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Professional Cook Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Cook / Prep Cook

Ashland, KY · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

... Cook to join our dietary team ... Our facility is comprised of professionals dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of life for ...

Cook

Ashland, KY · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice ... Maintains professional communication at all times. Thank you for your interest in Golden Corral.

Cook

Richmond, KY

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

Under the direct supervision of the Dietary Director, the Cook will complete/assist with the ... Residents care and services is always professional, effective, efficient, and based on "treat ...

Cook

Franklin, KY · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Position: Cook Brand: Denny's Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job ... Contribute to a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment. Physical Requirements ...

Cook

Richmond, KY · On-site

$12/hr

The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice ... Maintains professional communication at all times. Thank you for your interest in Golden Corral.

Cook

Richmond, KY · On-site

$12/hr

The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice ... Maintains professional communication at all times. Thank you for your interest in Golden Corral.

Cook

Ashland, KY · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice ... Maintains professional communication at all times. Thank you for your interest in Golden Corral.

Prior professional cooking experience required. * Perks: Shift meal! Uniform shirt! Free parking! No late nights! * Fixed Pay Rate : $20.00 per hour. WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU A fun work environment ...

Cook

Sturgis, KY

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Maintain a professional appearance at all times. * Communicate and comprehend orally and in writing ... Must be able to cook a variety of foods in large quantities * Must be knowledgeable of dietary ...

Cook

Lexington, KY · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Join our team and work in a unique cooking atmosphere interacting with families serving themselves ... Maintains professional communication at all times. Benefits - Flexible scheduling, Free Meals ...

COOK

Louisville, KY · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Cooks are a key part of Metro Diners success. It is your responsibility to prepare food products ... professional development in other functional areas

Showing results 41-60

Professional Cook information

See Kentucky salary details

$7

$13

$19

How much do professional cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional cook in Kentucky is $13.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $15.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Professional Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectProfessional CookLine Cook
CredentialsMay require culinary certifications or trainingOften no formal certification required
Work EnvironmentVaries from restaurants to catering, more supervisory rolesPrimarily kitchen station work in restaurants
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly across food service sectorsCommonly used in restaurant kitchens
Job FocusOversees food prep, manages kitchen operationsPrepares specific dishes on the line

While both roles involve cooking, a Professional Cook often has broader responsibilities, including supervision and menu planning, whereas a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes at a specific station in the kitchen. The Professional Cook typically requires more training or certification and may work in diverse food service settings, while the Line Cook is primarily hands-on in restaurant kitchens.

What does a professional cook do?

A professional cook prepares, cooks, and presents food in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They follow recipes, ensure food safety standards, and may specialize in specific cuisines or techniques. Strong skills in knife work, time management, and knowledge of kitchen equipment are essential for the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Professional Cook jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Professional Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Cook job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,957 per year, or $13.9 per hour.

SENIOR COOK (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

Unidine

Franklin, KY • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Unidine rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Unidine is hiring immediately for full time and part time SENIOR COOK positions.

  • Location: QH Wellness Ranch - 2015 Stony Point Road, Franklin, KY 4134. 
  • Schedule: Full time and part time schedules. 6:00 am - 2:30 pm, days may vary. Further details upon interview. 
  • Requirement: Prior professional cooking experience required.
  • Perks: Shift meal! Uniform shirt! Free parking! No late nights!
  • Fixed Pay Rate: $21.00 per hour.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU A fun work environment, robust benefits package, great team members, and a career with one of the top hospitality companies in the nation! You'll work with a talented and supportive team that makes a real impact in the lives of those we serve.

YOU'D MAKE A GREAT ADDITION TO OUR TEAM Our culinary team is the core of our business. Every day brings new opportunities to enhance lives, create connections, and make a difference. If you enjoy creating memorable experiences, you will be a great addition to the Unidine team!

Job Summary


Summary: Prepares food to ensure it is nutritious and properly flavored in accordance with applicable federal, state, local and company standards, guidelines and regulations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • May oversee the cooking activities of food service associates as assigned by Food Service Director.
  • Prepares various entrees and menu items following established recipes.
  • Operates and cleans equipment after each use. Performs scheduled routine cleaning.
  • Stores, labels and dates food items according to policy. Helps maintain organized storage of dry goods and refrigerated and frozen products.
  • Follows HACCP guidelines to ensure quality and safety of food supply.
  • Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures.
  • Assists Food Service Director in maintaining accurate daily production records and completes all required documentation, reports, and logs as assigned.
  • Assists in the cross training of employees.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

BENEFITS FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS

  • Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
  • Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_Unidine.pdf

Unidine is a member of Compass Group. Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.


​Req ID:  1554785 


What Unidine employees say

Pay

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About Unidine

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With a marked focus on senior living, Unidine delivers custom culinary programs centered on diamond service, scratch cooking, and a holistic health & wellness approach to dining. We embrace culinary integrity and innovation to craft invigorating, nourishing, and memorable meals with high quality local, seasonal, and responsibly sourced ingredients and products. As a boutique food and dining management service, we specialize in tailored, creative solutions to serve discerning clients and their clientele nationwide.

Industry

Food and beverage wholesalers

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

2001