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Short Order Cook Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Cook / Grill Operator

Pell City, AL · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Fairhope, AL · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Mobile, AL

$12 - $15.50/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Athens, AL · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Alexandria, AL · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Fort Payne, AL · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Wetumpka, AL · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Opelika, AL · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Madison, AL

$13.25 - $17/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Phenix City, AL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Madison, AL · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Madison, AL · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks for ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Gulf Shores, AL · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Center Point, AL · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Vestavia Hills, AL · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Semmes, AL · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Attalla, AL

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

Showing results 41-60

Short Order Cook information

See Alabama salary details

$7

$14

$21

How much do short order cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for short order cook in Alabama is $14.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.84 and $16.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a short order cook?

Short order cooks are kitchen professionals who specialize in quickly preparing simple dishes that are typically easy to assemble and cook, such as breakfast items, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. They usually work in diners, cafes, or fast-food restaurants where speed and efficiency are essential. Short order cooks must be able to multitask, work well under pressure, and maintain high food quality and safety standards. Their role is crucial for establishments that offer quick service to customers.

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

To thrive as a Short Order Cook, you need solid knowledge of food preparation, safe handling practices, and the ability to work quickly in high-pressure kitchen environments, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment such as grills, fryers, and point-of-sale (POS) systems is typical, and food safety certification is highly valued. Strong multitasking, communication, and teamwork skills help you excel during busy service times. These abilities are crucial for maintaining food quality, safety, and efficient service in fast-paced restaurant settings.

What are some common challenges short order cooks face during busy meal periods, and how can they manage them effectively?

Short order cooks often experience fast-paced, high-pressure environments, especially during peak meal times. Managing multiple orders simultaneously, maintaining consistency and speed, and communicating efficiently with waitstaff can be challenging. Successful short order cooks prioritize organization, keep their workstations prepped, and use clear short-hand with team members to stay on top of orders. Adapting quickly and staying calm under pressure are essential for delivering quality food and ensuring customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Short Order Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectShort Order CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, quick-service restaurants, diners, cafesRestaurants, cafes, hotels, often working on specific station
Job DutiesPrepare quick, simple dishes like burgers, sandwiches, breakfast itemsPrepare a variety of dishes on a specific station, often more complex
Industry UsageCommon in casual dining and fast-food settingsCommon in full-service restaurants and hotels

Both roles require similar certifications and work in fast-paced environments, but a Short Order Cook focuses on quick, simple dishes in casual settings, while a Line Cook handles more complex dishes on a specific station in full-service restaurants.

How do you become a short order cook?

To become a short order cook, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in food preparation. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and skills such as multitasking, knife handling, and knowledge of food safety are important. Some may pursue culinary courses or certifications to enhance their prospects.

How much does a short order cook make?

A short order cook typically earns an average hourly wage between $10 and $15, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $20,000 to $30,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and the establishment's size and type.

Is being a short order cook hard?

Being a short order cook involves fast-paced work, multitasking, and attention to food safety and cleanliness. The job requires quick decision-making, stamina, and the ability to work under pressure, often during busy meal times. Experience with kitchen tools and basic cooking skills are helpful for success in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Short Order Cook jobs in Alabama?

For Short Order Cook jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Short Order Cook jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Short Order Cook jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Short Order Cook jobs in AL?

For Short Order Cook jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Short Order Cook job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,803 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Cook / Grill Operator

Waffle House, Inc.

Pell City, AL • On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Waffle House rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 426 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

At Waffle House, we are not in the food business. We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all shifts).

Being in the People Business, we don’t just take care of our customers. We take care of our people. Since 1955, we have provided a fulfilling, fun and rewarding career.

Why join us?

  1. With our best-in-class training, you’ll earn well above what you might earn as a Cook at other similar restaurants.
  2. Paid time off, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance available
  3. Paid Maternity Leave benefits available after 2 years
  4. Flexible schedules – Full time or Part time, Day or Night shift / Overnight shift
  5. Opportunities to advance to supervisor and management positions
  6. Waffle House Stock ownership opportunities after 90 days.
  7. Paid weekly. Direct deposit and pay card available for weekly payout.

The Role:

As a Cook, your job is all about delivering the Waffle House experience to your Customers.

  1. You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food preparation, to making sure our restaurant is clean and inviting
  2. We have a team environment
  3. We need you to be a leader and a team player.
  4. Our busiest time is the weekends, - So, we’ll ask you to be available to work some weekends and some holidays

Requirements:

  1. Entry level, no experience required
  2. Must have a positive and friendly attitude
  3. Teens welcome but must be 16 years old +

We are a strong, growing company dedicated to our Customers and Associates. We are hiring and would love to talk to you about being on our team.


What Waffle House employees say

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