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Prison Kitchen Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of New Hampshire

KITCHEN SUPERVISOR I

Concord, NH · On-site

$22.50 - $30.02/hr

Supervises subordinate employees and inmate workers in a large correctional kitchen and provides training and education programming in all aspect of food service at the New Hampshire State Prison for ...

Aramark

Kitchen Supervisor

Raiford, FL

The Kitchen Supervisor for Florida State Prison - Florida DOC supervises inmates to ensure that meal and food items are prepared in accordance with production plans. In this role, you will train ...

Aramark

Kitchen Supervisor

Raiford, FL

The Kitchen Supervisor for Florida State Prison - Florida DOC supervises inmates to ensure that meal and food items are prepared in accordance with production plans. In this role, you will train ...

Aramark

Kitchen Supervisor

Raiford, FL · On-site

The Kitchen Supervisor for Florida State Prison - Florida DOC supervises inmates to ensure that meal and food items are prepared in accordance with production plans. In this role, you will train ...

SUNSHINE CAFE

Cook

Delano, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

North Kern State Prison (Delano) & Kern Valley State Prison (Delano) Minimum Experienced (1) years in Kitchen Prep and Cooking LOOKING FOR POSITIVE ATTITUDE PERSON Starting $16.00 to $17.00 We love ...

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Prison Kitchen information

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$8

$15

$19

How much do prison kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison kitchen in the United States is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do prison kitchen workers make?

Prison kitchen workers typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on the facility and location. They often require basic cooking skills and may work early morning or evening shifts in a correctional environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Prison Kitchen Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prison Kitchen Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and sometimes a food handler's permit or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and sanitation protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow strict procedures are crucial soft skills in this environment. These skills ensure safe, efficient meal service and help maintain order and security within the correctional facility.

Can I become a correctional officer at 40?

Correctional officers, including those working in prison kitchens, can typically apply at age 40 if they meet the minimum age requirement, which is often 18 or 21 depending on the jurisdiction. Age limits vary by location, but many agencies accept applicants up to their 40s or older, provided they pass background checks, physical fitness tests, and training requirements. Prior experience in food service or security can be advantageous, but age alone usually does not disqualify applicants.

What is the difference between Prison Kitchen vs Prison Cook?

AspectPrison KitchenPrison Cook
CredentialsFood handler’s permit, basic culinary skillsFood handler’s permit, culinary training preferred
Work EnvironmentLarge institutional kitchen within prison facilityPreparing meals for inmates in prison kitchen
Employer & IndustryPrison system, correctional facilitiesPrison system, correctional facilities
Job RoleOversees meal preparation, manages kitchen staffPrepares meals, assists in kitchen operations

Prison Kitchen refers to the overall facility managing meal services within a correctional institution, while a Prison Cook is an individual responsible for preparing and cooking meals. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but the Prison Kitchen encompasses the entire operation, whereas the Prison Cook focuses on food preparation tasks.

Do prison cooks make good money?

Prison cooks typically earn wages similar to other food service workers, with salaries often ranging from minimum wage to slightly above, depending on the facility and location. They may also receive benefits such as health insurance and job stability, but overall, prison cooking jobs are not known for high pay compared to other culinary or institutional roles.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a prison kitchen?

Working in a prison kitchen often involves unique challenges, such as maintaining strict security protocols while preparing and serving meals. Staff must carefully account for all kitchen tools and ingredients, ensure food safety standards are met, and manage time-sensitive meal schedules for large groups. Additionally, there is close collaboration with correctional officers and, in some cases, supervision of inmate workers, requiring strong communication and conflict resolution skills. Adapting to a highly regulated environment and adhering to institutional guidelines are essential for success in this role.

What is the highest paying job in prison?

In prison kitchens, the highest paying roles are typically supervisory or managerial positions such as kitchen supervisors or food service managers, which require experience and sometimes certifications. These roles often earn more than line cooks or food prep staff and may involve overseeing staff, inventory, and compliance with safety standards.

What are prison kitchen jobs?

Prison kitchen jobs involve preparing, cooking, and serving meals to inmates and staff within a correctional facility. These roles often include tasks such as food preparation, cleaning kitchen areas, following strict safety and sanitation guidelines, and sometimes assisting with inventory or menu planning. Inmates assigned to kitchen jobs can gain valuable skills, work experience, and sometimes earn small incentives. Working in the prison kitchen also helps the facility run efficiently and ensures that all dietary needs are met. These jobs are typically supervised by correctional staff to maintain order and safety.
More about Prison Kitchen jobs
What cities are hiring for Prison Kitchen jobs? Cities with the most Prison Kitchen job openings:
What states have the most Prison Kitchen jobs? States with the most job openings for Prison Kitchen jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prison Kitchen jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prison Kitchen jobs are:
Prison Kitchen jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Kitchen job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,047 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
KITCHEN HELPER - SHIFT WORK - CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES - OAHU

KITCHEN HELPER - SHIFT WORK - CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES - OAHU

State of Hawai'i

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$4.5K/mo

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Recruitment Information Recruitment Number 2026-14 The immediate vacancies are located at the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC), Waiawa Correctional Facility (WCF), and Women's Community Correctional Center (WCCC). Rotating Shift Work: All applicants must be available to work rotating shifts, including evening, weekends and holidays. THIS JOB POSTING WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 60 APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED.

PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. Duties Summary Perform routine manual work in a kitchen for the preparation and serving of meals; clean kitchen and dining room areas; wash and clean kitchen utensils and equipment; may oversee the work of inmates; and perform other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualification Requirements LEGAL AUTHORIZATION TO WORK: The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.

No training and experience required. Driver's License: Some positions require possession of a valid driver's license at the time of appointment. Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Requirement: As required by the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA), Federal law states that "....an agency shall not hire or promote anyone who may have contact with inmates and who: (1) Has engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility or other institution

(2) Has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse. (3) Has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in #2 above. (4) Has been the subject of substantiated allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment or resigned during a pending investigation of alleged sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

All applicants who are conditionally offered employment or conditionally approved for movement into this position shall be subject to drug screening, as required by Federal, State or local laws, or departmental policy; and will be subject to an intensive background check. Other Information The State of Hawai'i complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-587-1111 for assistance.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click: Student Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS The Department of Human Resources Development (HRD) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs.

Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings.

TESTING INFORMATION In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process. CLICK HERE for further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the State Recruiting Office's Levels of Review.

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