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Lead Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Cook

Saint Joseph, MI · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead Cook - Full-Time Berrien County Jail | St. Joseph, Michigan Looking for a Leadership Opportunity in Food Service? Are you dependable, positive, and ready to lead in a structured work environment?

Lead Cook

Seattle, WA · On-site

$19.75 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Lead Cook The Lead Cook plays a pivotal role in the culinary operations of our establishment, ensuring that all dishes are prepared to the highest standards of quality and presentation. This position ...

Lead Cook

Georgetown, TX · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Key Responsibilities of the Lead Cook: * Incorporates safe work practices in job performance. * Prepare and cook menu items according to established recipes and standards. * Lead and coordinate ...

Lead Cook

Seattle, WA · On-site

$19.75 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Lead Cook The Lead Cook plays a pivotal role in the culinary operations of our establishment, ensuring that all dishes are prepared to the highest standards of quality and presentation. This position ...

Lead Cook

Seattle, WA · On-site

$19.75 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Lead Cook The Lead Cook plays a pivotal role in the culinary operations of our establishment, ensuring that all dishes are prepared to the highest standards of quality and presentation. This position ...

Lead Cook

Seattle, WA · On-site

$19.75 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Lead Cook The Lead Cook plays a pivotal role in the culinary operations of our establishment, ensuring that all dishes are prepared to the highest standards of quality and presentation. This position ...

Lead Cook

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Cook to join our culinary team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for food and a strong background in food service, with the ability to oversee ...

Lead Cook

Auburn, IN · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Now Hiring: Full-Time Lead Cook DeKalb County Jail | Auburn, Indiana Looking for More Than Just a Kitchen Job? If you're a dependable leader who enjoys cooking, mentoring others, and being part of a ...

Lead Cook

Tampa, FL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Lead Cook * This position is responsible for leading a team of line cooks to ensure dishes are prepared and served to company standards by giving daily instructions and ...

Lead Cook

Tampa, FL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Lead Cook * This position is responsible for leading a team of line cooks to ensure dishes are prepared and served to company standards by giving daily instructions and feedback to the team * At ...

Lead Cook

Auburn, IN · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Now Hiring: Full-Time Lead Cook DeKalb County Jail | Auburn, Indiana Looking for More Than Just a Kitchen Job? If you're a dependable leader who enjoys cooking, mentoring others, and being part of a ...

Salary: $22 | DOE LEAD COOK Part Time Hourly Non-Benefited Position The Lead Cook helps oversee daily kitchen production to ensure the highest quality food while maintaining Chowgirls recipes and ...

Lead Cook

Kailua, HI · On-site

$20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead Cook Department: Food Service Direct Supervisor: Kitchen Manager or Chef FLSA Status: Non- Exempt Starting rate of pay: $20.75/hr Company Benefits: Flexible Hours Employee Discount 10 Paid ...

Lead Cook

Lebanon, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lead Cook participates in the preparation, cooking and serving of all food items to residents, guests, and partners under strict sanitary conditions. Perform other appropriate related tasks and ...

Lead Cook

West Chester, OH · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

The Lead Cook participates in the preparation, cooking and serving of all food items to residents, guests, and partners under strict sanitary conditions. Perform other appropriate related tasks and ...

Lead Cook

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$22/hr

LEAD COOK Part Time - Hourly Non-Benefited Position The Lead Cook helps oversee daily kitchen production to ensure the highest quality food while maintaining Chowgirls' recipes and standards.

Lead Cook

Riverside, CA · On-site

$22 - $24.50/hr

The lead cook will report to the Culinary Director. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to all components of the above position summary the following "Essential Duties and ...

Lead Cook

Kaneohe, HI · On-site

$20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead Cook Department: Food Service Direct Supervisor: Kitchen Manager or Chef FLSA Status: Non- Exempt Starting rate of pay: $20.75/hr Company Benefits: Flexible Hours Employee Discount 10 Paid ...

Lead Cook

Tampa, FL

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Description Lead Cook * This position is responsible for leading a team of line cooks to ensure dishes are prepared and served to company standards by giving daily instructions and feedback to the ...

Lead Cook

Springboro, OH

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

The Lead Cook participates in the preparation, cooking and serving of all food items to residents, guests, and partners under strict sanitary conditions. Perform other appropriate related tasks and ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Cook information

See salary details

$11

$19

$25

How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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 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.

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?

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 cities are hiring for Lead Cook jobs? Cities with the most Lead Cook job openings:
What states have the most Lead Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Cook jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Cook jobs? For Lead Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lead Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,979 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Lead Cook - Full-Time
Berrien County Jail | St. Joseph, Michigan
Looking for a Leadership Opportunity in Food Service?
Are you dependable, positive, and ready to lead in a structured work environment? Do you take pride in your work and bring a strong can-do attitude to your team?
Tigg's Canteen Services is hiring a Permanent Full-Time Lead Cook to join our team at the Berrien County Jail in St. Joseph, Michigan.
What We Offer
  • Annual salary ranging from $39,000 to $42,000
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Time Off
  • And much more!
What You'll Do
As a Lead Cook, you will help lead and assist with daily meal preparation and kitchen operations. Responsibilities include:
  • Leading, instructing, and assisting with meal preparation
  • Preparing, baking, and cooking food
  • Reading and following company recipes
  • Maintaining a clean and organized kitchen
  • Assisting with kitchen clean-up
  • Working effectively in a structured correctional environment
Qualifications
  • Ability to work well in a structured correctional environment
  • Ability to read and follow company recipes
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • Ability to lead and assist others with daily kitchen responsibilities
Requirements
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Flexibility to work rotating weekends and holidays
  • Flexibility to work varying shifts between 8:30 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.
  • Ability to obtain clearance approval for entry into the facility

Previous food service or kitchen experience is a plus, but we're willing to train the right person!
Ready to Join Our Team?
Visit to learn more about Tigg's Canteen Services. Click "Jobs" and follow the link and instructions to apply.
Apply today and take the next step in your food service leadership career!
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