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School Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GENUINE FOODS

School Cook (8371)

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Mon-Fri Schedule ABOUT THIS POSITION The Cook position will be located in a school setting. The cook performs a variety of job responsibilities relating to preparing and serving food in accordance ...

New

Genuine Foods

School Cook (8272)

Portland, OR · On-site

$24/hr

ABOUT GENUINE FOODS At Genuine Foods we create nourishing food environments at schools and ... ABOUT THE POSITION The Cook position is essential to our production kitchen, responsible for ...

Genuine Foods

School Cook (8234)

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$17/hr

Mon-Fri Schedule ABOUT THIS POSITION The Cook position will be located in a school setting. The cook performs a variety of job responsibilities relating to preparing and serving food in accordance ...

GENUINE FOODS

School Cook (8234)

New Orleans, LA

$17/hr

Mon-Fri Schedule ABOUT THIS POSITION The Cook position will be located in a school setting. The cook performs a variety of job responsibilities relating to preparing and serving food in accordance ...

Upper Arlington Schools

High School Cook

Columbus, OH

$19.45 - $21.59/hr

High School Cook Building: Upper Arlington High School Hours: M- F 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m Salary Rate or Ratio: $19.45 - $21.59 p/hour Reports to: Director of Nutritional Services Employment Status:

GENUINE FOODS

School Cook (8272)

Portland, OR

$24/hr

ABOUT GENUINE FOODS At Genuine Foods we create nourishing food environments at schools and ... ABOUT THE POSITION The Cook position is essential to our production kitchen, responsible for ...

Genuine Foods

School Cook (7241)

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18/hr

ABOUT THIS POSITION The Cook position will be located in a school setting. The cook performs a variety of job responsibilities relating to preparing and serving food in accordance with the daily menu ...

GENUINE FOODS

School Cook (7241)

Nashville, TN

$18/hr

ABOUT THIS POSITION The Cook position will be located in a school setting. The cook performs a variety of job responsibilities relating to preparing and serving food in accordance with the daily menu ...

Diocese of Wichita

Head Cook - St. Anne, Wichita

Wichita, KS · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

School Cook 2026-2027 SY St. Anne, Wichita Position Type: Food Service Location: St. Anne Catholic School Additional Information: Title: School Cook Position Purpose St. Anne Catholic School is ...

Vertex Education

School Cook - FG

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Skills in providing customer service, prepping and cooking food, operating applicable equipment, monitoring inventory, reading and following recipe directions, maintaining order among school age ...

Vertex Education

School Cook FG

North Las Vegas, NV

$14 - $18.25/hr

Skills in providing customer service, prepping and cooking food, operating applicable equipment, monitoring inventory, reading and following recipe directions, maintaining order among school age ...

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School Cook information

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$10

$16

$21

How much do school cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,537 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
School Cook (8371)

School Cook (8371)

GENUINE FOODS

Santa Fe, NM • On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

ABOUT GENUINE FOODS

At Genuine Foods we create nourishing food environments at schools and workplaces through great-tasting and wholesome meals, made from genuine ingredients. We are a growing social enterprise that uses food to enhance health, productivity and happiness. We believe that fresh, scratch-made food together with unparalleled service and meaningful enrichment programs can transform lives and build community. Food service management is what we do, but what we achieve together with our customers, our partners and our dedicated team goes beyond the plate.

Mon-Fri Schedule

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The Cook position will be located in a school setting. The cook performs a variety of job responsibilities relating to preparing and serving food in accordance with the daily menu and recipe standards. There are opportunities to learn culinary skills to advance your career. We are a supportive team that values and respects each other. The ideal candidate enjoys working with students and educators and has a superior customer service orientation.

  • Ensure food safety standards are being followed at all times
  • Cook and prep food correctly based on recipes and specifications provided from the Chef/Genuine Foods 
  • Coordinate with team members to ensure all food is prepared on time for service
  • Maintain a clean working environment and help the team with any additional cleaning duties
  • Keep area stocked and organized 
  • Perform any additional duties as assigned
  • Must be flexible & team-oriented!
  • 1 year of line cook or culinary experience
  • Willingness to learn the compliance requirements of the USDA National School Lunch Program.
  • Positive attitude, strong work ethic and level headedness.
  • Punctual and able to adhere to the time and attendance policy.
  • Able to climb stairs and lift up 50 lbs.
  • Interest in and committed to Genuine Foods’ mission to use food to help students enhance their minds, bodies and happiness.
  • Must be able to work in a school environment. 

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits and Perks:

  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday pay
  • Medical, dental and vision benefits
  • Career Growth

GENUINE VALUES

Trustworthiness: Integrity. Transparency. Reliability. Consistency. Best quality possible. Delivery excellence.

Personal accountability: Ownership in solving problems. No excuses. Never compromising. Learn from mistakes. Financial stewardship of the bottom line (ours and customers’), without sacrificing quality.

People first: Human centered solutions/approach. Whole person. Teamwork. Hospitality. Every single person matters. Humanity. Empathy. Meeting people where they are. Culturally responsive.

Entrepreneurial: Adaptable. Nimble. Go the extra mile. Responsive. Encouraged to try new things.

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