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Second Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dufry

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 ...

Dufry

Second Cook

Salt Lake City, UT

$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 ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Second Cook

Newark, NJ · On-site

$23.40/hr

Second Cook Location: Newark Beth Israel Medical Ctr Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000250863 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $23.40 - $23.40 per hour Pay Transparency: The above ...

Amherst College

Second Cook

Amherst, VA

$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 ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Second Cook

Newark, NJ · On-site

$23.40/hr

Second Cook Location: Newark Beth Israel Medical Ctr Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000250863 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $23.40 - $23.40 per hour Pay Transparency: The above ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Second Cook

Newark, NJ · On-site

$23.40/hr

Second Cook Location: Newark Beth Israel Medical Ctr Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000250863 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $23.40 - $23.40 per hour Pay Transparency: The above ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Second Cook

Jersey City, NJ

$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 ...

Dufry

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 ...

Market Street Grill

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 ...

Dufry

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 ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Second Cook

Newark, NJ

$23.40/hr

Second Cook Location: Newark Beth Israel Medical Ctr Department Name: Dietary-Management Req #: 0000250863 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $23.40 - $23.40 per hour Pay Transparency: The above ...

Maggiano's

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 ...

Dufry

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 ...

Dufry

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 ...

Interlake Steamship Company

2nd Cook

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

Second Cook (and Porter as applicable): * Assist in the preparation of daily meals, night lunch, and salad bar * Manage bakery needs of the galley department * Assist with cleaning/sanitation of all ...

Four Queens Hotel & Casino

2nd Cook

Las Vegas, NV

$17 - $21/hr

Second Cook POSITION PURPOSE: Prepares requested guest orders. Ensures proper service standards are used in all internal and external guest experiences. Ensures all food and beverage outlet ...

The Greenbrier Hotel

Second Cook

White Sulphur Springs, WV · On-site

$13.50 - $16.50/hr

Second Cook Department: Chef Purpose: To consistently provide a flawless dining experience with exceptional food, exquisite presentations and superlative service. Primary Responsibilities: (guest ...

The Greenbrier Hotel

Second Cook

White Sulphur Springs, WV · On-site

$13.50 - $16.50/hr

Second Cook Department: Chef Purpose: To consistently provide a flawless dining experience with exceptional food, exquisite presentations and superlative service. Primary Responsibilities: (guest ...

Brown University

Second Cook

Providence, RI · On-site

$18 - $22.25/hr

Second Cook Department: Dining Services Grade: Dining Services Union Rates Worker Type: Employee Worker Sub-Type : Regular Time Type: Full time Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Position Work Location:

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Second Cook information

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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:
Second Cook jobs near you

Second Cook

Dufry

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

With a career at HMSHost, you really benefit! We Offer
  • Health, dental and vision insurance
  • Generous paid time off (vacation, flex or sick)
  • Holiday pay
  • Meal and Transportation Benefits
  • *401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • *Company paid life insurance
  • *Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee assistance program
  • Training and exciting career growth opportunities
  • Referral program - refer a friend and earn a bonus

*Benefits may vary by position so ask your recruiter for details.
Airport Location: Salt Lake Airport F&B
Advertised Compensation: $20.00 to $21.50
Summary:
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 will perform a variety of duties in the preparation and cooking of various food products. The Second Cook is responsible for communicating any potential problems to the manager on duty, providing the highest level of service to customers and associates at all times, and performing all responsibilities as directed by assigned management.
This is a non-exempt position which reports to the Manager, Assistant Manager or Operations Director, depending upon local requirements.
Essential Functions:
  • Follows recipes and/or product directions for preparing, seasoning, cooking, tasting, carving and serving food items which may include soups, meats, vegetables, desserts and other food and beverage products
  • Tastes products, follows menus, estimates food requirements, checks production and keeps records in order to accurately plan production requirements and requisition supplies and equipment as needed
  • Operates a variety of kitchen equipment; measures and mixes ingredients; washes, peels, cuts and shreds fruits and vegetables
  • Handles organic and specialty ingredients
  • Maintains quality control for all products, including monitoring freshness of product daily
  • Acquires an intermediate level of knowledge of ingredient specifications and seasonal variability
  • Coordinates food output with the other cooks
  • Cleans and sanitizes workstations and equipment
  • Practices excellent food safety and sanitation practices and complies with HACCP standards
  • Stocks, dates, rotates and checks temperature of product
  • Fully understands the menu, ingredients and nutritional content, and is able to communicate that information clearly to customers
  • Receives, stocks, moves and lifts food and beverage products and supplies
  • Complies with HMSHost and franchise policies as well as those of all applicable regulatory agencies including rules of the Airport Authority

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Work Environment:
  • Requires 2-3 years of closely related culinary experience, working in a high-volume casual dining restaurant environment or similar position/experience
  • Requires intermediate level food knowledge pertaining to Soups, Sauces and Pantry
  • Must have proficient knife cutting skills, and have a full knowledge of dry and moist cooking principles
  • Requires food preparation skills and knowledge of HACCP standards
  • Requires working knowledge of a variety of kitchen equipment: grill, fryer, slicers, and ovens
  • Must have proficient skills in handling organic and specialty ingredients and quality control
  • Must be able to adapt to changes in new menu items and cooking techniques
  • Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Must have the ability to complete multiple tasks/heavy volume under time constraints
  • Must have working knowledge of weights, measures and various cooking techniques
  • Must have good communication and customer service skills
  • Requires the ability to speak, read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and policy documents, as well as converse comfortably and professionally with individuals
  • Requires a working knowledge of restaurant control systems such as prep chart, pull charts, basic recipe conversions
  • Must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor
  • Requires the ability to lift and/or move 40 lbs.
  • Requires the ability to bend, twist and stand for extended periods of time to perform normal job functions
  • Frequently immerses hands in water and water diluted with chemical solutions
  • Frequently works in hot environment

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran (M/F/D/V) Drug Free Workplace (DFW)

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