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Private Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Home Work Staffing

Executive Cook Position

Stamford, CT · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Open to both Position Overview A private household in Fairfield County is seeking an experienced Executive Cook focused on the kitchen and daily meal service. This is a homestyle cooking role ...

BUENO CHI INC

Be Seen First

Prep Cook - Dishwasher

West Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr (+ commission)

... private cooking events. Company Description Bueno Chi, inc has been serving LA community with Latin culture thru food and the arts. Our healthy living coaching has attracted athletes from ...

BUENO CHI INC

Be Seen First

Prep Cook - Dishwasher

West Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr (+ commission)

... private cooking events. Company Description Bueno Chi, inc has been serving LA community with Latin culture thru food and the arts. Our healthy living coaching has attracted athletes from ...

Brock & Company Inc.

Cook-- Private School

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Cook-- Private School Full Time Employee Benefits Eligible Pay Rate: $21-$23 an hour (depends on experience) Schedule: Monday through Friday 7am-3pm Know your way around a kitchen or deli counter?

Brock & Company, Inc.

Cook-- Private School

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Cook- Private School Full Time Employee Benefits Eligible Pay Rate: $21-$23 an hour (depends on experience) Schedule: Monday through Friday 7am-3pm Know your way around ...

Brock & Company Inc

Cook-- Private School

Manhattan, NY

$21 - $23/hr

Description Cook-- Private School Full Time Employee Benefits Eligible Pay Rate: $21-$23 an hour (depends on experience) Schedule: Monday through Friday 7am-3pm Know your way around a kitchen or deli ...

Brock & Company, Inc.

Cook-- Private School

Timonium, MD · On-site

$20/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Cook- Private School Full Time Employee Benefits Eligible Pay Rate: $20 an Hour Bring your culinary skills to a vibrant private-school kitchen where fresh ideas, great ...

Brock & Company Inc

Cook-- Private School

Timonium, MD · On-site

$20/hr

Description Cook-- Private School Full Time Employee Benefits Eligible Pay Rate: $20 an Hour Bring your culinary skills to a vibrant private-school kitchen where fresh ideas, great food, and a ...

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Private Cook information

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How much do private cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for private 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 is a private cook?

Private Cooks are culinary professionals hired to prepare meals for individuals, families, or small groups, typically in private homes. They tailor menus to the preferences and dietary needs of their clients, handle grocery shopping, and often manage kitchen organization and cleanliness. Private Cooks may prepare daily meals, special occasion feasts, or even provide meal prep services for the week. Their work allows clients to enjoy personalized, restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of their own homes.

How does a private cook typically coordinate menus and meal prep with clients?

A private cook works closely with clients to understand their dietary preferences, restrictions, and desired cuisines, often planning menus weekly or monthly. This role involves regular communication to adjust dishes for special events, health needs, or changing tastes. Private cooks usually handle grocery shopping, ingredient sourcing, and may also manage kitchen inventory. Flexibility and strong organizational skills are important, as menus are often tailored and may require last-minute adjustments.

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

To thrive as a Private Cook, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning expertise, food safety knowledge, and typically a culinary arts degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food allergy protocols, and menu management software is often required. Attention to detail, discretion, flexibility, and excellent communication are essential soft skills for adapting to individual client preferences and maintaining confidentiality. These skills ensure high-quality, personalized dining experiences and foster client satisfaction in a private setting.

What is the difference between Private Cook vs Personal Chef?

AspectPrivate CookPersonal Chef
CredentialsCooking skills, sometimes certificationsCooking skills, culinary certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentPrivate residences, estatesPrivate residences, luxury homes, sometimes events
Employer & IndustryHigh-net-worth individuals, familiesHigh-net-worth individuals, families, executives
Job ScopePrepares meals for specific clients, often dailyPlans menus, prepares meals, may handle grocery shopping

While both Private Cooks and Personal Chefs prepare meals in private settings, Private Cooks typically focus on daily meal preparation for a single client or family, often working in their homes. Personal Chefs usually offer more comprehensive services, including menu planning and grocery shopping, and may work for multiple clients or on a freelance basis. Both roles require culinary skills and experience working in private settings, but Personal Chefs often have formal culinary certifications and broader responsibilities.

How much do private cooks earn?

