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Retirement Home Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gencare Inc

Cook

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Cook - Line/Prep Part-Time Location: Lynnwood, WA - Scriber Gardens GenCare Lifestyle @ Scriber ... Forget "retirement home food" -- we are the only fully Gluten-Free accredited Senior Housing ...

Gencare Inc

Cook

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$20/hr

Cook - Line/Prep Location: Tacoma *Award-Winning Senior Living Community GenCare Lifestyle @ Pt ... Forget "retirement home food" -- we are the only fully Gluten-Free accredited Senior Housing ...

Gencare Inc

Cook

Granite Falls, WA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

PT Cook - Line/Prep Location: Granite Falls, WA - The Village GenCare Lifestyle @ The Village in ... Forget "retirement home food" -- we are the only fully Gluten-Free accredited Senior Housing ...

Touchstone Senior Services

Cook

Jefferson, WI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

And nothing makes our residents happier than a delicious, home cooked meal. We are currently ... A full benefits package is offered including paid time off, insurance, and a retirement package.

Taylor Glen A Thrive More Community

Cook

Concord, NC · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Cook RESPONSIBLE TO: Culinary Director JOB OBJECTIVE: Performs a variety of routine tasks and ... Complies with the retirement home's conduct policy. * Complies with all requirements of all Federal ...

Taylor Glen A Thrive More Community

Cook

Concord, NC

$12.75 - $17/hr

Cook RESPONSIBLE TO: Culinary Director JOB OBJECTIVE: Performs a variety of routine tasks and ... Complies with the retirement home's conduct policy. * Complies with all requirements of all Federal ...

Taylor Glen A Thrive More Community

Cook

Concord, NC · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook RESPONSIBLE TO: Culinary Director JOB OBJECTIVE: Performs a variety of routine tasks and ... Complies with the retirement home's conduct policy. * Complies with all requirements of all Federal ...

Taylor Glen A Thrive More Community

Cook

Concord, NC · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Cook RESPONSIBLE TO: Culinary Director JOB OBJECTIVE: Performs a variety of routine tasks and ... Complies with the retirement home's conduct policy. * Complies with all requirements of all Federal ...

Taylor Glen A Thrive More Community

Cook

Concord, NC · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Cook RESPONSIBLE TO: Culinary Director JOB OBJECTIVE: Performs a variety of routine tasks and ... Complies with the retirement home's conduct policy. * Complies with all requirements of all Federal ...

Taylor Glen A Thrive More Community

Cook

Concord, NC · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Cook RESPONSIBLE TO: Culinary Director JOB OBJECTIVE: Performs a variety of routine tasks and ... Complies with the retirement home's conduct policy. * Complies with all requirements of all Federal ...

Lantis Enterprises, Inc.

Cook

Ogallala, NE · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

We are seeking someone who can elevate institutional meals - down-home cooking is the goal. If you ... Paid time off * 401(k) retirement program * Disability insurance * Accident insurance * Critical ...

Lantis Enterprises, Inc.

Cook

Alta, IA · On-site

$17/hr

We are seeking someone who can elevate institutional meals - down-home cooking is the goal with an ... Paid time off * 401(k) retirement program * Disability insurance * Accident insurance * Critical ...

Lantis Enterprises, Inc.

Cook

Spirit Lake, IA · On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

We are seeking someone who can elevate institutional meals - down-home cooking is the goal. If you ... Paid time off * 401(k) retirement program * Disability insurance * Accident insurance * Critical ...

Lantis Enterprises, Inc.

Cook

Chadron, NE · On-site

$17/hr

We are seeking someone who can elevate institutional meals - down-home cooking is the goal. If you ... Paid time off * 401(k) retirement program * Disability insurance * Accident insurance * Critical ...

Lantis Enterprises, Inc.

Cook

Papillion, NE · On-site

$18/hr

We are seeking someone who can elevate institutional meals - down-home cooking is the goal. If you ... Paid time off * 401(k) retirement program * Disability insurance * Accident insurance * Critical ...

