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Senior Cook Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital

Senior Cook

Baytown, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

The Sr Cook position must maintain adequate production to support the needs of the patients, café, catering functions, and doctor's lounge. This position adheres with the HM Food and Nutrition ...

Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital

Senior Cook

Baytown, TX

$13.25 - $17/hr

The Sr Cook position must maintain adequate production to support the needs of the patients, café, catering functions, and doctor's lounge. This position adheres with the HM Food and Nutrition ...

Houston Methodist Hospital

Senior Cook

Houston, TX · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

The Sr Cook position must maintain adequate production to support the needs of the patients, café, catering functions, and doctor's lounge. This position adheres with the HM Food and Nutrition ...

Houston Methodist

Senior Cook

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

The Sr Cook position must maintain adequate production to support the needs of the patients, cafe, catering functions, and doctor's lounge. This position adheres with the HM Food and Nutrition ...

Houston Methodist

Senior Cook

Baytown, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

The Sr Cook position must maintain adequate production to support the needs of the patients, café, catering functions, and doctor's lounge. This position adheres with the HM Food and Nutrition ...

Houston Methodist

Senior Cook

Baytown, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

The Sr Cook position must maintain adequate production to support the needs of the patients, café, catering functions, and doctor's lounge. This position adheres with the HM Food and Nutrition ...

Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital

Cook

Cypress, TX · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Works, in conjunction with the Sr Cook and Catering staff, ensuring the food is prepared is on time, is of high quality, and transferred efficiently. * Notifies management appropriately with changes ...

Houston Methodist

Cook

Sugar Land, TX · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Works, in conjunction with the Sr Cook and Catering staff, ensuring the food is prepared is on time, is of high quality, and transferred efficiently. * Notifies management appropriately with changes ...

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

Cook

Sugar Land, TX

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Works, in conjunction with the Sr Cook and Catering staff, ensuring the food is prepared is on time, is of high quality, and transferred efficiently. * Notifies management appropriately with changes ...

Houston Methodist

Cook

Sugar Land, TX

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Works, in conjunction with the Sr Cook and Catering staff, ensuring the food is prepared is on time, is of high quality, and transferred efficiently. * Notifies management appropriately with changes ...

Houston Methodist

Cook

The Woodlands, TX

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Works, in conjunction with the Sr Cook and Catering staff, ensuring the food is prepared is on time, is of high quality, and transferred efficiently. * Notifies management appropriately with changes ...

Compass Group

SENIOR COOK

Houston, TX · On-site

$21/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time SENIOR COOK positions. * Location : Texas Children's Hospital - 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

Compass Group

SENIOR COOK

Houston, TX · On-site

$22/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full and part time SENIOR COOK positions. * Location : Houston Catering - 1201 Oliver Street, Suite #104, Houston, TX 77007. Note: online applications accepted only.

Compass Group

SENIOR COOK (FULL TIME)

Houston, TX · On-site

$21/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time SENIOR COOK positions. * Location : Texas Children's Hospital - 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

Compass Group

SENIOR COOK (FULL TIME)

Houston, TX

$21/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time SENIOR COOK positions. * Location : Texas Children's Hospital - 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

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Senior Cook information

See Houston, TX salary details

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How much do senior cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior cook in Houston, TX is $15.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior cook?

Senior Cooks are experienced culinary professionals responsible for preparing meals, supervising kitchen staff, and ensuring food quality and safety in a restaurant or institutional kitchen. They often assist in menu planning, oversee inventory, and maintain high standards of cleanliness and organization. Senior Cooks may also train junior staff and help develop new recipes. Their leadership in the kitchen contributes significantly to efficient operations and customer satisfaction.

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

To thrive as a Senior Cook, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning experience, and a solid understanding of food safety regulations, typically supported by a culinary degree or significant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications like ServSafe are often required. Leadership, time management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating kitchen staff and ensuring smooth operations. These skills ensure high-quality food preparation, efficient kitchen workflow, and compliance with safety standards in a demanding culinary environment.

What are some common challenges faced by senior cooks in high-volume kitchens, and how can they effectively manage them?

Senior Cooks in high-volume kitchens often face challenges such as maintaining consistent food quality during busy periods, managing multiple orders simultaneously, and training junior kitchen staff. Effective time management, strong organizational skills, and clear communication are crucial to overcoming these challenges. Senior Cooks also play a key role in ensuring kitchen safety and hygiene standards are upheld while adapting quickly to changing menus or customer preferences.

