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Second Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Amherst, MA · On-site

$22.10 - $23.75/hr

Second Cook Amherst Campus Full Time JR6985 Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic ...

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 ...

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 ...

2nd Cook

El Paso, TX · On-site

$9.50 - $12.50/hr

As a second cook, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking food items according to established recipes and standards. Your duties will include setting up and stocking your station, ensuring ...

Second Cook

Grapevine, TX · On-site

$19/hr

The Second Cook is responsible for food production, preparation and presentation, and is able to rotate through all food stations to ensure a high-quality product is served to the customer. This role ...

2nd Cook

El Paso, TX

$9.50 - $12.50/hr

As a second cook, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking food items according to established recipes and standards. Your duties will include setting up and stocking your station, ensuring ...

2nd Cook

El Paso, TX

$9.50 - $12.50/hr

As a second cook, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking food items according to established recipes and standards. Your duties will include setting up and stocking your station, ensuring ...

Second Cook

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

The Second Cook is responsible for food production, preparation and presentation, and is able to rotate through all food stations to ensure a high-quality product is served to the customer. This role ...

Second Cook

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$21.11/hr

Second Cook Location: Jersey City Medical Center Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000239595 Status: Hourly Shift: Evening Pay Range: $21.11 - $21.11 per hour Pay Transparency: The above ...

Second Cook

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

The Second Cook is responsible for food production, preparation and presentation, and is able to rotate through all food stations to ensure a high-quality product is served to the customer. This role ...

Second Cook

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

The Second Cook is responsible for food production, preparation and presentation, and is able to rotate through all food stations to ensure a high-quality product is served to the customer. This role ...

The Second Cook is responsible for food production, preparation and presentation, and is able to rotate through all food stations to ensure a high-quality product is served to the customer. This role ...

Second Cook

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$21.11/hr

Second Cook Location: Jersey City Medical Center Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000239595 Status: Hourly Shift: Evening Pay Range: $21.11 - $21.11 per hour Pay Transparency: The above ...

Second Cook

Amherst, MA · On-site

$22.10 - $23.75/hr

The Second Cook is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $22.10 to $23.75/hour. The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including ...

Second Cook

Amherst, VA

$22.10 - $23/hr

The Second Cook is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $22.10 to $23.00 per hour. The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors ...

Second Cook

Amherst, MA · On-site

$22.10 - $23/hr

The Second Cook is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $22.10 to $23.00 per hour. The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors ...

Second Cook Location: Jersey City Medical Center Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000239595 Status: Hourly Shift: Evening Pay Range: $21.11 - $21.11 per hour Pay Transparency: The above ...

Second Cook

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

The Second Cook is responsible for food production, preparation and presentation, and is able to rotate through all food stations to ensure a high-quality product is served to the customer. This role ...

The Second Cook is responsible for food production, preparation and presentation, and is able to rotate through all food stations to ensure a high-quality product is served to the customer. This role ...

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Showing results 1-20

Second Cook information

See salary details

$8

$18

$24

How much do second cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for second cook in the United States is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between 1st cook and 2nd cook?

A second cook typically assists the first cook by preparing ingredients, following recipes, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness, often working under supervision. The first cook usually has more experience, oversees kitchen operations, and handles more complex dishes and management tasks. Both roles require culinary skills, but the first cook generally has greater responsibility and authority in the kitchen hierarchy.

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 is the highest paying job for a cook?

Executive chefs and head cooks typically earn the highest salaries among cooking roles, especially in fine dining restaurants, hotels, or private clubs. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary certifications, and they can offer salaries significantly higher than standard line cooks or prep cooks.

How to make extra money as a cook?

Second cooks can earn extra income by taking on side jobs such as catering, private chef services, or cooking classes. Developing specialized skills or certifications can also help secure freelance opportunities or higher-paying shifts outside their regular employment.

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 is a second cook?

A second cook is a culinary professional who assists the head chef by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and managing kitchen operations. They often have experience in food preparation, follow recipes accurately, and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment, supporting the overall food service process.

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 are Second Cooks?

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 states have the most Second Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Second Cook jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Second Cook jobs? For Second Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Second Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,422 per year, or $19 per hour.
Second Cook

$26 - $28/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Catholic Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 177 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 886 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 Range
USD $26.00 - USD $28.00 /Hr.
Be part of something meaningful. Help us care for our community with compassion and excellence.

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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