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All JobsRetirement Home Cook Jobs

Retirement Home Cook information

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$8

$16

$22

How much do retirement home cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for retirement home 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 qualifications do you need to cook in a care home?

A retirement home cook typically needs relevant food safety certifications such as ServSafe or equivalent, and experience in food preparation and handling. Some employers may require a culinary or hospitality qualification, and knowledge of dietary restrictions and special diets is important in a care home setting.

What is a Retirement Home Cook job?

A Retirement Home Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals for residents in a retirement or assisted living facility. They follow specific dietary requirements, ensure food safety and sanitation, and create menus that cater to the needs and preferences of elderly residents. The cook works closely with kitchen staff to maintain a clean and efficient workspace. Additionally, they may interact with residents to accommodate special meal requests and provide a pleasant dining experience.

What are some typical challenges faced by Retirement Home Cooks, and how can they be managed?

Retirement Home Cooks often face the challenge of accommodating a wide range of dietary restrictions and preferences, such as low-sodium, gluten-free, or diabetic-friendly meals. Time management is also key, as you may be responsible for preparing multiple meals per day for a large number of residents, often to a strict schedule. Strong communication with nursing staff and dietitians helps ensure meals meet residents' health needs while maintaining variety and taste. By staying organized and being adaptable, many cooks find great satisfaction in seeing the positive impact their meals have on residents’ daily lives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Retirement Home Cook position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retirement Home Cook, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience preparing meals for large groups, often supported by a food handler's certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, dietary management software, and adherence to specialized nutrition guidelines (such as low-sodium or diabetic diets) is typically required. Compassion, patience, and effective communication are valuable soft skills, as the role involves serving seniors and working within a diverse team. These skills and qualities are essential to provide nutritious, appealing meals while ensuring resident safety and satisfaction in a supportive environment.

What is the average hourly rate for a cook?

The average hourly rate for a retirement home cook typically ranges from $12 to $20, depending on experience, location, and the facility's size. Cooks in retirement homes often need food safety certifications and may work full-time or part-time shifts.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying jobs for cooks typically include executive chefs, head chefs, or culinary directors in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private clubs, with salaries often exceeding $70,000 annually. Specialized roles such as pastry chefs or chefs with advanced certifications and extensive experience can also command higher wages. These positions usually require strong leadership skills, culinary expertise, and often formal culinary education or certifications.

What qualifications do you need to work at a retirement home?

Retirement home cooks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and food safety certification such as ServSafe. Experience in food preparation and knowledge of dietary restrictions for seniors are also important qualifications for the role.
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Retirement Home Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Retirement Home Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.
Nursing Home Cook

Nursing Home Cook

East Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Bronx, NY • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

East Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a 200-bed facility proudly serving the North East Bronx community. We provide short-term rehabilitation, sub-acute care, long-term nursing care, and in-house hospice services. Caring is our Commitment is more than just a motto—it’s our culture. We are seeking a dedicated Cook to join our team and bring quality, nutritious meals to our residents.

Responsibilities:
  • Prepare, cook, and present meals in accordance with standardized recipes, therapeutic diets, and special dietary needs.
  • Ensure all meals meet quality standards for taste, temperature, and presentation.
  • Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, adhering to New York City food safety and sanitation guidelines.
  • Properly store, label, and rotate food to ensure freshness and compliance with food safety regulations.
  • Follow dietary requirements, including kosher guidelines (experience preferred).
  • Assist with inventory management and ordering supplies as needed.
  • Work collaboratively with dietary aides and other kitchen staff to ensure smooth meal service.
  • Maintain compliance with infection control protocols and safety regulations.
Qualifications:
  • Safe Serve license or equivalent experience required.
  • Experience in kosher cooking is a plus.
  • Knowledge of food protection, storage, proper cooking temperatures, and food safety regulations preferred.
  • Long-term care (LTC) experience is a plus.
  • COVID-19 vaccination is mandated unless an appropriate medical exemption is provided.
  • Availability to work every other weekend is required.
Compensation & Benefits:
  • Paid time off and sick pay.
  • Retirement plan.
  • A supportive and team-oriented work environment.

Join our team and make a difference in the lives of our residents!