What is the difference between Senior Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectSenior CookLine Cook
CredentialsCooking experience, culinary certificationsCooking experience, culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentKitchen, restaurant, hotelKitchen, restaurant, hotel
Employer UsageSupervisory, mentoring rolesExecution of dishes, station work
Common Search/ComparisonLeadership, experience levelStation work, skill level

Senior Cooks typically have more experience and may oversee kitchen operations, mentor staff, and handle complex dishes. Line Cooks focus on preparing specific dishes at their station. The main difference lies in responsibility level and experience, with Senior Cooks taking on leadership roles within the kitchen team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Cook jobs in Houston, TX?

For Senior Cook jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Cook jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Cook jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Senior Cook jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Senior Cook job openings:

Senior Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Cook job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,439 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Senior Cook

The Woodlands, TX

Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 300 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 895 rated healthcare providers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospitalexternal

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

At Houston Methodist (HM), the Sr Cook position is responsible for the preparation and cooking of entrees, side dishes and other specialty products using the recipe collection provided. In addition to performing the duties of the Cook position, this position prepares specialty dishes for catered events, including physician dinners, employee recognition ceremonies, and other high-profile events. The Sr Cook position must maintain adequate production to support the needs of the patients, café, catering functions, and doctor's lounge. This position adheres with the HM Food and Nutrition Services Standards of Appearance and complies with relevant local Food Ordinances, reviewing and maintaining production records and cooling charts according to the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines. The Sr Cook position may be asked to assist in other food and nutrition service areas, as needed.
FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) preferred

EXPERIENCE
  • Two years food service/large quantity or volume cooking experience in healthcare or hotel setting

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
  • Food Handlers Permit - Various Issuers Accredited food handler training course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Preferred
  • ServSafe (ServSafe)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment
  • Ability to adapt to a changing work environment
  • Strong knowledge of kitchen/food service equipment and sanitation principles
  • Strong understanding of buffet receptions, upscale plated menu items, volume batch cooking
  • Fundamental cooking techniques including braising, searing, etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Interacts in a positive, professional manner with patients, family, and staff. Communicates clearly and professionally to promote both work efforts and problem resolution.
  • Notifies management appropriately with changes to menu items due to unforeseen events; i.e. spoilage, shortage, etc.
  • Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Cooks food products for patients, café, catering functions, and doctor’s lounge. Maintains high quality, proper temperatures and garnishes all plates.
  • Coordinates with production and food service coordinators or other responsible role to ensure scheduled meal preparation and/or meal delivery.
  • May assist in ordering and receiving of food deliveries. Transports food carts for meal service through corridors and elevators to food prep areas.
  • Contributes to daily production meetings, keeping patient satisfaction and customer service standards a priority.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Follows HACCP program to include: proper storage, preventing cross contamination, proper food storage, thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating temps, wrapping, labeling & date marking, documentation of food temps and cooler/freezer temperatures, and correcting as appropriate.
  • Prepares food, with knowledge of dietary restrictions, according to standardized recipes, menu, safe food handling and time schedule. Maintains proper storage and sanitation of all items in storage, refrigerators, and freezers.
  • Inspects all food for quality, freshness and appearance. Ensures all food beyond the expiration date is discarded.
  • Maintains sanitation in work area to comply with all federal and state regulatory agencies, including local Health Department, Fire Department, DNV, etc., cleaning immediate work area concurrently and cleaning large equipment per posted cleaning schedule.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Practices good cost control through the proper use and storage of food, supplies and equipment. Minimizes food waste through proper usage.
  • Utilizes resources with cost-effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Recommends new food items from the creation to making it a menu item.
  • Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan (MDP) on an ongoing basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
    WORK ATTIRE
    • Uniform: Yes
    • Scrubs: No
    • Business professional: No
    • Other (department approved): Yes

    ON-CALL*
    *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
    • On Call* No

    TRAVEL**
    **Travel specifications may vary by department**
    • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
    • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) preferred

EXPERIENCE
  • Two years food service/large quantity or volume cooking experience in healthcare or hotel setting

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
  • Food Handlers Permit - Various Issuers Accredited food handler training course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Preferred
  • ServSafe (ServSafe)

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital opened in June 2017. This 725,000-square-foot, full-service, acute-care hospital offers many of the same services as our flagship hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Also, on the beautiful hospital campus, located at the intersection of Interstate 45 and Texas State Highway 242, are two medical office buildings, which include a Breast Care Center; Cancer Center; infusion center; heart and vascular services; neurology; orthopedics and sports medicine; rehabilitation services; wellness services; an outpatient laboratory; and several other multispecialty physician practices. In January 2022, Houston Methodist The Woodlands opened Healing Tower — a $250 million expansion project that added 106 beds, focused on medical-surgical and women’s services, and provided nine operating rooms. The project also included the expansion of the endoscopy center, emergency department and diagnostic imaging department with an enhanced neurodiagnostic and interventional center.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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