Cook
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$14 - $18.75/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$14 - $18.75/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
$13.25 - $17.50/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
$13.25 - $17.50/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Cedar Bluff, VA · On-site
$13.25 - $17.50/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Cedar Bluff, VA · On-site
$13.25 - $17.50/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
$14 - $18.75/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
$14 - $18.75/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Cedar Bluff, VA · On-site
$13.25 - $17.50/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Cedar Bluff, VA · On-site
$13.25 - $17.50/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Cedar Bluff, VA · On-site
$13.25 - $17.50/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Cedar Bluff, VA · On-site
$13.25 - $17.50/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$14 - $18.75/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$14 - $18.75/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
$13.25 - $17.50/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
$13.25 - $17.50/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Richmond, VA · On-site
$12.75 - $17.25/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Richmond, VA · On-site
$12.75 - $17.25/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Hillsville, VA · On-site
$12.75 - $17/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Hillsville, VA · On-site
$12.75 - $17/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Hillsville, VA · On-site
$12.75 - $17/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Hillsville, VA · On-site
$12.75 - $17/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
$12.75 - $17/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
$12.75 - $17/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Richmond, VA · On-site
$13.75 - $18.50/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
New
Cook
Richmond, VA · On-site
$13.75 - $18.50/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
New
Cook
Richmond, VA · On-site
$12.75 - $17.25/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Richmond, VA · On-site
$12.75 - $17.25/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
$13.75 - $18.50/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
New
Cook
$13.75 - $18.50/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
New
Cook
Hillsville, VA · On-site
$12.75 - $17/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Hillsville, VA · On-site
$12.75 - $17/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Chesapeake, VA · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Chesapeake, VA · On-site
$13.50 - $18.25/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Chesapeake, VA · On-site
$12.75 - $17.25/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Cook
Chesapeake, VA · On-site
$12.75 - $17.25/hr
Requirements • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required. • Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred. • Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality ...
Retirement Home Cook information
See salary details
$8.89 - $10.10
2% of jobs
$10.10 - $11.30
4% of jobs
$11.30 - $12.50
9% of jobs
$13.70 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.50 - $13.70
10% of jobs
$13.70 - $14.90
14% of jobs
The median wage is $15.71 / hr.
$14.90 - $16.11
16% of jobs
$16.11 - $17.31
15% of jobs
$17.74 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.31 - $18.51
12% of jobs
$18.51 - $19.71
9% of jobs
$19.71 - $20.91
5% of jobs
$20.91 - $22.12
3% of jobs
$8
$16
$22
How much do retirement home cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Jun 3, 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 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 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 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:
What job categories do people searching Retirement Home Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Retirement Home Cook jobs are:
$14 - $18.75/hr
Full-time
Posted 17 days ago
Job description
The Cook, under the direction of designated management and supervisors, will prepare, present, store, and dispatch all food products, specifically, but not limited to Dining Room, Bistro (where located), marketing and catering events and resident tray service where required. This will include various functions to pre-set menu specifications within the given time limitations as previously determined by the Dining Services Director and Guest, according to the standards of Commonwealth Senior Living as determined by the Dining Services Director, and in compliance with all health and safety regulations by ensuring adherence to all sanitary and safe food handling guidelines at all times.
Job Duties
• Ensure all menu items are prepared and served according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Assure that the presentation of all menu items adhere to established standards.
• Prepare meals on menus and based on nutritional programs and individual plans.
• Ensure the quality of meals in regards to taste, presentation and dietary requirements established by the Dining Services Director.
• Ensure quality and safety of food by performing standard and any additional sanitary measures including sweeping of the floors, cleaning of surfaces, as well as proper covering and storage of food items according to standards and procedures.
• Work at efficient and consistent pace.
• Ensure timely preparation of all meals.
• Ensure that each resident receives meals corresponding to their dietary requirements.
• Ensure that the correct quantities are prepared to meet daily needs.
• Utilize kitchen equipment during food preparation.
• Stay productive at all times and prepare for future needs as time allows.
• Demonstrate flexibility and volunteer to fill open shifts as required by variations in staffing.
• Follow proper reporting procedures for accidents and incidents to ensure follow-up and prevention.
• Adhere to all regulations including blood borne pathogens, infection control, use of hazardous materials and fire safety.
• Assure that all food and other departmental supplies are ordered and received in a timely manner so that adequate inventory levels are maintained to support volume or anticipated volume.
• Assist with the training of new employees.
• Serve food in the proper portion size and at the proper temperature.
• Report any infraction in the food services department policies and procedures.
• Arrive to work at the scheduled time.
• Perform other related duties as required.
Requirements
• Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required.
• Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation required.
• Knowledge of methods and procedures for serving food, principles of sanitation, and principles of safe food handling required.
• Ability to lift up to 50lb required.
• Effective communication skills.
• Highly flexible, with solid interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse working environment.
• Highly effective teamwork skills.
• Computer literacy, including effective working skills of MS Word, Excel and e-mail required.
• Attention to detail in all areas of work.
• Superior time management skills, multitasking skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem identification and problem resolution skills.
• Strong work ethic and positive team attitude.
Culture Ambassador
• Models the core values of the company:
• Ensures all personnel exemplify the core values of the company at all times.
• Create and drive the sales culture.
Job Duties
• Ensure all menu items are prepared and served according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Assure that the presentation of all menu items adhere to established standards.
• Prepare meals on menus and based on nutritional programs and individual plans.
• Ensure the quality of meals in regards to taste, presentation and dietary requirements established by the Dining Services Director.
• Ensure quality and safety of food by performing standard and any additional sanitary measures including sweeping of the floors, cleaning of surfaces, as well as proper covering and storage of food items according to standards and procedures.
• Work at efficient and consistent pace.
• Ensure timely preparation of all meals.
• Ensure that each resident receives meals corresponding to their dietary requirements.
• Ensure that the correct quantities are prepared to meet daily needs.
• Utilize kitchen equipment during food preparation.
• Stay productive at all times and prepare for future needs as time allows.
• Demonstrate flexibility and volunteer to fill open shifts as required by variations in staffing.
• Follow proper reporting procedures for accidents and incidents to ensure follow-up and prevention.
• Adhere to all regulations including blood borne pathogens, infection control, use of hazardous materials and fire safety.
• Assure that all food and other departmental supplies are ordered and received in a timely manner so that adequate inventory levels are maintained to support volume or anticipated volume.
• Assist with the training of new employees.
• Serve food in the proper portion size and at the proper temperature.
• Report any infraction in the food services department policies and procedures.
• Arrive to work at the scheduled time.
• Perform other related duties as required.
Requirements
• Minimum 1 year of cooking experience required.
• Working experience in the retirement home industry preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation required.
• Knowledge of methods and procedures for serving food, principles of sanitation, and principles of safe food handling required.
• Ability to lift up to 50lb required.
• Effective communication skills.
• Highly flexible, with solid interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse working environment.
• Highly effective teamwork skills.
• Computer literacy, including effective working skills of MS Word, Excel and e-mail required.
• Attention to detail in all areas of work.
• Superior time management skills, multitasking skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem identification and problem resolution skills.
• Strong work ethic and positive team attitude.
Culture Ambassador
• Models the core values of the company:
- We Care About People
- We Do the Right Thing
- We are Passionate, Have Fun, and Celebrate Success
- We Speak Up! It's Our Responsibility
- We Take Ownership and Add Value
- We are Respectful
• Ensures all personnel exemplify the core values of the company at all times.
• Create and drive the sales culture.