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School Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Genuine Foods

School Cook (8272)

Portland, OR · On-site

$24/hr

ABOUT GENUINE FOODS At Genuine Foods we create nourishing food environments at schools and ... ABOUT THE POSITION The Cook position is essential to our production kitchen, responsible for ...

GENUINE FOODS

School Cook (8272)

Portland, OR · On-site

$24/hr

ABOUT GENUINE FOODS At Genuine Foods we create nourishing food environments at schools and ... ABOUT THE POSITION The Cook position is essential to our production kitchen, responsible for ...

GENUINE FOODS

School Cook (8234)

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$17/hr

Mon-Fri Schedule ABOUT THIS POSITION The Cook position will be located in a school setting. The cook performs a variety of job responsibilities relating to preparing and serving food in accordance ...

Genuine Foods

School Cook (8234)

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$17/hr

Mon-Fri Schedule ABOUT THIS POSITION The Cook position will be located in a school setting. The cook performs a variety of job responsibilities relating to preparing and serving food in accordance ...

Genuine Foods

School Cook (7241)

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18/hr

ABOUT THIS POSITION The Cook position will be located in a school setting. The cook performs a variety of job responsibilities relating to preparing and serving food in accordance with the daily menu ...

GENUINE FOODS

School Cook (7241)

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18/hr

ABOUT THIS POSITION The Cook position will be located in a school setting. The cook performs a variety of job responsibilities relating to preparing and serving food in accordance with the daily menu ...

Gilbert

High School Cook

Gilbert, IA

$18/hr

Cook Reports to: Kitchen Manager FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Status: Part time 6 hr Starting Salary ... High school diploma or equivalent preferred. * Food service or commercial kitchen experience ...

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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 (8272)

Genuine Foods

Portland, OR • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

ABOUT GENUINE FOODS
At Genuine Foods we create nourishing food environments at schools and workplaces through great-tasting and wholesome meals, made from genuine ingredients. We are a growing social enterprise that uses food to enhance health, productivity, and happiness. We believe that fresh, scratch-made food together with unparalleled service and meaningful enrichment programs can transform lives and build community. Food service management is what we do, but what we achieve together with our customers, our partners and our dedicated team goes beyond the plate.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Cook position is essential to our production kitchen, responsible for preparing and serving food in accordance with daily menu and recipe standards. This role involves a variety of tasks related to food preparation and kitchen maintenance. There are opportunities to learn culinary skills and advance your career. We are a supportive team that values respect and collaboration. The ideal candidate enjoys working with students and educators and prioritizes superior customer service.
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Ensure food safety standards are followed at all times.
  • Cook and prep food accurately based on recipes and specifications provided by the Chef/Genuine Foods.
  • Coordinate with team members to ensure all food is prepared on time for service.
  • Maintain a clean working environment and assist the team with additional cleaning duties.
  • Keep area stocked and organized.
  • Perform any additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Must be flexible and team-oriented.
  • At least 1 year of line cook or culinary experience.
  • Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and level-headedness.
  • Punctual and able to adhere to the time and attendance policy.
  • Ability to climb stairs and lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Interest in and commitment to Genuine Foods' mission to use food to enhance students' minds, bodies, and happiness.
  • Must be able to work in a school environment.
  • Job Type: Full-time

Benefits and Perks:
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday pay
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Career growth opportunities

Genuine Values:
  • Trustworthiness: Integrity, transparency, reliability, consistency, and delivery excellence.
  • Personal Accountability: Ownership in solving problems, no excuses, learning from mistakes, and financial stewardship without sacrificing quality.
  • People First: Human-centered solutions, teamwork, hospitality, empathy, and cultural responsiveness.
  • Entrepreneurial: Adaptable, nimble, willing to go the extra mile, responsive, and encouraged to try new things.
  • Genuine: Commitment to real, tasty, scratch-cooked healthy food, authentic interactions, honesty, positivity, and professionalism.

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