Lead Cook - Lilly Catering
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Lilly Catering
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Lilly Catering
Indianapolis, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Lilly Catering
Indianapolis, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
LEAD COOK- 19 STEAKHOUSE
Florence, IN · On-site
$15.75 - $20.25/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for providing superior service to both the internal and external customer by following all required standards, and for assisting the Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine ...
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LEAD COOK- 19 STEAKHOUSE
Florence, IN · On-site
$15.75 - $20.25/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for providing superior service to both the internal and external customer by following all required standards, and for assisting the Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine ...
Apply Early
LEAD COOK- 19 STEAKHOUSE
$15.75 - $20.25/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for providing superior service to both the internal and external customer by following all required standards, and for assisting the Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine ...
LEAD COOK- 19 STEAKHOUSE
$15.75 - $20.25/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for providing superior service to both the internal and external customer by following all required standards, and for assisting the Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine ...
LEAD COOK- 19 STEAKHOUSE
Florence, IN · On-site
$15.75 - $20.25/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for providing superior service to both the internal and external customer by following all required standards, and for assisting the Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine ...
LEAD COOK- 19 STEAKHOUSE
Florence, IN · On-site
$15.75 - $20.25/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for providing superior service to both the internal and external customer by following all required standards, and for assisting the Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine ...
Group Lead-Cook
Henryville, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21.25/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for assisting and cooking for the Corporate Office. Executes the menus and food preparation in the kitchen. Creates a great experience for employees and guests. Assists ...
Group Lead-Cook
Henryville, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21.25/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for assisting and cooking for the Corporate Office. Executes the menus and food preparation in the kitchen. Creates a great experience for employees and guests. Assists ...
Lead Cook - Labcorp Drug Development
Indianapolis, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Labcorp Drug Development
Indianapolis, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Labcorp Drug Development
Indianapolis, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Labcorp Drug Development
Indianapolis, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Group Lead-Cook
Morristown, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21.25/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for assisting and cooking for the Corporate Office. Executes the menus and food preparation in the kitchen. Creates a great experience for employees and guests. Assists ...
Group Lead-Cook
Morristown, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21.25/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for assisting and cooking for the Corporate Office. Executes the menus and food preparation in the kitchen. Creates a great experience for employees and guests. Assists ...
Lead Cook - Labcorp Drug Development
Indianapolis, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Labcorp Drug Development
Indianapolis, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Allen County Catering
Fort Wayne, IN · On-site
$17 - $21.75/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Allen County Catering
Fort Wayne, IN · On-site
$17 - $21.75/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Allen County Catering
Fort Wayne, IN · On-site
$17 - $21.75/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Allen County Catering
Fort Wayne, IN · On-site
$17 - $21.75/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Allen County Catering
Fort Wayne, IN · On-site
$17 - $21.75/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Allen County Catering
Fort Wayne, IN · On-site
$17 - $21.75/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Group Lead-Cook
Morristown, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21.25/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for assisting and cooking for the Corporate Office. Executes the menus and food preparation in the kitchen. Creates a great experience for employees and guests. Assists ...
Group Lead-Cook
Morristown, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21.25/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for assisting and cooking for the Corporate Office. Executes the menus and food preparation in the kitchen. Creates a great experience for employees and guests. Assists ...
Lead Cook
$19 - $19.50/hr
Responsibilities: * Assists the Culinary Services Director with monthly staffing scheduling of employees * Attends required meetings as requested by the Executive Director and the Culinary Services ...
Lead Cook
$19 - $19.50/hr
Responsibilities: * Assists the Culinary Services Director with monthly staffing scheduling of employees * Attends required meetings as requested by the Executive Director and the Culinary Services ...
Cafe Lead Cook (OneMain) (IN, Evansville)
Evansville, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21/hr
Cafe Lead Cook (OneMain) (IN, Evansville) IN, Evansville About the Role Five Star Breaktime Solutions is a premier provider of away-from-home convenience services, committed to delivering innovative ...
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Cafe Lead Cook (OneMain) (IN, Evansville)
Evansville, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21/hr
Cafe Lead Cook (OneMain) (IN, Evansville) IN, Evansville About the Role Five Star Breaktime Solutions is a premier provider of away-from-home convenience services, committed to delivering innovative ...
New
Lead Cook - Lilly Garden South Cafe
Indianapolis, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Lilly Garden South Cafe
Indianapolis, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook
Fort Wayne, IN · On-site
$19 - $19.50/hr
Responsibilities: * Assists the Culinary Services Director with monthly staffing scheduling of employees * Attends required meetings as requested by the Executive Director and the Culinary Services ...
Lead Cook
Fort Wayne, IN · On-site
$19 - $19.50/hr
Responsibilities: * Assists the Culinary Services Director with monthly staffing scheduling of employees * Attends required meetings as requested by the Executive Director and the Culinary Services ...
Lead Cook - Lilly Tech South Satellites
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Lilly Tech South Satellites
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Lilly Garden South Cafe
Indianapolis, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook - Lilly Garden South Cafe
Indianapolis, IN · On-site
$16.50 - $21/hr
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...
Lead Cook information
See Indiana salary details
$10.52 - $11.77
1% of jobs
$11.77 - $13.02
2% of jobs
$13.02 - $14.27
7% of jobs
$14.27 - $15.51
9% of jobs
$15.88 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$15.51 - $16.76
17% of jobs
The median wage is $17.80 / hr.
$16.76 - $18.01
16% of jobs
$18.01 - $19.26
18% of jobs
$19.79 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$19.26 - $20.50
11% of jobs
$20.50 - $21.75
9% of jobs
$21.75 - $23
6% of jobs
$23 - $24.25
3% of jobs
$10
$18
$24
How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead cook in Indiana is $18.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $20.14 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.
More about Lead Cook jobs
What are popular job titles related to Lead Cook jobs in Indiana? For Lead Cook jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Cook jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Cook jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Cook jobs in IN? For Lead Cook jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Aramark rating
5.9
Based on 1,234 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
345th of 437 rated business services
Job description
Job Description
The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in this role should safely handle knives and equipment including grills, fryers, ovens, broilers, etc. The Lead Cook may supervise employees and delegate responsibilities. The responsibilities of the position may vary by location based on client requirements and business needs.
Job Responsibilities
- Schedules and assigns daily work activities to staff and supervises the completion of tasks.
- Trains and guides staff on job duties, standard food safety and sanitation procedures, cooking methods, etc.
- Cooks and prepares food following production guidelines and standardized recipes
- Sets up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment
- Prepares ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling food items
- Safely uses all food utensils including knives
- Operates equipment such as ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers, etc.
- Bakes, roasts, broils, steams, and uses a variety of cooking methods on meats, vegetables, and other foods
- Arranges, garnishes, and portions food following established guidelines
- Properly stores food by following food safety policies and procedures
- Cleans and sanitizes work areas, equipment, and utensils
- Maintains excellent customer service with a positive attitude towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc.
- Follows Aramark safety policies and procedures including food safety and sanitation
- Ensures security of company assets
- Produces and maintains work schedules and may prepare production records.
At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.
Qualifications
- Previous supervisor experience in a related role preferred
- Experience as a cook or related role required
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision required
- Proven knowledge of the basic principles of food preparation, various cooking methods, and food safety regulations such as proper food handling, sanitation, and storage
- Food safety certification required
- Demonstrates basic math and counting skills
- Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Education
About Aramark
Our Mission
Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.
At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.
About Aramark
The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Aramark
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food, facilities, and uniform services in 19 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Industry
Hospitality services and facilities support services
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Philadelphia, PA, US