Lead Cook
Dallas, TX · On-site
$20/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for quality of food ingredients used, preparation methods personally used as well as those used while supervising line cook staff and prepares base items needed in ...
New
Quick apply
Lead Cook
Dallas, TX · On-site
$20/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for quality of food ingredients used, preparation methods personally used as well as those used while supervising line cook staff and prepares base items needed in ...
New
Lead Cook
San Jose, CA · On-site
$27 - $29/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for quality of food ingredients used, preparation methods personally used as well as those used while supervising line cook staff and prepares base items needed in ...
Quick apply
Lead Cook
San Jose, CA · On-site
$27 - $29/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for quality of food ingredients used, preparation methods personally used as well as those used while supervising line cook staff and prepares base items needed in ...
Lead Cook
Steele, ND · On-site
$15.75 - $20.25/hr
Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta seeks a Lead Cook to oversee daily kitchen operations in our faith-based, mission-driven healthcare setting. The Lead Cook prepares and supervises high-quality ...
Lead Cook
Steele, ND · On-site
$15.75 - $20.25/hr
Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta seeks a Lead Cook to oversee daily kitchen operations in our faith-based, mission-driven healthcare setting. The Lead Cook prepares and supervises high-quality ...
Lead Cook
Bismarck, ND · On-site
$15.75 - $20.25/hr
Lead Cook - Food & Beverage Operations at Good Samaritan Health Center. The Lead Cook oversees daily kitchen operations to provide safe, tasty, and nutritious meals for patients, staff, and visitors ...
Lead Cook
Bismarck, ND · On-site
$15.75 - $20.25/hr
Lead Cook - Food & Beverage Operations at Good Samaritan Health Center. The Lead Cook oversees daily kitchen operations to provide safe, tasty, and nutritious meals for patients, staff, and visitors ...
Lead Cook
Mercer, ND · On-site
$15 - $19.25/hr
Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta seeks a Lead Cook to oversee daily Food & Beverage Operations in our faith-based, mission-driven healthcare setting. The Lead Cook plans and prepares ...
Lead Cook
Mercer, ND · On-site
$15 - $19.25/hr
Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta seeks a Lead Cook to oversee daily Food & Beverage Operations in our faith-based, mission-driven healthcare setting. The Lead Cook plans and prepares ...
Lead Cook
Beulah, ND · On-site
$14.75 - $18.75/hr
Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta seeks a Lead Cook to oversee daily Food & Beverage Operations in our faith-based, mission-driven healthcare setting. The Lead Cook plans and prepares ...
Lead Cook
Beulah, ND · On-site
$14.75 - $18.75/hr
Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta seeks a Lead Cook to oversee daily Food & Beverage Operations in our faith-based, mission-driven healthcare setting. The Lead Cook plans and prepares ...
Lead Cook
Mercer, ND · On-site
$15 - $19.25/hr
Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta seeks a Lead Cook to oversee daily Food & Beverage Operations in our faith-based, mission-driven healthcare setting. The Lead Cook plans and prepares ...
Lead Cook
Mercer, ND · On-site
$15 - $19.25/hr
Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta seeks a Lead Cook to oversee daily Food & Beverage Operations in our faith-based, mission-driven healthcare setting. The Lead Cook plans and prepares ...
Lead Cook
Steele, ND · On-site
$15.75 - $20.25/hr
Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta seeks a Lead Cook to oversee daily kitchen operations in our faith-based, mission-driven healthcare setting. The Lead Cook prepares and supervises high-quality ...
Lead Cook
Steele, ND · On-site
$15.75 - $20.25/hr
Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta seeks a Lead Cook to oversee daily kitchen operations in our faith-based, mission-driven healthcare setting. The Lead Cook prepares and supervises high-quality ...
Lead Cook
Benson, NC · On-site
$14 - $18/hr
Lead Cook Location: [McGee's] Department: Kitchen Reports to: Head Chef Position Type: Full-time Job Summary: We are seeking a talented and experienced Lead Cook to join our culinary team. The ideal ...
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Lead Cook
Benson, NC · On-site
$14 - $18/hr
Lead Cook Location: [McGee's] Department: Kitchen Reports to: Head Chef Position Type: Full-time Job Summary: We are seeking a talented and experienced Lead Cook to join our culinary team. The ideal ...
