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School Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quality Staffing

School Cook

Nashville, TN

$21/hr

School Cook This role will be responsible for preparing and cooking food according to established recipes and dietary guidelines in a food service or institutional setting. The School Cook will ...

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 assistance * Employee assistance program (EAP) * Paid time off (PTO) * Flexible schedule * Growth ...

New

Quality Staffing

School Cook

Nashville, TN

$21/hr

School Cook This role will be responsible for preparing and cooking food according to established recipes and dietary guidelines in a food service or institutional setting. The School Cook will ...

New

Greenwich Country Day School

School Cook

Greenwich, CT · On-site

​ ​ The Greenwich Country Day School seeks to hire a Cook to start in August 2026. Make Family Meals Every Day! Hours are 7:00 am - 3:30 pm, Monday - Friday. Range $24-26 an hour. Do you want to ...

Greenwich Country Day School

School Cook

Greenwich, CT · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

The Greenwich Country Day School seeks to hire a Cook to start in August 2026. Make Family Meals Every Day! Hours are 7:00 am - 3:30 pm, Monday - Friday. Range $24-26 an hour. Do you want to make ...

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 ...

Lancesoft INC

School Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20 - $22.22/hr

The role of the Secondary Special Schools Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food according to established recipes and dietary guidelines, typically in a food service or institutional ...

Yellow Brick Road

School Cook

Norwalk, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Prior cooking or kitchen experience (especially in childcare or schools-bonus!) * Previous experience working with young children in a childcare setting is preferred. * Knowledge of early childhood ...

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School Cook information

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$10

$16

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How much do school cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 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.

How much do school cooks make in the US?

School cooks in the United States typically earn a median annual salary of around $25,000 to $35,000, depending on experience, location, and school district size. Many school cooks work full-time, often during school hours, and may need food safety certifications or culinary skills to qualify for the role.

What job makes 10,000 a month without a degree?

School cooks typically do not earn $10,000 a month; such high salaries are uncommon in this role. Jobs that can reach this income level without a degree include specialized trades like commercial pilots, real estate brokers, or entrepreneurs in certain industries, often requiring experience, skills, or licensing rather than formal education.

What are school cooks called?

School cooks are commonly referred to as cafeteria workers, food service workers, or school food service staff. They are responsible for preparing and serving meals in educational institutions and often require food safety certifications and knowledge of nutrition standards.

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 jobs pay $2000 a day?

School cooks typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with specialized roles like surgeons, corporate executives, or highly experienced consultants. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience and may involve working long hours or in high-stakes environments.

What are school cooks?

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.

More about School Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for School Cook jobs? Cities with the most School Cook job openings:
What states have the most School Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for School Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching School Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for School Cook jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to School Cook jobs? For School Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
School Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Cook job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 15% Full Time, and 81% Part Time. 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

School Cook

Kinderberry Hill Child Development Centers

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Do you have experience in a commercial kitchen? Our Roseville childcare center is now hiring a full-time school cook to make breakfast, lunch, and snack for the children in our school. No nights or weekends!
This role involves preparing meals for approximately 140 children and staff, planning monthly menus, placing food orders, and following food allergy guidelines. Responsibilities also include preparing and serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks, as well as maintaining a clean and organized kitchen.
This is a single-person role, meaning all responsibilities-from meal prep and cooking to menu planning, ordering, and kitchen clean-up-are managed by one individual.
School Cook Benefits:
  • Monday-Friday: 6:45am-3:00pm- No nights or weekends!
  • Fun, flexible, and professional work environment
  • Health and dental insurance

School Cook Skills:
  • Can singlehandedly oversee end-to-end kitchen operations: inventory, ordering, food safety, food preparation, and sanitation
    • Has a current Food Safety certification
    • Can evaluate weekly inventory needs and place accurate food orders to ensure minimize waste
    • Has basic knowledge and ability to follow food allergy guidelines regarding preparation and serving food
    • Possesses strong time management skills, self-directed, and attention to detail
    • Can communicate professionally with young children, families, and co-workers

School Cook Requirements:
  • Must pass the Background Study required by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
  • Must have documentation of U.S. citizenship or eligibility to work in the U.S.
  • Must have the physical abilities to perform the job duties

Starting rate: $20 to $21+/hour based on experience and certification.
This position description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this position. While this description is intended to accurately reflect the position's activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary or desired. E.O.E.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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