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School Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PARK EAST ACADEMY INC

School Cook

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Park Schools Montessori is looking for a dependable, organized, and passionate *School Cook* to join our growing team! If you enjoy preparing healthy meals and creating a safe, welcoming dining ...

Rising Star Preschool

School Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Pay: We offer our School Cook a competitive wage of $21 per hour.Benefits:Education assistanceEmployee assistance program (EAP)Paid time off (PTO)Flexible scheduleGrowth opportunitiesMentor ...

Barr-Reeve Community Schools

School Cook

Montgomery, IN · On-site

$16.79/hr

Barr-Reeve Community Schools is accepting applications for a School Cook. This is a part-time position scheduled for 5.5 hours per day, 185 days per year, aligned with the student instructional ...

Barr-Reeve Community Schools

School Cook

Montgomery, IN · On-site

Salary: $16.79/hour Barr-Reeve Community Schools is accepting applications for a School Cook. This is a part-time position scheduled for 5.5 hours per day, 185 days per year, aligned with the student ...

New

Barr-Reeve Community Schools

School Cook

Montgomery, IN · On-site

$16.79/hr

Barr-Reeve Community Schools is accepting applications for a School Cook. This is a part-time position scheduled for 5.5 hours per day, 185 days per year, aligned with the student instructional ...

New

Taher, Inc.

School Cook

Mabel, MN · On-site

Taher, Inc. is growing and is looking for a Head Cook to join our team! Make a Difference Every Day ... Why You'll Love This Job ✅ Work the same days your child is in school ✅ No nights, weekends, or ...

Spring Education Group

School Cook

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Chesterbrook Academy is seeking a dedicated, reliable, and safety-focused Preschool Cook to join our school community! Our early childhood program is committed to providing nutritious meals that ...

FACCES

School Cook

Columbus, OH · On-site

Prepare and cook meals according to approved recipes and dietary guidelines Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces, equipment, appliances, and utensils. Create weekly menus that align with Child and ...

FACCES

School Cook

Columbus, OH · On-site

Prepare and cook meals according to approved recipes and dietary guidelines Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces, equipment, appliances, and utensils. Create weekly menus that align with Child and ...

Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities

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School Cook - Substitute

Columbus, OH · On-site

$18.47/hr

The School Cook operates standard kitchen equipment to prepare meals according to predetermined menus, ensuring nutritional standards and quality. This role involves assisting staff and students in ...

Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Be Seen First

School Cook - Substitute

Columbus, OH · On-site

$18.47/hr

The School Cook operates standard kitchen equipment to prepare meals according to predetermined menus, ensuring nutritional standards and quality. This role involves assisting staff and students in ...

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School COOK information

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$10

$16

$21

How much do school cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for school cook in the United States is $16.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a school cook, and how can they be effectively managed?

School Cooks often face challenges such as preparing large quantities of nutritious meals within tight timeframes and adhering to strict dietary guidelines and food safety regulations. Managing food allergies and accommodating special dietary needs among students can also be demanding. Effective organization, clear communication with staff, and staying updated on food safety protocols are key to overcoming these challenges. Collaborating closely with school nutritionists and kitchen team members helps ensure smooth meal service and a positive dining experience for students.

Is being a school cook hard?

School cooks are responsible for preparing meals in a fast-paced environment, often requiring multitasking and adherence to food safety standards. The job can be physically demanding and may involve early mornings or long hours, but it generally involves routine tasks and basic cooking skills.

What do school cooks get paid?

School cooks typically earn an average hourly wage ranging from $12 to $20, depending on experience, location, and school district. Salaries can vary based on factors such as certifications, responsibilities, and whether they work full-time or part-time in a school environment.

What does a school cook do?

As a school cook, you prepare and serve food for students in a cafeteria. You typically cook lunch in a kitchen every day, but you may also prepare meals for breakfast and provide additional snacks after school or for school events. Your duties include ensuring that you and other cafeteria workers observe food safety and sanitation practices. Other responsibilities involve obtaining and storing ingredients, ensuring that equipment functions properly, and ordering additional supplies as needed. You also plan the menu for foodservice in advance. Schools may require you to continue your education in safe kitchen and food prep practices while employed.

What is a school cook?

School cooks are food service professionals responsible for preparing and serving meals to students and staff within educational institutions. They follow specific recipes, ensure adherence to nutrition guidelines, and maintain food safety standards. School cooks may also help plan menus, manage inventory, and accommodate special dietary needs. Their role is essential in providing healthy, balanced meals that support students' learning and well-being.

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

To thrive as a School Cook, you need strong knowledge of nutrition, food preparation, and food safety, typically supported by a high school diploma and food handler certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and inventory management systems is often required. Attention to detail, organization, and the ability to work efficiently as part of a team are essential soft skills. These skills ensure safe, nutritious, and timely meal service to large groups of students while maintaining compliance with health regulations.

What is the difference between School Cook vs Cafeteria Worker?

AspectSchool CookCafeteria Worker
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary skillsFood safety certification, basic food handling
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food prep areasServing lines, dining areas
Employer & IndustrySchools, educational institutionsSchools, cafeterias, food service providers
Job FocusPreparing and cooking mealsServing food, assisting with meal distribution

School Cooks primarily prepare and cook meals in school kitchens, requiring culinary skills and food safety certifications. Cafeteria Workers focus on serving food and assisting with meal distribution in dining areas. While both roles work within school food service environments, School Cooks handle cooking responsibilities, whereas Cafeteria Workers support meal service and customer interaction.

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School COOK jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,537 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

School Cook

PARK EAST ACADEMY INC

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Park Schools Montessori is looking for a dependable, organized, and passionate *School Cook* to join our growing team! If you enjoy preparing healthy meals and creating a safe, welcoming dining experience for children, we'd love to hear from you.
Position: School Cook