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Jail Cook Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Lead Cook

Manistee, MI · On-site

$20/hr

Tigg's Canteen Services is looking to hire Full or Part time Permanent Lead Cook for Manistee and Mason County Jail's in Manistee/Ludington MI. We offer a competitive wage and benefit package ...

Tigg's Canteen Services is looking to hire a Permanent Part-Time Lead Cook for Gratiot County Jail in Ithaca MI . We offer a competitive wage and benefit package including: * Pay starting at $18.00 ...

Lead Cook

Manistee, MI · On-site

$20/hr

Tigg's Canteen Services is looking to hire Full or Part time Permanent Lead Cook for Manistee and Mason County Jail's in Manistee/Ludington MI.We offer a competitive wage and benefit package ...

Lead Cook

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$17/hr

Tigg's Canteen Services is looking to hire a Permanent Full-Time Lead Cook for Saginaw County Jail in Saginaw MI.We offer a competitive wage and benefit package including:Pay starting at $17.00 an ...

Tigg's Canteen Services is looking to hire a Permanent Full-Time Lead Cook for Saginaw County Jail in Saginaw MI.We offer a competitive wage and benefit package including:Pay starting at $17.00 an ...

Tigg's Canteen Services is looking to hire a Permanent Full-Time Lead Cook for Saginaw County Jail in Saginaw MI . We offer a competitive wage and benefit package including: * Pay starting at $17.00 ...

Lead Cook

Marquette, MI · On-site

$22/hr

Tigg's Canteen Services is looking to hire a Permanent Full-Time Lead Cook for Marquette County Jail in Marquette MI . We offer a competitive wage and benefit package including: * Pay starting at $22 ...

Lead Cook

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$17/hr

Tigg's Canteen Services is looking to hire a Permanent Full-Time Lead Cook for Saginaw County Jail in Saginaw MI . We offer a competitive wage and benefit package including: * Pay starting at $17.00 ...

Lead Cook

Manistee, MI · On-site

$20/hr

Tigg's Canteen Services is looking to hire Full or Part time Permanent Lead Cook for Manistee and Mason County Jail's in Manistee/Ludington MI. We offer a competitive wage and benefit package ...

Lead Cook

Grayling, MI · On-site

$19/hr

Tigg's Canteen Services is looking to hire a Permanent Part-Time Lead Cook for Crawford County Jail in Grayling MI . We offer a competitive wage and benefit package including: * Pay starting at $19 ...

Lead Cook

Ithaca, MI · On-site

$18/hr

Tigg's Canteen Services is looking to hire a Permanent Part-Time Lead Cook for Gratiot County Jail in Ithaca MI.We offer a competitive wage and benefit package including:Pay starting at $18.00 an ...

Tigg's Canteen Services is looking to hire a Permanent Full-Time Lead Cook for Jackson County Jail in Jackson MI . We offer a competitive wage and benefit package including: * Pay starting at $21.00 ...

Lead Cook

Ithaca, MI · On-site

$18/hr

Tigg's Canteen Services is looking to hire a Permanent Part-Time Lead Cook for Gratiot County Jail in Ithaca MI . We offer a competitive wage and benefit package including: * Pay starting at $18.00 ...

Kitchen Manager

Caro, MI · On-site

$19/hr

... for Tuscola County Jail in Caro Michigan . We offer a competitive wage and benefit package ... baking, cooking, and clean-up. Requirements include: * High school diploma or equivalent

Showing results 41-57

Jail Cook information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$13

$19

How much do jail cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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 August 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.

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Looking for a Leadership position in Food Service?

Do you have integrity, a positive can-do attitude, a strong character and able to work in a structured environment?

Tigg's Canteen Services is looking to hire Full or Part time Permanent Lead Cook for Manistee and Mason County Jail's in Manistee/Ludington MI.

We offer a competitive wage and benefit package including:

  • Pay starting at $20.00 an hour for this location.
  • Medical (Full-Time)
  • Dental (Full-Time)
  • Vision (Full-Time)
  • 401K
  • Paid Time Off

Qualifications include:

  • Ability to work well in a structured correctional environment.
  • Ability to read and follow company recipes.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to lead, instruct, and assist with meal preparations including food preparation, baking, cooking, and clean-up.

Requirements include:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Flexibility to work weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.
  • Flexibility to work varying shifts - days and hours. (10am-6pm)
  • Clearance approval into the facility

Previous food service or kitchen experience would be a plus, but we can train the right person!

Ready To Join Our Team?

Visit our website at www.canteenservices.com to learn more about Tigg's Canteen Services; click on 'jobs' then follow the link and instructions to apply OR send your resume' to recruiter@canteenservices.com