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Pit Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BBQ Pit Cook

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$19/hr

BBQ Pit Smoker Cook | Midwood Smokehouse | Ballantyne - Toringdon Circle 12410 Johnston Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277, USA Pay: Up to $19.00 per hour Midwood Smokehouse is dedicated to doing barbecue right ...

BBQ Pit Cook

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$19/hr

BBQ Pit Smoker Cook | Midwood Smokehouse | Smoky Hollow District 409 W Johnson St, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA Pay: Up to $19.00 per hour Midwood Smokehouse is dedicated to doing barbecue right: no ...

BBQ Pit Smoker Cook | Midwood Smokehouse | Ballantyne - Toringdon Circle 12410 Johnston Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277, USA Pay: Up to $19.00 per hour Midwood Smokehouse is dedicated to doing barbecue right ...

BBQ Pit Cook

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$19/hr

BBQ Pit Smoker Cook | Midwood Smokehouse | Smoky Hollow District 409 W Johnson St, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA Pay: Up to $19.00 per hour Midwood Smokehouse is dedicated to doing barbecue right: no ...

Pit Cook

Belleville, IL · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

PIT COOK - BBQ / Smoker Specialist Come join our pit crew! We are a nationally ranked & acclaimed restaurant group, with more awards collectively than any group in the St. Louis area. Known for our ...

Pit Cook

Hutto, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

The Pit is the back bone of what we do. We look for skilled cooks with pride in what they make. If you've got the right cooking experience, even if it isn't BBQ but you want to learn, we want to ...

Pit Cook

Hutto, TX

$14.25 - $19/hr

The Pit is the back bone of what we do. We look for skilled cooks with pride in what they make. If you've got the right cooking experience, even if it isn't BBQ but you want to learn, we want to ...

Pit Cook

Waco, TX · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

• Proficiency in operating and managing BBQ pits, and smokers to smoke, roast, and cook various ... the pit or smoker, adjusting settings as needed to achieve the desired flavor, texture, and ...

Pit Cook

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

• Proficiency in operating and managing BBQ pits, and smokers to smoke, roast, and cook various ... the pit or smoker, adjusting settings as needed to achieve the desired flavor, texture, and ...

New

Pit Cook

Dallas, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

• Proficiency in operating and managing BBQ pits, and smokers to smoke, roast, and cook various ... the pit or smoker, adjusting settings as needed to achieve the desired flavor, texture, and ...

We're looking for a Pit Cook to support our kitchen team and help execute one of the most important parts of our operation-- the smoker . This is an entry-level position , but it's a great ...

Overnight Pit Cook

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

... cooked, and prepared according to established recipes and quality standards. • Maintain precise temperature and smoke levels within the pit or smoker, adjusting settings as necessary during the ...

New

We are searching for an accomplished grill/pit cook to create meals in accordance with customers' preferences. The grill cook's responsibilities include preparing ingredients, informing wait staff ...

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Pit Cook information

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How much do pit cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for pit cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Pit Cook, you need hands-on experience with barbecue techniques, a solid understanding of food safety, and the ability to manage cooking temperatures and timing. Familiarity with commercial smokers, grills, thermometers, and proper meat handling practices is typically required. Attention to detail, stamina, teamwork, and a passion for delivering consistent quality set exceptional pit cooks apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing safe, flavorful food and maintaining operational efficiency in a high-demand kitchen environment.

What are the typical safety considerations and challenges faced by a Pit Cook when working with open flames and hot coals?

Pit Cooks regularly work with high temperatures, open flames, and heavy equipment, making safety a top priority. Common challenges include managing the risk of burns, smoke inhalation, and maintaining consistent cooking temperatures throughout long shifts. Proper protective gear, regular equipment checks, and adherence to fire safety protocols are essential. Team communication is also crucial, as Pit Cooks often coordinate with kitchen staff and servers to ensure food is safely and efficiently prepared and served.

What are pit cooks?

Pit cooks are culinary professionals who specialize in cooking food, particularly meat, using traditional pit barbecue methods. They prepare and cook food over an open fire or in a pit, often using wood or charcoal to impart a distinct smoky flavor. Pit cooks are responsible for managing the fire, monitoring cooking temperatures, seasoning meats, and ensuring that food is cooked to perfection. Their expertise is essential in barbecue restaurants and events that require authentic smoked or pit-cooked meals.

