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School Cook Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Burrito Express

Cook- cook

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$16.50/hr

Main Responsibilities of a Cook: * Preparing workstations, cooking ingredients, and kitchen ... Must carry at least a high school diploma. The Burrito Express was established in 1995 by Angel ...

Culver's

Cook

Peoria, AZ · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

The advantage goes to candidates with a diploma from a culinary school. Responsibilities of a Cook: * Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. * Preparing workstations for cooking.

Culver's

Cook

Peoria, AZ

$15 - $16.50/hr

The advantage goes to candidates with a diploma from a culinary school. Responsibilities of a Cook: * Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. * Preparing workstations for cooking.

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School Cook information

See Arizona salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do school cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for school cook in Arizona is $15.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $17.02 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.

More about School Cook jobs
What are popular job titles related to School Cook jobs in Arizona? For School Cook jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching School Cook jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for School Cook jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for School Cook jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most School Cook job openings:
What are popular job titles related to School Cook jobs in AZ? For School Cook jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
School Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Cook job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,253 per year, or $15 per hour.

Food Service High School Cook

Peoria Unified School District

Glendale, AZ • On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Peoria Unified School District rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 627 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Position Title: High School Kitchen Cook 
Supervisor: Kitchen Manager
Term of Employment: 9.5 months 
Salary Classification: 9
Job Summary: Provides and performs a variety of food services and related tasks in the preparation and serving of food, clean up and operation of a school cafeteria.
Essential Functions: as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES generally include the following:







  • Works closely with the manager regarding how much to prepare, how much to pull from the freezer and when, and any necessary advance preparation.  Reads through the recipe to ensure recipe is being followed.
  • Performs a variety of food preparation tasks. Read and calculate recipes, and cut, chop, measure and prepare foods, food products and related items accordingly.
  • Responsible for preparing and cooking of the entrees and accompanying vegetables.
  • Responsible for preparing, cooking, and cooling foods for shipment to other elementary schools.
  • Prepares the serving line, fruit and vegetable bar, condiments, and beverages.  Serves or cashiers during meal times and assists customers.
  • Completes daily temperature log and production worksheets.  Provides back up with preparing deposit and reconciling end of day paperwork.
  • Cleans and sanitizes kitchen, food trays, kitchen utensils, floors, work stations, tables and other food service/cafeteria areas. Mops, uses the autoscrubber and takes out trash. Breaks down tables after service.
  • Provides back up and assistance to others involved in the preparation, serving, clean-up and maintenance of the kitchen and cafeteria area.
  • Assists with receiving deliveries, pulling food for preparation, rotating food and supply inventory and completing monthly inventories.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  • Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and codes and PUSD policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of the principles of customer service.
  • Skill in reading, interpreting, understanding and applying relevant Federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and codes and PUSD policies and procedures.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the general public and others having business with the school district.
  • Skill in basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication.  Able to read recipes, calculate measurements and follow instructions.
  • Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or GED AND six (6) months of relevant food service, or closely related experience preferred; OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must possess or obtain an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
  • Must be able to pass a background clearance check.
  • May be exposed to dangerous machinery, potential physical harm, hazardous chemicals and infectious disease
  • Must be able to obtain within one month of employment and maintain a State of Arizona Food Handlers Permit
  • Must be able to obtain Peoria USD Cook Safety Certificate
  • May be required to work outside normal working hours
  • May be required to lift and/or carry heavy, bulky supplies, materials, equipment and other items weighing up to 50 pounds
  • May be required to obtain and maintain a valid Arizona driver's license


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