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Military Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Belvidere, IL

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The Cook implements menus and coordinates food preparation and serves meals. Responsibilities ... Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving ...

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Chef/Line Cook

Omaha, NE · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Prep and cook menu items according to established recipes, portion controls, and presentation ... Strictly adhere to all local health department and military installation food safety regulations.

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Chef/Line Cook

Omaha, NE · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Prep and cook menu items according to established recipes, portion controls, and presentation ... Strictly adhere to all local health department and military installation food safety regulations.

Cook

North Aurora, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

... military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law. Denny's, Inc. participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security ...

Cook

San Leandro, CA

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

... military installation, or a large restaurant or hotel. REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: Certain (SAN) positions may require incumbents to possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Operators License

Cook

Belvidere, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cook | Highland Hospital | Charleston, West Virginia About the Job: PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Cook ... Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving ...

Cook

Byron, GA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

... military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law. Denny's, Inc. participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security ...

Cook

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$17 - $19.50/hr

The Cook implements menus and coordinates food preparation and serves meals. Responsibilities ... Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving ...

Cook 1 BR20260504

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$22.48/hr

Prepares all food items in strict accordance with military dining facility guidelines and standards ... Cooks a variety of menu items including, but not limited to, breakfast items, hot entrees, starches ...

Cook

Michigan City, IN

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

... military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law. Denny's, Inc. participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security ...

Prepares all food items in strict accordance with military dining facility guidelines and standards ... Cooks a variety of menu items including, but not limited to, breakfast items, hot entrees, starches ...

Cook

Green Lake, WI · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Cook Do you have experience in the food industry and enjoy cooking? If so, this may be the perfect ... military status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. ASK ABOUT OUR $100 ...

Cook

Brandon, FL · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

... military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law. Denny's, Inc. participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security ...

Cook

Statesboro, GA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

Cook | Willingway | Statesboro, Georgia About the Job: The Cook implements menus and coordinates ... Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving ...

Cook

Charleston, WV · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Cook | Highland Hospital | Charleston, West Virginia About the Job: PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Cook ... Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving ...

Cook 1 BR20260504

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$22.48/hr

Prepares all food items in strict accordance with military dining facility guidelines and standards ... Cooks a variety of menu items including, but not limited to, breakfast items, hot entrees, starches ...

Cook

Hebron, IN

$13.50 - $18/hr

... military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law. Denny's, Inc. participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security ...

Cook

Crystal River, FL

$10.25 - $13.50/hr

... military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law. Denny's, Inc. participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security ...

Cook

Charleston, WV · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

The Cook implements menus and coordinates food preparation and serves meals. Responsibilities ... Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving ...

Cook

Hebron, IN · On-site

$15/hr

... military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law. Denny's, Inc. participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security ...

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Showing results 1-20

Military Cook information

See salary details

$5

$16

$24

How much do military cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for military cook in the United States is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Military Cook vs Culinary Specialist?

AspectMilitary CookCulinary Specialist
CredentialsBasic military food service training, certifications varyFood safety, culinary certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, ships, field conditionsHotels, restaurants, catering, military facilities
Employer & IndustryMilitary branchesHospitality, catering, military support services

Both roles involve preparing food in structured environments, but Military Cooks serve primarily within military settings with specific military protocols, while Culinary Specialists often work in civilian hospitality industries with broader culinary skills. The roles share similar training and certifications, making them comparable in many aspects.

What Does a Military Cook Do?

A military cook, also known as a culinary specialist or military chef, is a member of the United States Armed Forces whose responsibilities focus on preparing food for other military members, either in the field or on military bases. Your duties are to prepare the kitchen before each meal service, cook food according to menus for the day, read and follow recipes, clean the kitchen after service, and operate and maintain kitchen equipment. You also perform light equipment maintenance and repair duties and wash and sanitize dishes and cooking pans and utensils after preparing meals. Military cooks work in teams with other cooks.

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

To thrive as a Military Cook, you need foundational culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often complemented by completion of specific military training courses. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and adherence to military food service standards is critical. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and time management are essential soft skills for working under pressure and supporting mission readiness. These capabilities ensure efficient meal preparation, nutrition, and morale for personnel in demanding environments.

