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Second Cook Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Overview Second Cook Location: St. Francis Hospital - A Member of Catholic Health Join one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals for Cardiology and GI Surgery. At St. Francis, we care for the whole ...

Second Cook

Roslyn, NY · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Overview Second Cook Location: St. Francis Hospital - A Member of Catholic Health Join one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals for Cardiology and GI Surgery. At St. Francis, we care for the whole ...

Second Cook

Roslyn, NY · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Overview Second Cook Location: St. Francis Hospital - A Member of Catholic Health Join one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals for Cardiology and GI Surgery. At St. Francis, we care for the whole ...

Second Cook

Roslyn, NY · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Overview Second Cook Location: St. Francis Hospital - A Member of Catholic Health Join one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals for Cardiology and GI Surgery. At St. Francis, we care for the whole ...

Second Cook

Roslyn, NY · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Overview Second Cook Location: St. Francis Hospital - A Member of Catholic Health Join one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals for Cardiology and GI Surgery. At St. Francis, we care for the whole ...

Second Cook

Roslyn, NY · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Overview Second Cook Location: St. Francis Hospital - A Member of Catholic Health Join one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals for Cardiology and GI Surgery. At St. Francis, we care for the whole ...

Second Cook

Bronx, NY · On-site

$18.50 - $23/hr

The 2nd Cook is responsible for assisting the Head/1st Cook in preparing of all meals and ensuring the kitchen, dining and living areas are clean and sanitary at all times. Candidates must have a ...

2nd Cook

Bronx, NY · On-site

$18.75 - $23.25/hr

... cooking equipment. • Bakes, roasts, broils, steams andfries meats, fish and vegetables, miscellaneous entrees, soups, sauces andgravies. Combines food specialties and catered items according to ...

Provides primary oversight and delegates task management for Second Cook, Kitchen Aide, interns and volunteers on duty. * Collaboratively ensures and maintains a clean kitchen environment, according ...

Second Cook - Ernie Davis

New York, NY · On-site

$24.13 - $26.81/hr

Posting Details Posting Details Job # 042997 Department Code 33132-7320 Department Food Service - Bargaining Unit Job Title Second Cook - Ernie Davis Location Syracuse, New York Campus Syracuse, NY ...

Provides primary oversight and delegates task management for Second Cook, Kitchen Aide, interns and volunteers on duty. * Collaboratively ensures and maintains a clean kitchen environment, according ...

Cook- prep, clean up stations, assemble ingredients, safe food handling, take temperatures, overall sanitation. Performs various cooking duties for the tray line and follows HACCP guidelines ...

Cook - FlexStaff (Temp)

Plainview, NY

$14.25 - $19/hr

Cook- prep, clean up stations, assemble ingredients, safe food handling, take temperatures, overall sanitation. Performs various cooking duties for the tray line and follows HACCP guidelines ...

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Showing results 1-20

Second Cook information

See New York salary details

$9

$20

$26

How much do second cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for second cook in New York is $20.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $23.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a second cook?

Second Cooks are culinary professionals who assist in preparing and cooking food in commercial kitchens, often under the supervision of a Head Chef or First Cook. They handle tasks such as chopping ingredients, cooking basic dishes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Second Cooks play a crucial support role in meal preparation and may help with inventory or training junior kitchen staff. This position is vital for the smooth operation of restaurant and catering kitchens.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a second cook, and why are they important?

To excel as a Second Cook, you need strong culinary skills, a solid understanding of food safety standards, and relevant kitchen experience, often supported by a culinary diploma or food safety certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and recipe management tools is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential soft skills. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, and supporting the head chef in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a second cook, and how can they be managed effectively?

As a Second Cook, common challenges include working efficiently during busy service periods, maintaining consistency in food quality, and adapting quickly to changing menus or special dietary requests. Managing these challenges involves strong time management, clear communication with the head chef and kitchen team, and staying organized in your prep and station setup. Proactively seeking feedback and demonstrating flexibility can also help you handle the fast-paced nature of the kitchen while ensuring high standards are met.

What is the difference between Second Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectSecond CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingFood safety certification, culinary training
Work EnvironmentKitchen, restaurant, hotelKitchen, restaurant, hotel
Employer UsageAssists head chef, supervises prepPrepares dishes on specific station
Common Search IntentUnderstanding role differences, job requirementsJob responsibilities, skills needed

The main difference between a Second Cook and a Line Cook is that a Second Cook typically has more supervisory responsibilities and assists the head chef with kitchen operations, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing specific dishes on their assigned station. Both roles require culinary training and food safety certifications, and they work in similar kitchen environments. The Second Cook often supports the team and manages prep work, whereas the Line Cook executes the actual cooking of menu items.

What are popular job titles related to Second Cook jobs in NY?

For Second Cook jobs in NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Second Cook job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,130 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

$26 - $28/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Catholic Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 179 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

Second Cook

Location: St. Francis Hospital - A Member of Catholic Health

Join one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals for Cardiology and GI Surgery. At St. Francis, we care for the whole person-body, mind, and spirit-and we're transforming how healthcare is delivered.

We're looking for a skilled and dependable Second Cook to help prepare high-quality meals that support the health and recovery of our patients, staff, and visitors.

Job Details

Job Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and cook meals according to menus and dietary guidelines
  • Assist in food prep for daily service and special diets
  • Ensure proper portioning, presentation, and food safety standards
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization in kitchen and prep areas

Job Requirements:

  • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience
  • Minimum 1 year of cooking experience in healthcare, hospitality, or food service
  • Valid ServSafe Certification and Food Handler Certification completed OR must be obtained within 6 months of employment
  • Ability to follow recipes and dietary instructions
  • Able to lift up to 50 lbs and work in a fast-paced environment

Why Join Us:

  • Competitive pay + differentials and benefits
  • Tuition assistance
  • Defined pension plan
  • Supportive team and growth-friendly culture
Posted Salary RangeUSD $26.00 - USD $28.00 /Hr.

Be part of something meaningful. Help us care for our community with compassion and excellence.

Employment Type: OTHER

What Catholic Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Catholic Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Formed in 1998 under four religious sponsors, Catholic Health in Buffalo, NY is a non-profit healthcare system that provides care to Western New Yorkers across a network of hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, physician practices, and other community based ministries. Today, the system has two religious sponsors, the Diocese of Buffalo and the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, who carried on its Mission across the Buffalo-Niagara region. Our mission sets us apart. It's the human side of healthcare – the touch, smile or comforting word that can help make your healthcare experience better. It's treating all people with respect and dignity, and providing comfort in times of greatest need. Catholic Health is making the largest investment in its history, dedicating more than $100 million in state-of-the- art technology that will connect our hospitals, home care, long-term care, clinician offices, health centers and ancillary services with patients throughout the area. This transformational investment marks a major milestone for our healing ministry, which dates back more than 165 years.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Buffalo, NY, US