ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

School Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PARK EAST ACADEMY INC

School Cook

Atlanta, GA · On-site

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

REACH School - RIVERS EDGE ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

Be Seen First

Part-Time School Cook

Grants Pass, OR · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

REACH is hiring a part-time school cook to prepare and serve daily lunches for students at our small charter school in Grants Pass. This is a hands-on cooking role with predictable hours, no nights ...

REACH School - RIVERS EDGE ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

Be Seen First

Part-Time School Cook

Grants Pass, OR · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

REACH is hiring a part-time school cook to prepare and serve daily lunches for students at our small charter school in Grants Pass. This is a hands-on cooking role with predictable hours, no nights ...

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

$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 ...

CJ's Catering

School Cook

Flint, MI · On-site

$16 - $17.50/hr

Relevant experience in food preparation and cooking, preferably in large quantities within an institutional setting. * Strong knowledge of nutritional guidelines, particularly those related to school ...

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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEducation JobsSchool JobsSchool Cook Jobs

School Cook information

See salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do school cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,537 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

School Cook

Atlanta, GA • On-site

PARK EAST ACADEMY INC
See more jobs at PARK EAST ACADEMY INCexternal

Full-time

Medical

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

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
???? Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
As our School Cook, you will be responsible for planning and preparing nutritious meals and snacks for children and staff while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness, and kitchen organization. This role also includes creating weekly menus, managing food inventory, and ordering supplies to ensure the kitchen is fully stocked and operating efficiently.
Responsibilities
•⁠  ⁠Plan and create balanced, nutritious, and child-friendly weekly menus.
•⁠  ⁠Prepare and serve healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for students and staff.
•⁠  ⁠Accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions when planning and preparing meals.
•⁠  ⁠Monitor food inventory and kitchen supplies.
•⁠  ⁠Place food and supply orders while maintaining budget awareness and minimizing waste.
•⁠  ⁠Receive, inspect, and properly store food deliveries.
•⁠  ⁠Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen in accordance with health and safety regulations.
•⁠  ⁠Properly store food and maintain safe food temperatures.
•⁠  ⁠Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils, and food preparation areas.
•⁠  ⁠Follow all local health department regulations and school policies.
•⁠  ⁠Work collaboratively with school staff to provide a positive dining experience for children.
Qualifications
•⁠  ⁠Previous experience as a cook, school cook, cafeteria cook, or in food service preferred.
•⁠  ⁠Experience planning menus and managing food inventory is highly preferred.
•⁠  ⁠Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling procedures.
•⁠  ⁠Ability to prepare meals efficiently for multiple people.
•⁠  ⁠Strong organizational and time management skills.
•⁠  ⁠Reliable, detail-oriented, and able to work independently.
•⁠  ⁠Positive attitude and excellent teamwork skills.
•⁠  ⁠Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods.
•⁠  ⁠Food Handler's Certification (or willingness to obtain one) preferred.
What We Offer
•⁠  ⁠Supportive and family-oriented work environment.
•⁠  ⁠Competitive compensation.
•⁠  ⁠Paid holidays and eligible benefits.
•⁠  ⁠Opportunity to positively impact children's health and well-being every day.
•⁠  ⁠Professional, collaborative, and welcoming school community.