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School Cook Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Taher, Inc.

Cook

Stoughton, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

About the Role The Cook at Stoughton High School plays a vital role in preparing nutritious and appealing meals for students and staff, ensuring high standards of food quality and safety are ...

Pine Cone Restaurant

Cook

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$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.

Taher, Inc.

Cook

Stoughton, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

About the Role The Cook position at Stoughton Kegonsa Elementary is essential for delivering ... Experience working in a school or similar institutional food service environment. * Ability to ...

Arete Staffing

Cook

Edgerton, WI

$19/hr

Looking for a steady weekday schedule, consistent hours, and a role where you can make a difference? We're hiring a Cook to support our school cafeteria team! What You'll Do: * Prepare and cook ...

Azura Memory Care

Cook

Verona, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

High school diploma or equivalent required Prior cooking or food service experience preferred, but not required Strong communication and teamwork skills Passion for serving seniors and working in a ...

Azura Memory Care

Cook

Verona, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

High school diploma or equivalent required Prior cooking or food service experience preferred, but not required Strong communication and teamwork skills Passion for serving seniors and working in a ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Madison, WI

$18/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * Previous experience as a cook or in food preparation is preferred. * Ability to follow recipes and dietary restrictions. * Maintain a positive attitude and ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Mineral Point, WI · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * Previous experience as a cook or in food preparation is preferred. * Ability to follow recipes and dietary restrictions. * Maintain a positive attitude and ...

Mercyhealth

Cook

Janesville, WI · On-site

$17.23 - $24.98/hr

Cooks to order * Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently ... Graduate of vocational school, or culinary program preferred. CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE State Food ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Madison, WI · On-site

$18/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * Previous experience as a cook or in food preparation is preferred. * Ability to follow recipes and dietary restrictions. * Maintain a positive attitude and ...

Platinum Communities

Cook

Middleton, WI

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

High School Diploma or GED preferred. * Minimum 1 year of cooking experience, preferably in healthcare, assisted living, or long-term care setting. * Knowledge of special diets, portion control, and ...

Platinum Communities

Cook

Middleton, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

High School Diploma or GED preferred. * Minimum 1 year of cooking experience, preferably in healthcare, assisted living, or long-term care setting. * Knowledge of special diets, portion control, and ...

Eden Senior Care

Cook

Evansville, WI · On-site

$19/hr

High school diploma or GED preferred. * Previous cooking experience, preferably in an institutional, healthcare, or long-term care setting. * Knowledge of basic cooking techniques and large-volume ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Mineral Point, WI · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * Previous experience as a cook or in food preparation is preferred. * Ability to follow recipes and dietary restrictions. * Maintain a positive attitude and ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Madison, WI

$18/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * Previous experience as a cook or in food preparation is preferred. * Ability to follow recipes and dietary restrictions. * Maintain a positive attitude and ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Mineral Point, WI · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * Previous experience as a cook or in food preparation is preferred. * Ability to follow recipes and dietary restrictions. * Maintain a positive attitude and ...

Yona Solutions

Cook

Middleton, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Yona is looking for a cook to join the team! Yona is offering a $300 bonus for new cooks! Benefits ... High school diploma or equivalent; certification in food services is a plus * Must provide a ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Madison, WI · On-site

$18/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * Previous experience as a cook or in food preparation is preferred. * Ability to follow recipes and dietary restrictions. * Maintain a positive attitude and ...

Milton Senior Living LLC

Cook GLSL

Milton, WI · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

High school diploma or GED required * Previous cooking or food service experience required * Experience in senior living, healthcare, or institutional dining preferred Certificates, Licenses, and ...

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All JobsSchool Cook JobsSchool Cook Jobs in Madison, WI

School Cook information

See Madison, WI 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 Madison, WI is $16.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $18.41 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 job categories do people searching School Cook jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for School Cook jobs in Madison, WI are:

School Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Cook job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,798 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Cook

Taher, Inc.

Stoughton, WI • On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Taher rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

About the Role
The Cook at Stoughton High School plays a vital role in preparing nutritious and appealing meals for students and staff, ensuring high standards of food quality and safety are consistently met. This position requires the ability to efficiently manage food preparation tasks while adhering to established recipes and dietary guidelines. The Cook will contribute to a positive dining experience by maintaining cleanliness and organization in the kitchen and dining areas. Collaboration with kitchen staff and school nutrition personnel is essential to meet daily meal production goals and accommodate special dietary needs. Ultimately, this role supports the health and well-being of the school community through dedicated culinary service.
Job Responsibilities
  • Prepare and cook meals according to standardized recipes and nutritional guidelines.
  • Ensure all food is handled safely and stored properly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, cooking equipment, and workstations.
  • Assist in inventory management by monitoring supplies and reporting shortages to supervisors.
  • Communicate effectively with team members and school staff to coordinate meal service and accommodate special dietary requests.

    • Minimum Qualifications
  • Proven experience in food preparation and cooking in a commercial or institutional setting.
  • Ability to speak and understand English to follow instructions and communicate effectively.
  • Demonstrated manual dexterity and ability to handle kitchen tools and equipment safely.
  • Capability to stand for extended periods during meal preparation and service.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.

    • Preferred Qualifications
  • Certification in food safety or culinary arts.
  • Experience working in a school or institutional food service environment.
  • Familiarity with special dietary needs such as allergies or religious dietary restrictions.
  • Basic knowledge of inventory and kitchen supply management.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

    • Skills
    The required skills such as food preparation and manual dexterity are essential for efficiently and safely handling kitchen tasks, including chopping, cooking, and plating meals. Proficiency in English enables clear communication with colleagues and supervisors, ensuring smooth kitchen operations and adherence to safety protocols. Standing for extended periods is necessary to maintain productivity during busy meal service times. Food production skills help in managing portion control and meal consistency, which are critical in a school setting. Preferred skills like food safety certification and experience with special dietary needs enhance the Cook's ability to provide safe, inclusive, and high-quality meals tailored to the diverse student population.
    * Previous food service experience preferred
    * Exceptional customer service skills
    * Ability to adapt and change in a fast-paced environment
    * Able to do simple arithmetic
    * Excellent oral and written communication skills
    * Be able to lift 30 Lbs.and stand for extended periods of time
    * Dependable, Punctual
    * Ability to follow all safe food handling requirements
    * Successfully pass a criminal background check
    EOE/AA

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