What is the difference between Pit Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectPit CookLine Cook
CredentialsNone specific, experience preferredFood Handler's Permit often required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, smoky, large-scale BBQ settingsIndoor kitchen, fast-paced
Industry UsageBarbecue restaurants, catering, festivalsRestaurants, hotels, dining establishments
Job FocusSmoking and slow-cooking meats over pit firesPreparing a variety of dishes on a line

While both Pit Cooks and Line Cooks work in culinary settings, Pit Cooks specialize in smoking and slow-cooking meats outdoors, often in barbecue or festival environments. Line Cooks work indoors in fast-paced kitchens preparing a variety of dishes. The roles differ mainly in environment and specific skills, but both require culinary knowledge and food safety practices.

More about Pit Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Pit Cook jobs? Cities with the most Pit Cook job openings:
What states have the most Pit Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Pit Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pit Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pit Cook jobs are:
Infographic showing various Pit Cook job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

BBQ Pit Cook

Midwood Smokehouse

Charlotte, NC • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

BBQ Pit Smoker Cook | Midwood Smokehouse | Ballantyne - Toringdon Circle12410 Johnston Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277, USAPay: Up to $19.00 per hour

Midwood Smokehouse is dedicated to doing barbecue right: no pellets, no gas, no power outlets; just hardwood and hard work.

Midwood Smokehouse is looking for a self-motivated individual with meat/butcher experience to join our team. The ideal candidate should be an early riser and able to start the first shift at 6 am.

Our menu showcases all styles of barbecue, from North Carolina hog to Texas beef. We are committed to delivering mouthwatering, authentic southern-style barbecue dishes to our guests, both in-house and through our catering services.

We are seeking an experienced BBQ Pit Cook to join our team and assist in the daily operation of protein production for our restaurant and catering business. The ideal candidate will work alongside our experienced Pitmasters who have been mentored and trained by Matt Barry, Corporate Executive Pitmaster. Our BBQ Pit Cooks managing the wood smoker and ensuring the trimming, cooking, and presentation of all proteins meet our high standards. This position requires a passion for barbecue, attention to detail, and a dedication to maintaining a clean and safe work environment. The BBQ Pit Cook needs to be self motivated, can prioritize a large prep list, exceptional task management skills and time oriented. Having Meat/butcher experience huge plus!

Who is the Pit Cook?

The Pit Cook is the heart of the operation, just as the smoker is the heart of the restaurant. If the smoker isn’t working, the restaurant isn’t working. The Smoke Wrangler comes in early and makes sure every piece of meat that comes off the pit is perfect every single time.

 

Why Join the Midwood Smokehouse Team?

We appreciate great talent and reward our team members accordingly. As the Pit Cook at Midwood Smokehouse you will receive:

  • Better Quality of Life- The Pit Cook will learn of a ton about barbecue (even if they already know a lot)
  • Growth Opportunities - Most of our culinary team started out as line cooks, we are always looking to promote talent into our ranks!
  • Referral Program for a quick way to make some cash

 

Pit Cook Responsibilities Include:

 

Smoking of the meats as directed by the Pitmaster

 Prepping and monitoring of the meat to guarantee excellent quality, aiming to make enough for the daily demands while minimizing waste

 Checking meat supply and dispose of any below-standard products

 Assist in inventory, receiving, and storage of all food and supply products

 Execute amazing meats from the Pit following our recipes to produce consistent results

 Follow the sanitation standards, make sure your workstation stays clean and organized, and follow all of the food handling standards

 Follow proper deep cleaning and maintenance schedule for the Pit

 Think proactively to anticipate busy days and large groups so you prepare meat accordingly.  

We Are Looking for a Pit Cook Who:

Has passion and knowledge about barbecue principles

 Has related experience in barbecue

 Has experience cutting meat/butcher experience

 Has experience in quantity food production, presentation, service, and sanitation

 Can speak clearly and listen attentively to staff, peers, supervisors and guests

Can lift up to 50 pounds

Join our team at Midwood Smokehouse and be part of a dynamic, passionate team dedicated to delivering the best barbecue and hospitality experience!

Company Information 

FS Food Group is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

 

Disclaimer: The above job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position, nor should it be construed as a contract. As with all positions at FS Food Group, employment is “at will” or voluntary on both the part of the employee or employer. This means employment can be terminated by either party with or without notice and/or with or without cause.

We’re your neighborhood smokehouse using nothing but Cackalacky hickory hardwood and hard work to make the best barbecue around. We celebrate barbecue styles from across the country. Texas brisket, Memphis-style ribs, Kansas City burnt ends, and—of course—Carolina chopped pork from our own back yards. Barbecue is for everyone, so we can’t wait to see y’all soon.