Private cooks typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the household's needs. Skilled cooks with specialized training or certifications may earn higher salaries, especially in high-income areas or for full-time, live-in positions.
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What are popular job titles related to Private Cook jobs?

For Private Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Private Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

Executive Cook Position

Stamford, CT • On-site

Home Work Staffing
See more jobs at Home Work Staffingexternal

$35 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Shop, cook, and clean up for lunch and dinner.

  • Menu plan for lunch and dinner, coordinated day-to-day with the principal.

  • Support dinner parties and larger gatherings, including catering as needed.

Job description

Start Date: By Labor Day
Location: Fairfield County, CT
Schedule: Thursday–Monday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Guaranteed Hours: 45
Compensation: $35–40 per hour, paid bi-weekly
Live-In / Live-Out: Open to both

Position Overview

A private household in Fairfield County is seeking an experienced Executive Cook focused on the kitchen and daily meal service. This is a homestyle cooking role — shopping for, preparing, and serving fresh lunches and dinners daily. The principal prefers light, low-sodium meals, planned together day to day. The role owns the full kitchen domain and provides light general tidying on weekends. Long-term role; live-in option available.

Benefits: time-and-a-half on holidays, two weeks paid vacation plus additional vacation time in January, 5 paid sick days, healthcare stipend, paid holidays (New Year's Eve, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day), mileage reimbursement for work-related driving

Responsibilities

General

  • Shop, cook, and clean up for lunch and dinner
  • Menu planning for lunch and dinner, coordinated day-to-day with the principal
  • Stock control and inventory of daily foods (yogurt, milk, fruit, OJ) and pantry staples (peanut butter, butter, flour, sugar)
  • Regularly clean out the refrigerator and freezer, discarding out-of-date and spoiled products
  • Upkeep of the kitchen, breakfast room, dining room, and dining porches
  • Support dinner parties and larger gatherings (catering is used as needed for large groups)
  • Help polish silverware

Daily

  • Ensure coffee beans are stocked and the coffee machine has clean water (do not run the machine's clean cycle — this is handled separately by the household)
  • Ensure water bottles are stocked and the water pitcher is full
  • Ensure daily breakfast essentials are on hand (OJ, yogurt, milk, fruit)
  • Wipe any spills from the drawer refrigerator and freezer
  • After dinner, sweep and mop the floor
  • After dinner, wipe all kitchen surfaces
  • After dinner, wipe down the stove and venting
  • Run the dishwasher each night; hand-wash if there isn't a full load
  • Empty all kitchen garbage cans before leaving

Weekly

  • On weekends or when additional coverage is needed: make the principal's bed, tidy the dressing room, light cleaning of the bathroom, and empty garbage from these rooms
  • On weekends or when additional coverage is needed: light cleaning of the downstairs bathroom (and, in summer, the pool house bathroom)
  • On weekends or when additional coverage is needed: walk through the house to ensure everything is straightened and tidied
  • Polish the sliding door leading to the dining porch
  • Clean the dishwasher filter
  • Check the refrigerator and freezer for expired and moldy food
  • Wipe all refrigerator and freezer shelves
  • Clean the stove backsplash and the surface of the stove hood and controls
  • Check that kitchen soap dispensers and paper towels are stocked
  • Check that all salt and pepper shakers are full
  • Submit receipts to the family assistant to keep petty cash available for groceries and household needs
  • Coordinate the weekly farm order (in season) with the principal
  • Coordinate on flowers and plant care with household staff

Quarterly

  • Wipe the outside of kitchen/pantry cabinets
  • Clean the inside and outside of cabinets
  • Deep clean the stoves, hoods, vents, and controls

Requirements

  • Proven experience as a private cook or executive cook in a private home
  • Skilled in homestyle cooking, with the ability to shop for, prepare, and serve fresh lunches and dinners daily
  • Comfortable owning the full kitchen domain, including menu planning, inventory, and cleaning
  • Valid driver's license and own reliable vehicle
  • Flexible and adaptable to seasonal changes in household size and to schedule adjustments when the principal travels
  • Seeking a long-term commitment
  • Reliable, discreet, and detail-oriented
  • Must be able to provide 3–5 professional references

Upon submitting this form, you will be considered for any suitable positions, so there is no need to complete multiple applications.

Apply