1

Live In Cook Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Madison, WI

$18 - $23.44/hr

You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. What You'll Do: As a Cook at Sodexo Live, you are also a team player and food waste reducer. You'll prepare and ...

Senior Cook

Madison, WI · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. What You'll Do: As a Senior Cook at Sodexo Live, you are a team player and food waste reducer. You'll prepare ...

Lead Cook

Madison, WI

$23 - $28.50/hr

You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. What You'll Do: As a Lead Cook at Sodexo Live, you are a team player and food waste reducer. You'll prepare and ...

Cook

Madison, WI

$18 - $23.44/hr

You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. What You'll Do: As a Cook at Sodexo Live, you are also a team player and food waste reducer. You'll prepare and ...

Cook

Madison, WI · On-site

$18 - $23.44/hr

You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. What You'll Do: As a Cook at Sodexo Live, you are also a team player and food waste reducer. You'll prepare and ...

Cook

Madison, WI

$20 - $22/hr

... live out their mission and values." "I love working for a company that genuinely puts people first." If you are passionate about cooking, hospitality, and making a difference in the lives of seniors ...

Cook

Madison, WI · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

... live out their mission and values." "I love working for a company that genuinely puts people first." If you are passionate about cooking, hospitality, and making a difference in the lives of seniors ...

Senior Cook

Madison, WI · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. What You'll Do: As a Senior Cook at Sodexo Live, you are a team player and food waste reducer. You'll prepare ...

You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. What You'll Do: As a Senior Cook at Sodexo Live, you are a team player and food waste reducer. You'll prepare ...

Lead Cook

Madison, WI

$23 - $28.50/hr

You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. What You'll Do: As a Lead Cook at Sodexo Live, you are a team player and food waste reducer. You'll prepare and ...

Lead Cook

Madison, WI · On-site

$23 - $28.50/hr

You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. What You'll Do: As a Lead Cook at Sodexo Live, you are a team player and food waste reducer. You'll prepare and ...

Cook

Sun Prairie, WI

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Tuition Assistance - We invest in our team members' development to promote within. Share your ... Positive Impacts - You'll make a difference by helping seniors live life on purpose!

Cook

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Tuition Assistance - We invest in our team members' development to promote within. Share your ... Positive Impacts - You'll make a difference by helping seniors live life on purpose!

Cook

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Tuition Assistance - We invest in our team members' development to promote within. Share your ... Positive Impacts - You'll make a difference by helping seniors live life on purpose!

next page

Showing results 1-20

Live In Cook information

See Madison, WI salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do live in cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in cook in Madison, WI is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $18.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 35 too late to become a chef?

Live-in cooks and professional chefs can start at any age, including 35, as the role values culinary skills, experience, and adaptability. Many successful chefs began their careers later in life, and gaining relevant training or certifications can enhance job prospects regardless of age.

Are there live in chefs?

Yes, live-in chefs are employed to reside on the employer's property and prepare meals regularly. They often work full-time hours, may handle meal planning and grocery shopping, and typically require cooking skills and relevant experience. This arrangement is common in private households, luxury estates, and some hospitality settings.

What are live in cooks?

Live in cooks are culinary professionals who reside at their place of employment, typically in a private household, estate, or sometimes in institutional settings. Their main responsibility is to prepare daily meals for the household or residents, often accommodating specific dietary preferences and schedules. In addition, live in cooks may handle grocery shopping, meal planning, kitchen organization, and sometimes light housekeeping related to the kitchen. This arrangement allows for greater flexibility and availability to the employer, and often includes room and board as part of the compensation package.

What companies will pay you to cook?

Live-in cooks can be employed by private households, luxury estates, or high-net-worth individuals who hire them to prepare meals and manage kitchen duties. Some hospitality or resort companies also hire cooks for on-site accommodations, often requiring culinary skills and certifications. Payment depends on the employer, location, and scope of responsibilities.

How much do live-in cooks make?

Live-in cooks typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the cuisine. They often receive room and board as part of their compensation and may also earn tips or bonuses for exceptional service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Live In Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Live In Cook, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning abilities, and experience in various cooking techniques, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant food safety certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food storage systems, and adherence to hygiene standards are typically required. Excellent time management, adaptability, and clear communication with household members are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure high-quality meal preparation, efficient kitchen operations, and harmonious living arrangements in a private household setting.

What is the difference between Live In Cook vs Live Out Cook?

AspectLive In CookLive Out Cook
Work EnvironmentResides on the employer’s property, often in private homes or estatesWorks on a daily basis at the employer’s location but commutes daily
CredentialsTypically requires culinary skills, experience, and sometimes background checksSimilar credentials, focusing on cooking skills and reliability
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in private households, luxury estates, and hospitality settingsUsed in private homes, hotels, and catering services

Live In Cooks live on the employer’s property, providing round-the-clock service, while Live Out Cooks commute daily to the job site. Both roles require culinary expertise, but the main difference lies in accommodation and work schedule flexibility.

What does a typical week look like for a Live-In Cook in a private household?

A typical week for a Live-In Cook in a private household involves planning menus, shopping for fresh ingredients, and preparing daily meals according to the family's preferences and dietary requirements. In addition to cooking, you may be responsible for kitchen organization, inventory management, and sometimes coordinating with other household staff. Flexibility is important, as meal schedules can vary with family events or guests. Teamwork and clear communication with employers and staff help ensure smooth operations and a pleasant living environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Live In Cook jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Live In Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Live In Cook job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,599 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

$18 - $23.44/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Cook


Location: ALLIANT ENERGY CENTER - 93134001

Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours, and some weekends/holidays. More details will be provided during the interview process.

Employment Type: Part-time

Pay Range: $18.00 per hour - $23.44 per hour


Working with Sodexo Live is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. 


What You’ll Do: As a Cook at Sodexo Live, you are also a team player and food waste reducer. You’ll prepare and create nutritious dishes while putting customer service at the heart of everything you do. Your passion for food and warm smile will make a positive impact and brighten the day of those you serve. 

Responsibilities include:

  • Accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for various meal periods, may include Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Special/Catered Events.
  • Read and follow basic recipes and/or product directions for preparing various food items
  • May prepare food and serve customers at an a la carte and/or operate a grill station
  • Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity
  • Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements.


What You Bring:

  • Successful candidates will be team-oriented, adaptable, reliable, and nurturers of a healthy/safe working environment for all.
  • 0 – 2 years of previous related experience is beneficial.


Link to full Job description 


What We Offer:

  • Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life’s important moments.
  • Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career
  • Full array of benefits that support you and your family’s wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more. 
  • In addition to Sodexo Live’s standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free “shift” meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking. 


Link to benefits summary


Overall, Sodexo Live strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo Live’s benefit offerings during the interview process. 


Who we are:

At Sodexo Live, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo Live partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.


Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace culture and belonging as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form.