1

Lead Cook Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Lead Line Cook- Maryland Club

College Park, MD · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

THE ROLE The Lead Cook is responsible for leading the daily execution of food production while preparing high-quality menu items in accordance with Legends' recipes, specifications, and culinary ...

Lead Line Cook- Maryland Club

College Park, MD · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

THE ROLE The Lead Cook is responsible for leading the daily execution of food production while preparing high-quality menu items in accordance with Legends' recipes, specifications, and culinary ...

Be Seen First

At least 2 years as a line cook in a professional kitchen with management experience. * Personality: Friendly, team-oriented, and creative--someone who brings energy and positivity to every shift Why ...

Be Seen First

Kitchen Manager/Lead Cook

Crofton, MD · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

At least 2 years as a line cook in a professional kitchen with management experience. * Personality: Friendly, team-oriented, and creative--someone who brings energy and positivity to every shift Why ...

Lead Line Cook

Dundalk, MD · On-site

$26/hr

Sparrows Point Country Club, located in Dundalk, MD , is pleased to announce an excellent career opportunity for a Full-Time Lead Line Cook ! We are seeking a driven individual who is eager to learn ...

Lead Line Cook

Dundalk, MD · On-site

$26/hr

Sparrows Point Country Club, located in Dundalk, MD , is pleased to announce an excellent career opportunity for a Full-Time Lead Line Cook ! We are seeking a driven individual who is eager to learn ...

Lead Line Cook

Dundalk, MD · On-site

$26/hr

Sparrows Point Country Club, located in Dundalk, MD , is pleased to announce an excellent career opportunity for a Full-Time Lead Line Cook ! We are seeking a driven individual who is eager to learn ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Cook information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$10

$19

$25

How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead cook in Baltimore, MD is $19.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $21.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 is the difference between Lead Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectLead CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentKitchen leadership, supervising staff, managing kitchen operationsPreparing dishes on the line, following recipes, working under supervision
ResponsibilitiesOversees kitchen staff, ensures quality, manages inventoryPrepares 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.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Cook jobs in Baltimore, MD?

For Lead Cook jobs in Baltimore, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Cook jobs in Baltimore, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Cook jobs in Baltimore, MD are:

Infographic showing various Lead Cook job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,724 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

$20.25 - $23.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Use creativity and passion to deliver an enhanced dining experience for residents, family members, guests, and associates.

  • Entice residents with healthy, high-end ingredients to optimize nutrition and adjust recipes to accommodate dietary needs and requests.

  • Maintain a clean workspace and exercise proper food handling techniques to set a good example for team members.


Brightview Senior Living rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated social care providers


Job description

About Us: Overview:

Seeking a talented Cook who is ready to take that next career step!  

Responsibilities:
  • Use your creativity and passion to deliver an enhanced dining experience for residents, family members, guests and associates!   
  • Entice our residents with an array of healthy, high-end ingredients to optimize nutrition.  
  • Adjust recipes to accommodate specific dietary needs and special requests.   
  • Set a good example for team members by maintaining a clean workspace and exercising proper food handling techniques.  
Salary range: USD $20.25 - USD $23.25 /Hr.
Compensation Disclosure:

The salary range mentioned above reflects the potential pay for this role and does not include bonuses or additional incentives (if applicable), nor does it include the value of our benefit program. Offers will consider factors like experience, qualifications, location, community size (if relevant), certifications/training, etc. Brightview regularly reviews and adjusts compensation ranges.


Qualifications:
  • You simply love to cook for people and have 3+ years of food preparation experience in a high-volumne dining services venue.
  • You are a bold, natural born leader ready to evaluate your culinary career!   
  • We know that everyone who enjoys Dining at our community will be safe because of your knowledge of proper food handling, storage, and safety protocols and regulations.
  • You are ServSafe Certified.

      Healthcare, Hospitality, Chef, Sous Chef, ServSafe, Food and Beverage, Food Service, Dietary

Why work at Brightview?:

Discover the Brightview Senior Living Difference!

1. Dedicated to Excellence: We lead the industry with a passion for delivering top-notch services and groundbreaking care.

2. Embracing Community: Join a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritizes your professional growth, development and advancement.

3. Impactful Work: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of our seniors, contributing to their joy and well-being every day.

4. Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, health, vision and dental insurance options, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance programs and many more benefits that prioritize your well-being.

5. A Place to Flourish: Embrace diversity, foster innovation, and access the tools and resources for personal and professional growth. Join our vibrant team at Brightview Senior Living and be valued as an integral part of our community.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Brightview, we believe that diversity of thought, experience, perspective, and backgrounds makes us stronger. We welcome and celebrate all that makes us unique and we choose not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law or not related to the specific requirements of a particular role. We are, by choice and without question, an equal opportunity employer.


For Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. 

What Brightview Senior Living employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom