jail Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Jail Cook job openings in Michigan as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,059 per year, or $14 per hour.

Lead Cook

Indian River, MI • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Lead Cook (Dual Full-Time) - Cheboygan County Jail/ Emmet County Jail

Are you an experienced cook looking for a rewarding opportunity in a structured and professional environment? Tigg's Canteen Services is seeking a Permanent Dual Full-Time Lead Cook to join our team at the Cheboygan County Jail /Emmet County Jail in Cheboygan and Petosky Michigan.

What We Offer
  • Starting pay of $21.00 per hour
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Stable, long-term employment
  • On-the-job training and support
Position Responsibilities

As a Lead Cook, you will:

  • Prepare and serve meals according to company recipes and standards
  • Assist with food preparation, baking, cooking while overseeing inmates.
  • Lead and support kitchen operations during assigned shifts
  • Train, instruct, and assist team members as needed
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment
  • Follow all facility and food safety regulations
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Ability to work effectively in a structured correctional setting
  • Ability to read and follow recipes and production guidelines
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Schedule Requirements
  • Availability to work weekends and holidays
  • Flexibility to work varying shifts between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM
  • Ability to obtain facility clearance and approval
Experience

Cooking in an institutional kitchen, or cooking experience is preferred but not required. We are willing to train motivated individuals who are eager to learn and grow with our company.

Ready to Apply?

Visit our website to learn more about Tigg's Canteen Services and explore career opportunities. Click on "Jobs" and follow the application instructions to get started.

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!


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