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School Cook Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Utica, MI ยท On-site

$18/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.

Cook

Southgate, MI

$11 - $17/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. Preparing ...

Cook

Grand Haven, MI ยท On-site

$14 - $18/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.

Cook

New Baltimore, MI ยท On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Coach future Cooks by supporting Interns from local high school. Childcare Meal Coverage * Trained to cover meals service and support childcare program. * Transport meals to other sites. * Cook ...

Cook

Rochester, MI ยท On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Training from a culinary school will be an asset Experience: * Cooking: 1 to 2 years (Preferred) * Restaurant Experience: 1 to 2 years (Preferred)

Cook

Hillsdale, MI ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

This is a great opportunity for Culinary and Hospitality School Grads! Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have openings for Rock Star Cooks who shares our passion for Food and Service. We are ...

Cook

Hillsdale, MI ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

This is a great opportunity for Culinary and Hospitality School Grads! Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have openings for Rock Star Cooks who shares our passion for Food and Service. We are ...

Cook

Hillsdale, MI ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

This is a great opportunity for Culinary and Hospitality School Grads! Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have openings for Rock Star Cooks who shares our passion for Food and Service. We are ...

AM-COOK

Livonia, MI ยท On-site

$12 - $14/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.

Cook

Grand Ledge, MI ยท On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Must carry at least a high school diploma. Responsibilities of a Cook:: Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. Preparing workstations for cooking. Preparing and maintaining kitchen ...

Cook

Grand Rapids, MI

$13.50 - $18/hr

High School Diploma or GED preferred * Previous cook experience preferred * Must be at least 18 years old

Must carry at least a high school diploma. Responsibilities of a Cook:: Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. Preparing workstations for cooking. Preparing and maintaining kitchen ...

Cook

Jackson, MI

$15 - $17/hr

Must carry at least a high school diploma. Responsibilities of a Cook:: Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. Preparing workstations for cooking. Preparing and maintaining kitchen ...

Cook

Saginaw, MI ยท On-site

$11.33/hr

Must carry at least a high school diploma. Responsibilities of a Cook:: Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. Preparing workstations for cooking. Preparing and maintaining kitchen ...

$17 - $20/hr

Must carry at least a high school diploma. Responsibilities of a Cook:: Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen. Preparing workstations for cooking. Preparing and maintaining kitchen ...

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Showing results 1-20

School Cook information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do school cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for school cook in Michigan is $14.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $15.91 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.

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to School Cook jobs in MI? For School Cook jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various School Cook job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $29,231 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

High School Cook Assistant

Mid-Michigan Area Public Schools Consortium

Swartz Creek, MI โ€ข On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Student Support Services/Food Service
Date Posted:
10/3/2024
Location:
Swartz Creek High School
Closing Date:
Until Filled
District:
Swartz Creek Community School District
Attachment(s):
  • COOK ASSISTANT AT HIGH SCHOOL - Posted until filled 10.3.2024.pdf