Lead cook
$14 - $18/hr
Lead Cook Location: [Insert Location] Department: Kitchen Reports to: Head Chef/ Position Type: Full-time Job Summary: We are seeking a talented and experienced Lead Cook to join our culinary team.
Lead cook
$14 - $18/hr
Lead Cook Location: [Insert Location] Department: Kitchen Reports to: Head Chef/ Position Type: Full-time Job Summary: We are seeking a talented and experienced Lead Cook to join our culinary team.
Lead Cook
Cheboygan, MI · On-site
$20/hr
Lead Cook (Part-Time) - Cheboygan 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 ...
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Lead Cook
Cheboygan, MI · On-site
$20/hr
Lead Cook (Part-Time) - Cheboygan 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 ...
Lead cook
$14 - $18/hr
Lead Cook Location: [Insert Location] Department: Kitchen Reports to: Head Chef/ Position Type: Full-time Job Summary: We are seeking a talented and experienced Lead Cook to join our culinary team.
Lead cook
$14 - $18/hr
Lead Cook Location: [Insert Location] Department: Kitchen Reports to: Head Chef/ Position Type: Full-time Job Summary: We are seeking a talented and experienced Lead Cook to join our culinary team.
Lead Cook
$20/hr
Lead Cook (Part-Time) - Cheboygan 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 ...
Quick apply
Lead Cook
$20/hr
Lead Cook (Part-Time) - Cheboygan 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 ...
Lead Cook
Cheboygan, MI · On-site
$20/hr
Lead Cook (Part-Time) - Cheboygan 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 ...
Lead Cook
Cheboygan, MI · On-site
$20/hr
Lead Cook (Part-Time) - Cheboygan 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 ...
Lead Cook
Washburn, ND · On-site
$15 - $19.25/hr
Good Samaritan Health Center seeks a Lead Cook to oversee daily food production for patients, staff, and volunteers in our mission-driven healthcare setting. This role manages menu execution, large ...
Lead Cook
Washburn, ND · On-site
$15 - $19.25/hr
Good Samaritan Health Center seeks a Lead Cook to oversee daily food production for patients, staff, and volunteers in our mission-driven healthcare setting. This role manages menu execution, large ...
Lead Cook
Cheboygan, MI · On-site
$20/hr
Lead Cook (Part-Time) - Cheboygan 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 ...
Lead Cook
Cheboygan, MI · On-site
$20/hr
Lead Cook (Part-Time) - Cheboygan 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 ...
Lead Cook
Wilton, ND · On-site
$15.75 - $20/hr
Good Samaritan Health Center seeks a Lead Cook to oversee daily food production in our faith-based, community-focused healthcare setting. The Lead Cook manages menu execution, batch cooking, and ...
Lead Cook
Wilton, ND · On-site
$15.75 - $20/hr
Good Samaritan Health Center seeks a Lead Cook to oversee daily food production in our faith-based, community-focused healthcare setting. The Lead Cook manages menu execution, batch cooking, and ...
Lead Cook information
See salary details
$11.06 - $12.37
1% of jobs
$12.37 - $13.68
2% of jobs
$13.68 - $14.99
7% of jobs
$14.99 - $16.30
9% of jobs
$16.69 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.30 - $17.61
17% of jobs
The median wage is $18.71 / hr.
$17.61 - $18.92
16% of jobs
$18.92 - $20.24
18% of jobs
$20.79 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$20.24 - $21.55
11% of jobs
$21.55 - $22.86
9% of jobs
$22.86 - $24.17
6% of jobs
$24.17 - $25.48
3% of jobs
$11
$19
$25
How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead cook in the United States is $19.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What does a lead cook do?
A lead cook oversees kitchen operations, supervises kitchen staff, ensures food quality and safety standards are met, and assists with meal preparation. They often coordinate with management, manage inventory, and ensure timely service in a fast-paced environment.
What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?
Lead cooks typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs. Top chefs in high-end restaurants or culinary entrepreneurs may reach high six-figure incomes, but reaching half a million dollars annually is uncommon for standard cooking positions. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, ownership, or additional business ventures.
What Is a Lead Cook?
