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Short Order Cook Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Senior Cook

Smyrna, DE · On-site

$33K/yr

Summary Statement As a Senior Cook, you'll be responsible for all preparation of daily meals for the Delaware Hospital for Chronically Ill. You will prepare all meals by following the production ...

Senior Cook

Dover, DE · On-site

$20.46/hr

Senior Cook Location: DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY - 29711011 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Senior Cook

Dover, DE · On-site

$20.46/hr

Senior Cook Location: DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY - 29711003 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

SENIOR COOK

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$21/hr

Previous line cooking, high volume, and supervisory experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Fixed Pay Rate : $21.00 per hour. We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this ...

SENIOR COOK

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$21/hr

Previous cooking experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $20.00 per hour to $21.00 per hour. We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging?

Previous line cooking, high volume, and supervisory experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Fixed Pay Rate : $21.00 per hour. We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this ...

SENIOR COOK

Georgetown, DE · On-site

$24/hr

Unidine is hiring immediately for full time SENIOR COOK positions. * Location : Sun Delaware - 2165 Biden Avenue, Georgetown, DE 19947. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Hours and days may vary ...

Previous line cooking, high volume, and supervisory experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Fixed Pay Rate : $21.00 per hour. We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this ...

Cook, 7 hrs./day

Lewes, DE

$14.75 - $19/hr

Love Creek Elementary or other site One position available Full-time, Permanent Cook, 7 hrs./day SALARY : State and Local salary based on experience. Click here for salary scale: Benefits: Employees ...

Previous line cooking, high volume, and supervisory experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Fixed Pay Rate : $21.00 per hour. We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this ...

SENIOR COOK

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$20/hr

* We have an opening for a full time SENIOR COOK position. * Location: JPMorgan Chase - 301 North Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time; ...

Unidine is hiring immediately for full time SENIOR COOK positions. * Location : Sun Delaware - 2165 Biden Avenue, Georgetown, DE 19947. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Hours and days may vary ...

Unidine is hiring immediately for full time SENIOR COOK positions. * Location : Sun Delaware - 2165 Biden Avenue, Georgetown, DE 19947. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Hours and days may vary ...

* We have an opening for a full time SENIOR COOK position. * Location: JPMorgan Chase - 301 North Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time; ...

Unidine is hiring immediately for full time SENIOR COOK positions. * Location : Sun Delaware - 2165 Biden Avenue, Georgetown, DE 19947. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Hours and days may vary ...

* We have an opening for a full time SENIOR COOK position. * Location: JPMorgan Chase - 301 North Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time; ...

Cook

Newark, DE · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Including food ordering and accountability, preparation, food delivery and cleanliness in accordance with appropriate health department regulations. Assist in maintaining a positive physical and ...

Showing results 21-40

Short Order Cook information

See Delaware salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do short order cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for short order cook in Delaware is $16.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.27 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 Delaware?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Short Order Cook job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,013 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

$33K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare all daily meals for the Delaware Hospital for Chronically Ill following production cycles, recipes, and safety standards.

  • Document food temperatures, complete production sheets, and monitor quality control and sanitation compliance.

  • Provide guidance to lower-level cooks on shift.


State Of Delaware rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 50 rated states


Job description

Introduction
Make a Difference with DHSS
Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.
We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.
For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!
Summary Statement
As a Senior Cook, you'll be responsible for all preparation of daily meals for the Delaware Hospital for Chronically Ill. You will prepare all meals by following the production cycles, recipes, and Delaware Food Code at all times. Within this role, you will document food temperatures for daily menus and complete production sheets; monitor quality control daily as well as compliance with safety/sanitation in the department warehouse, storeroom, and kitchen to comply with the Delaware Food Code. In addition, you will also provide guidance to lower-level cooks on shift.
Essential Functions
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Applies food service principles, practices and methods governing food preparation activities such as food handling, proper storage and temperature control, cleaning of kitchen equipment and utensils to comply with safety and sanitary standards.
  • Complies with applicable state and federal rules and regulations.
  • Operates various commercial kitchen equipment such as dishwashers, ovens, toasters, meat slicers, choppers, deep fryers, food processors, steam pots, blenders, and mixers.
  • Prepares and cooks a variety of food items by baking, frying, and broiling, gathering and measuring ingredients according to standardized menus/recipes and dietetic guidelines.
  • May prepare requisitions for food items and other needed supplies.
  • Attends Department approved training programs.

Job Requirements
JOB REQUIREMENTS for Senior Cook
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
  1. Three years experience in institutional or commercial cooking and baking.
  2. Six months experience in proper safety, storage and sanitation standards for food items.
  3. Knowledge of record keeping.

Additional Posting Information
This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.
Conditions of Hire
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.
DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.
All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.
Pre-employment Drug Testing: Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.
Upon a conditional offer, the applicant must undergo a pre-employment base line two step tuberculin skin test (TST) as part of the hiring process.
Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.
Benefits
At the State of Delaware, we invest in our people and support them in and outside of the office. Our employees enjoy a total compensation package that far exceeds the value of their base salary. We offer comprehensive benefit plans that will give you peace of mind and security. Below is a list of benefits that are offered to eligible employees:
Health and Well Being
*Health Benefits, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance
Just In Case
*Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance
Your Future
*Retirement Benefits, Deferred Compensation
Professional Growth
*Training and Development Programs
Work Life Balance
*Paid Leave, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, Alternative Work Schedules
More Benefits
*Flexible Spending, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
Visit Statewide Benefits for more information!
Selection Process
The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.
Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.
Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.
Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.
If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

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