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School Cook Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Denim and Diamonds Pre School

Pre School Cook

New Waverly, TX · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Pre-School Cook, you will be working in the kitchen each day to prepare the food portions, set food out for children or work behind the counter to create made-to-order meals, and assist teachers ...

AtWork

Cook Carrollton

Carrollton, TX · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

School Cook - Carrollton School District Location: Carrollton, TX Pay: $16 - $18 per hour Schedule: Monday - Friday | 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM Requirements: * Clear background check * Experience with high ...

Cook Children's

Cook II

Fort Worth, TX

$13.50 - $18/hr

High school diploma or equivalent * 2 years of experience in healthcare, institutional or restaurant cooking to include food preparation Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification: * City of Ft.

Cook Children's

Cook I

Fort Worth, TX

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

High school diploma or equivalent * 1 year of experience in healthcare, institutional or restaurant cooking to include food preparation Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification: * City of Ft.

Cook Children's Health Care System

Cook II

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

High school diploma or equivalent * 2 years of experience in healthcare, institutional or restaurant cooking to include food preparation Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification: * City of Ft.

Cook Children's Health Care System

Cook II

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. * 2 years of experience in food ... Cook Children's Medical Center is the cornerstone of Cook Children's, and offers advanced ...

Cook Children's Health Care System

Cook I

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

High school diploma or equivalent * 1 year of experience in healthcare, institutional or restaurant cooking to include food preparation Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification: * City of Ft.

Celebree School

Cook

Spring, TX · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Work with school leadership and families to accommodate allergies, dietary restrictions, and ... Previous cooking experience required; childcare or school setting preferred. * Experience cooking ...

Cook Children's Health Care System

Cook I

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Must have high school diploma or GED * 1 year experience in institutional or commercial food ... Cook Children's Medical Center is the cornerstone of Cook Children's, and offers advanced ...

Wok Star Chinese

cook

Dallas, TX · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

You will cook dishes that will delight our customers with their taste and timely delivery. An ... Diploma from a culinary school will be an advantage

Chicken Express

Cook

Navasota, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $14.75/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.

Chicken Express

Cook

Taylor, TX

$13.50 - $14.75/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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How much do school cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for school cook in Texas is $15.02, 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 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.
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School Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Cook job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,245 per year, or $15 per hour.

Pre School Cook

Denim and Diamonds Pre School

New Waverly, TX • On-site

$10 - $12/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

 Benefits/Perks
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Great Work Environment
  • Career Advancement Opportunities
Job Summary
We are seeking a Pre-School Cook to join our team! As a Pre-School Cook, you will be working in the kitchen each day to prepare the food portions, set food out for children or work behind the counter to create made-to-order meals, and assist teachers as needed. You will also maintain a clean, safe working environment by staying on top of dishes, cleaning the stove and food preparation areas, and keeping the cafeteria itself clean and tidy. The ideal candidate has excellent service skills, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, and is comfortable working on your feet for long stretches of time. 
Responsibilities 
  • Assist in preparing and portioning food
  • Restock food and kitchen items as needed
  • Assist other Teachers throughout the day
  • Maintain a clean work environment at all times
  • Follow all food safety guidelines 
Qualifications
  • Familiarity with best practices when it comes to food safety desired
  • The ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment
  • Food certification will be required.