What does a Military Cook do?

A Military Cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals to service members in military facilities, field kitchens, or during deployments. Their duties include planning menus, managing food supplies, adhering to nutrition and safety standards, and cooking a variety of dishes to support the health and morale of the troops. They may also handle inventory, maintain kitchen equipment, and sometimes train other personnel in food service operations. Military Cooks play a vital role in ensuring that soldiers receive balanced and nutritious meals, whether at home bases or in challenging field environments.

What are some common challenges faced by military cooks and how can they be managed?

Military cooks often work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where adaptability and teamwork are essential. Challenges can include preparing large quantities of meals under time constraints, maintaining food safety standards in field conditions, and frequently adjusting menus based on available supplies. Effective communication, staying organized, and being flexible with changing schedules help manage these challenges. Many cooks also find strong camaraderie within their teams, which supports problem-solving and morale.
What cities are hiring for Military Cook jobs? Cities with the most Military Cook job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Military Cook jobs? The most popular types of Military Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Military Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Military Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Military Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Military Cook jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Military Cook jobs? For Military Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Military Cook job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 55% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,590 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Cook

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Cook | Highland Hospital | Charleston, West Virginia

About the Job:

The Cook implements menus and coordinates food preparation and serves meals. Responsibilities include ordering, inventory and preparing food items for the patients, staff and visitors of the facility, guaranteeing appealing, nutritious, and high-quality meals and snack are served. Preparation and serving activities are performed in accordance with the menus planned, food service policies, sanitary guidelines and food sensitivity/allergy requirements. Cleaning of the kitchen and services areas and equipment utilizes proper infection control procedures.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Plans and prepares foods in accordance with facility policies, approved dietary guidelines and recipes/menus provided by supervisor or Dietician.

Plans individual cooking schedule so that all foods for regular and therapeutic menus and special functions will be properly cooked and ready at appropriate time.

Follows recipes and portioning procedures to prepare meats/entrees, gravies, casseroles, vegetables, soups, salads, and deserts for daily menu.

Stores and prepares food safely i.e. maintains accurate temperature logs, in range hot/cold storage, prompt freezer/refrigeration, stock rotation, labeling/dating food items and discarding out-of-date food.

Sets up steam table in such a way to make them attractive and easily served in standardized portions, labels food according to modification.

Prepares leftover food for proper storage labeled with description of food and date; and assists with the cleaning of steam table and pans.

Directs activities of staff who assist in preparing and serving meals.

Takes recommended measures to prepare food to preserve nutritional benefits.

Monitors serving line and may serve foods throughout serving periods to ensure that foods are available to replenish when needed without delay.

Records equipment and food temperatures and meal counts daily.

Keeps cooking area in kitchen clean and orderly, and transports trash to dumpster.

Cleans and inspects equipment, kitchen appliances and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.

Takes inventory of supplies and equipment. Checks and inspects food products and supplies as delivered. Assists in storage of supplies and food products.

Applies culinary and cooking techniques needed for special and/or restrictive dietary requirements.

High school graduate or equivalent.

Two or more years' experience in food service role in preparing food for institutions, such as school, hospital or cafeteria preferred.

SERV Safe Certification or similar food safety certification, where required by the state, facility.

Why Highland Hospital?Highland Hospital offers a comprehensive benefit plan and a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Qualified candidates should apply by submitting a resume. Highland Hospital is an EOE.

Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving Veterans with specialized programming at our treatment centers across the country. We recognize and value the unique strengths of the military community in supporting our mission to serve those who have served.


Summit BHC logo

About Summit BHC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Summit BHC, based in Franklin, TN, USA, is a recognized leader in the field of addiction treatment and behavioral health care services. The company operates a nationwide network of treatment centers aimed at caring for individuals battling substance abuse and mental health disorders. Summit BHC was established with the mission to provide high-quality, addiction treatment and behavioral health services to those in need throughout the United States. With compassion, dignity, and respect as their core values, they endeavor to instill hope during the journey to recovery and beyond.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin, TN, US

Year founded

2013

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