A lead cook is the head of the kitchen who oversees restaurant operations and the other cooks. As a lead cook, you work closely with restaurant managers, cooks, and front of house staff to coordinate food preparation and ensure the operations of the dining facility are running smoothly. Depending on the work environment, you may create menu dishes, order food supplies and equipment, review food and beverage purchases, and train other cooks. You typically need to gain several years of experience working as a line cook before beginning a career as a lead cook. Educational requirements vary, but professional training through vocational programs, culinary institutes, and degree programs may offer a competitive edge. Additional qualifications include excellent knowledge of cuisine, communication and organizational skills, and the ability to lead and manage others.
What is the lead cook called?
The lead cook is often called the head cook, executive cook, or kitchen supervisor. They are responsible for managing kitchen staff, overseeing food preparation, and ensuring quality standards. This role typically requires culinary skills, leadership ability, and experience in a professional kitchen.
What is the highest paying job for a cook?
The highest paying roles for cooks typically include executive chef, head chef, or culinary director, especially in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private clubs. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary certifications, and they can offer salaries significantly higher than standard line cook or prep cook roles.
What are lead cooks?
Lead cooks are experienced culinary professionals who oversee kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They are responsible for preparing meals, supervising kitchen staff, ensuring food quality and safety, and coordinating the workflow during meal service. Lead cooks often assist in menu planning, inventory management, and training new employees. Their leadership helps maintain a smooth, efficient kitchen and consistent food standards.
How does a Lead Cook typically collaborate with kitchen staff and management to ensure smooth kitchen operations?
A Lead Cook plays a central role in coordinating kitchen activities by communicating clearly with line cooks, prep staff, and servers to ensure that dishes are prepared correctly and timely. They work closely with management to implement menu changes, manage inventory, and uphold food safety standards. Effective collaboration involves training team members, delegating tasks based on skill level, and addressing any issues that arise during service. This teamwork not only keeps the kitchen running efficiently but also fosters a positive work environment.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Cook, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Lead Cook, you need strong culinary skills, experience with food preparation, kitchen management, and often a culinary degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety systems, and inventory management software is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and the ability to work under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and a positive team environment in fast-paced settings.
What is the difference between Lead Cook vs Line Cook?
| Aspect | Lead Cook | Line Cook |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; culinary certifications | High school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferred |
| Work Environment | Kitchen leadership, supervising staff, managing kitchen operations | Preparing dishes on the line, following recipes, working under supervision |
| Responsibilities | Oversees kitchen staff, ensures quality, manages inventory | Prepares specific dishes, maintains station, follows head chef instructions |
The main difference between a Lead Cook and a Line Cook is that the Lead Cook has supervisory responsibilities and oversees kitchen operations, while the Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes at their station. Lead Cooks often have more experience and may be responsible for training staff, whereas Line Cooks execute specific tasks within the kitchen. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Lead Cook's role includes leadership and management duties.
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Job description
- Knows Basic food preparation techniques, including receiving, storage, preparation, and holding of food items and utilization of leftovers.
- Demonstrates familiarity with dietary restrictions and modified diets.
- Prepares cooks and utility aides schedule in the absence of the lead cook.
- Completes cooks and utility aides' performance appraisals and competencies in the absence of the lead cook.
- Demonstrates working knowledge of food service sanitation; uses accepted techniques in handling, preparation, and service of food items to patients, employees and guests.
- Performs sanitation inspections of the foodservice department.
- Maintains and demonstrates knowledge of Food Service department policies and procedures.
- Assists the lead cook in the supervision of cooks in order to ensure proper production.
- Informs cooks of recipe or procedure changes.
- Demonstrates the ability to perform simple calculations and to adjust standardized recipes.
- Consistently follows standardized recipes accurately.
- Consults with lead cook, supervisor, or dietitian on matters of preparation/production uncertainty.
About Larkin Community Hospital
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
At Larkin, we have been serving the health care needs of South Miami, Hialeah, and the surrounding communities for more than 40 years. We take pride in the continuing tradition of caring. We remain dedicated to providing excellent medical care with the personal touch and convenience that only a community hospital offers.
Industry
Health care and social assistance
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
South Miami, FL, US
Year founded
1969