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Retirement Home Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Federal Way, WA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Cook - Line/Prep Location: Federal Way GenCare Lifestyle @ Steel Lake in Federal Way is a Premier ... Forget "retirement home food" -- we are the only fully Gluten-Free accredited Senior Housing ...

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 ...

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Meal Prep Assistant

Claremont, CA · On-site

$18 - $18.50/hr

... retirement home is hiring a Meal prep assistant -Must be able to work weekends, holidays. Duties include setting tables, cleaning dining room, kitchen cleaning duties, assisting morning cook. Making ...

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Meal Prep Assistant

Claremont, CA · On-site

$18 - $18.50/hr

... retirement home is hiring a Meal prep assistant -Must be able to work weekends, holidays. Duties include setting tables, cleaning dining room, kitchen cleaning duties, assisting morning cook. Making ...

Cook

Renton, WA · On-site

$21.57 - $22/hr

Cook - Line/Prep Location: Renton, WA GenCare Lifestyle @ Eagle Ridge is more than just a place to ... Forget "retirement home food" -- we are the only fully Gluten-Free accredited Senior Housing ...

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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Concord, NC

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Kitchen Cook

Greenville, MI · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

At Green Acres of Greenville, we believe great meals bring comfort, joy, and a sense of home to our residents. We're looking for a compassionate and dependable Cook who enjoys preparing delicious ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Red Oak, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/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 ...

Cook

Kearney, 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 ...

Cook

Scottsbluff, NE · On-site

$17 - $19/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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Retirement Home Cook information

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$16

$22

How much do retirement home cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 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 is a retirement home cook?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a retirement home cook?

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 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.

More about Retirement Home Cook jobs

What cities are hiring for Retirement Home Cook jobs?

Cities with the most Retirement Home Cook job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Retirement Home Cook jobs?

The most popular types of Retirement Home Cook jobs are:

What states have the most Retirement Home Cook jobs?

States with the most job openings for Retirement Home Cook jobs include:

Infographic showing various Retirement Home Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

Cook Needed Frostburg Rehab Center

Serene Health Services

Frostburg, MD • On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Nursing Home Cook

Job Title: Nursing Home Cook
Location: [Facility Name] – [City, State]
Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Pay Rate: [$XX–$XX per hour]

Job Summary

We are seeking a reliable and compassionate Cook to join our dietary team. The Cook will prepare nutritious, appetizing meals for residents while following dietary requirements, food safety regulations, and sanitation standards. The ideal candidate enjoys working with seniors and is committed to providing high-quality meal service.

Responsibilities
  • Prepare and cook meals according to approved menus and dietary guidelines.

  • Follow special diets, including diabetic, low-sodium, pureed, and texture-modified meals.

  • Ensure food is prepared and served in a safe, sanitary manner.

  • Maintain cleanliness of kitchen equipment, work areas, and storage areas.

  • Monitor food inventory and assist with ordering supplies.

  • Follow all local health department regulations and facility policies.

  • Work cooperatively with dietary staff, nursing staff, and management.

  • Assist with meal service and kitchen closing procedures as needed.

Qualifications
  • Previous cooking experience in a healthcare facility, nursing home, hospital, school, or restaurant preferred.

  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.

  • Ability to follow recipes and portion-control guidelines.

  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.

  • Food Handler's Permit or ServSafe certification preferred.

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Benefits
  • Competitive pay

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance (for eligible employees)

  • Paid time off

  • Retirement plan

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Training and advancement opportunities

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume or complete an application at [email address, website, or physical address].