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Prison Kitchen Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AHD Cook PB

Alameda, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

OR two years of experience in quantity cooking for at least 200 people per meal in an institutional kitchen such as a hospital, juvenile detention center, prison facility, military installation or a ...

AHD Cook PB

Alameda, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

OR two years of experience in quantity cooking for at least 200 people per meal in an institutional kitchen such as a hospital, juvenile detention center, prison facility, military installation or a ...

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Douglas, AZ · On-site

$43K/yr

... State Prison Complex - Douglas. This is a hands-on role for someone skilled in general maintenance, covering repairs for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and kitchen equipment. You'll help keep our ...

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Safford, AZ · On-site

$43K/yr

... , kitchen equipment repairs, and utility service systems within the Arizona State Prison Complex (ASPC) - Safford/Tonto Unit. Check out this vacancy, apply today, and join the family of the ...

Cook I-PT

Flagstaff, AZ · On-site

$19.83/hr

Maintain the kitchen in a manner expected by the Bureau of Prisons. * Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. * Mopping the dining room and kitchen * Cleaning walls as needed * Ensuring that dining ...

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Safford, AZ · On-site

$43K/yr

... , kitchen equipment repairs, and utility service systems within Arizona State Prison Complex - Safford. Apply today, and become part of the Department of Corrections! Job Duties: - Schedules and ...

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Tucson, AZ · On-site

$43K/yr

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DIVISION Arizona State Prison Complex (ASPC) - Tucson 10000 South Wilmot ... kitchen equipment repairs and utility service system. In this position, you will also ensure all ...

Cook I-PT

Flagstaff, AZ · On-site

$19.83/hr

Maintain the kitchen in a manner expected by the Bureau of Prisons. * Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. * Mopping the dining room and kitchen * Cleaning walls as needed * Ensuring that dining ...

Cook I-PT

Flagstaff, AZ · On-site

$19.83/hr

Maintain the kitchen in a manner expected by the Bureau of Prisons. * Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. * Mopping the dining room and kitchen * Cleaning walls as needed * Ensuring that dining ...

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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 Jun 30, 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 jobs pay 10000 a month without a degree?

Prison kitchen roles typically do not pay $10,000 a month without a degree; high-paying jobs in this field are rare. Generally, earning such a salary requires specialized skills, management positions, or experience in other industries like sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship, which often do not require formal degrees. Most high-paying jobs without a degree involve trades, sales, or self-employment.

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.

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 compensation is generally modest 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 prison job?

In prison kitchens, supervisory roles such as kitchen managers or head cooks tend to be among the highest paid positions, often earning higher wages than line cooks or food service workers. These roles typically require experience, leadership skills, and sometimes specialized training or certifications, and may include additional responsibilities like inventory management and staff oversight.

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:
Infographic showing various Prison Kitchen job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Full Time, and 97% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,047 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
COOK I - SHIFT WORK - HALAWA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY - OAHU, HAWAII

COOK I - SHIFT WORK - HALAWA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY - OAHU, HAWAII

State of Hawai'i

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$4.8K/mo

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Recruitment Information Recruitment Number 26-0236 The immediate vacancy is with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Corrections Program Services Division. Shift Work: Applicants must be willing and able to work rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends and holidays. THIS JOB POSTING WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 20 APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED.

PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. Duties Summary This is the entry-level class in the series assisting in cooking designated entrees and other principal meal items as a regular and continuous work assignment; and performing other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualification Requirements To qualify, you must meet all of the following 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.

General Experience: One (1) year of progressively responsible experience which demonstrated knowledge and skill to perform general quantity cooking duties. Quantity cooking is defined as experience in the daily preparation of meals in a restaurant, hospital, school, correctional facility or other large institution. Experience of this kind may be gained as a cook in a kitchen where large scale cooking operations are performed and a large number of meals are served daily.

Experience as an apprentice or helper in a kitchen where large-scale cooking operations are involved may be considered if the experience demonstrated knowledge and skill in quantity cooking by performing a majority of the following tasks: preparing vegetables and fruits for cooking or for salads; assisting in cooking vegetables in bulk quantities by lightly seasoning, watching and stirring while cooking; preparing salads, sandwiches and other cold food items; making coffee and toast; boiling eggs; and cooking cereal, rice, macaroni, spaghetti and other foods which are simple to prepare. Experience which is limited to serving food, cleaning kitchen areas, washing dishes; or experience limited to only one phase of cooking such as fry-cooking or baking, or to other kinds of work that do not afford the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills of quantity cooking will not be accepted as qualifying for the General Experience requirement. Substitutions Allowed: Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements, will apply.

Other Requirements: All applicants who are conditionally offered employment or conditionally approved for movement into any of these positions 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. 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: Has engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility or other institution. 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

Has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in #2 above. 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. The information provided above represents a summary of the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements.

To view the Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE. 09550:081312:01:RV 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: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service 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 The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held. 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 meet the minimum qualification requirements and 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. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application.

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.