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Short Order Cook Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Tomball, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Ability to "short order" cook. * Must be dependable, punctual, self-motivated, and able to work without constant supervision. Minimum Qualifications * Minimum of one year of cooking experience (some ...

Cook

Tomball, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Ability to "short order" cook. * Must be dependable, punctual, self-motivated, and able to work without constant supervision. Minimum Qualifications * Minimum of one year of cooking experience (some ...

Cook

Tomball, TX

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Ability to "short order" cook. * Must be dependable, punctual, self-motivated, and able to work without constant supervision. Minimum Qualifications * Minimum of one year of cooking experience (some ...

If you've got short-order experience, solid prep skills, and a calm, can-do attitude, you'll fit right in. What You'll Do: - Cook café-style, short-order items with consistency and attention to ...

Cook II - Room Service

Houston, TX · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

The Cook II at UT MD Anderson contributes directly to a mission-driven environment focused on ... short-order production to meet service timelines Adjust preparation techniques to support ...

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 ... May assist in ordering and receiving of food deliveries. Transports food carts for meal service ...

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 ... May assist in ordering and receiving of food deliveries. Transports food carts for meal service ...

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 ... May assist in ordering and receiving of food deliveries. Transports food carts for meal service ...

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 ... May assist in ordering and receiving of food deliveries. Transports food carts for meal service ...

Cook / Grill Operator

Cypress, TX · 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 ...

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 ... May assist in ordering and receiving of food deliveries. Transports food carts for meal service ...

Cook / Grill Operator

TX · On-site

$14 - $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

Cypress, TX · 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

Humble, TX · 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 for ... You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food ...

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Short Order Cook information

See Houston, TX salary details

$7

$15

$21

How much do short order cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for short order cook in Houston, TX is $15.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $16.83 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 Houston, TX?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Short Order Cook job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,297 per year, or $15 per hour.

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Harvest Home & Inwood Crossing Senior Living is currently seeking a Dietary Cook to join our team of dedicated professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of our residents, their families and our community. We are guided by our CAPLICO Core Values:
Celebration
Accountability
Passion for Learning
Love One Another
Intelligent Risk Taking
Customer Second (Employee First!)
Ownership
If these core values resonate deeply with your own moral compass and you meet the requirements below, then you should apply.
About the Opportunity
Ensures efficient, timely, and friendly service to all residents and staff. Maintains proper sanitation and safety procedures and high quality food preparation and presentation. Orders, receives, and rotates stock in conjunction with the Food Service Director. Reads and follows recipes to ensure consistency of the product. Prepares and serves food items for breakfast, lunch or dinner as assigned. Assists with meeting or exceeding resident dining expectations. Is knowledgeable in food preparation techniques and presentation. Other relevant duties may be required or assigned by Supervisor.
Critical Success Factors
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and comprehend the same.
  • Willingness to learn new food preparation techniques and presentation.
  • Knowledge of special dietary needs of residents and the required meal prep techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a team. Must display team behaviors.
  • Ability to effectively deal with conflict or customer complaints.
  • Ability to focus on multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Follows all food safety and equipment safety procedures.
  • Knowledge of and compliance with community quality standards and requirements.
  • Ability to "short order" cook.
  • Must be dependable, punctual, self-motivated, and able to work without constant supervision.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Minimum of one year of cooking experience (some short order cooking) and quantity cooking.
  • Must possess Serv-Safe certification, or willing to obtain upon hire.
  • Must have High School Diploma or GED.

The employer for this position is stated in the job posting. The Pennant Group, Inc. is a holding company of independent operating subsidiaries that provide healthcare services through home health and hospice agencies and senior living communities located throughout the US. Each of these businesses is operated by a separate, independent operating subsidiary that has its own management, employees and assets. More information about The Pennant Group, Inc. is available at http://www.pennantgroup.com.