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Short Order Cook Jobs in Wayne, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Athenian Fresh Grill

Short Order Cook

North Arlington, NJ · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

As a Short Order Cook, you'll play a key role in preparing fresh, mouth-watering meals while enjoying an enthusiastic and loving work atmosphere. Benefit from employee discounts and gain valuable ...

Pino Sparta Enterprises LLC

Short Order Cook

Sparta, NJ

$15.50 - $20/hr

Ensures food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters. * Ensures freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality ...

Pino Sparta Enterprises LLC

Short Order Cook

Sparta, NJ

$15.50 - $20/hr

Ensures food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters. * Ensures freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality ...

NYULMC

Third Cook/Special Order Cook

New York, NY · On-site

$27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Third Cook/Special Order Cook. In this role, the successful candidate Performs work moderate difficulty in the preparation of various menu items ...

Athenian Fresh Grill

Server / Prep

North Arlington, NJ · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

As a Short Order Cook, you'll play a key role in preparing fresh, mouth-watering meals while enjoying an enthusiastic and loving work atmosphere. Benefit from employee discounts and gain valuable ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Cook

Belleville, NJ

$23 - $24.22/hr

Take customer orders and prepare food to their specifications * Grill, cook, and fry foods * Plan and manage work orders to ensure all items of an order are finished and served at the same time

RWJBarnabas Health

Cook

Belleville, NJ · On-site

$23 - $24.22/hr

Take customer orders and prepare food to their specifications * Grill, cook, and fry foods * Plan and manage work orders to ensure all items of an order are finished and served at the same time

RWJBarnabas Health

Cook

Belleville, NJ

$23 - $24.22/hr

Take customer orders and prepare food to their specifications * Grill, cook, and fry foods * Plan and manage work orders to ensure all items of an order are finished and served at the same time

Workforce 1

Grill Cook

Manhattan, NY

$18.87/hr

This role prepares grill and short-order items, serves food from multiple stations, and ensures food is properly cooked, presented, portioned, and maintained at the correct temperature. The Grill ...

Newark Board of Education

Senior Cook (NBOE)

Newark, NJ · On-site

$22.03/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Non Instructional - All Titles/Senior Cook Date Posted: 2/24/2025 Location: Various Newark Board of ... Candidates must score and rank high enough on this examination in order to remain in the position ...

Workforce 1

Grill Cook

Manhattan, NY

$18.87/hr

This role prepares grill and short-order items, serves food from multiple stations, and ensures food is properly cooked, presented, portioned, and maintained at the correct temperature. The Grill ...

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Short Order Cook information

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How much do short order cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for short order cook in Wayne, NJ is $16.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $18.12 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.

How much does a short order cook make?

A short order cook typically earns between $10 and $15 per hour, with wages varying based on experience, location, and establishment. Some may receive tips, which can significantly increase overall earnings, especially in busy restaurants or diners.

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 having skills in multitasking, knife handling, and knowledge of food safety are important. Some may pursue culinary courses or certifications to improve job prospects.

Is being a short order cook hard?

Being a short order cook involves fast-paced work, multitasking, and attention to food safety and cleanliness. It requires good knife skills, the ability to work under pressure, and often involves early or long shifts, making it physically demanding but manageable with experience. Success depends on efficiency, teamwork, and familiarity with kitchen equipment.

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 cities near Wayne, NJ are hiring for Short Order Cook jobs?

Cities near Wayne, NJ with the most Short Order Cook job openings:

Short Order Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Short Order Cook job openings in Wayne, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,704 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Short Order Cook

Athenian Fresh Grill

North Arlington, NJ • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Livingston Diner- Urgent Hiring for a Highly Skilled Short Order Cook

Are you looking for a fun, dynamic kitchen environment where you can showcase your cooking talents? Do you enjoy working with a motivated team that values delicious, healthy food? If yes, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Join Livingston Diner, a beloved spot known for its tasty classic dinerdishes. As a Short Order Cook, you'll play a key role in preparing fresh, mouth-watering meals while enjoying an enthusiastic and loving work atmosphere. Benefit from employee discounts and gain valuable skills in fast-paced food preparation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare and cook menu items quickly and efficiently to meet customer demand
  • Maintain high standards of food quality and presentation
  • Follow health and safety regulations in the kitchen
  • Assist with inventory and kitchen cleanliness

Skills & Qualifications

  • Passion for cooking and working with fresh ingredients
  • Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills
  • Willingness to work 8 to 10-hour shifts including weekends

Benefits & Perks

  • Delicious meals provided to all our employees at no charge.
  • Opportunity to learn new culinary techniques and recipes
  • Supportive and friendly team environment
  • Full-time position with consistent hours
  • We are willing to train the right person how to prepare all of our meals
  • Bus stop available in front of restaurant.

Location: {{Livingston Diner}} {{360 E. Northfield Rd. Livingston NJ 07039}}

If you’re ready to bring your cooking talents to a loving and enthusiastic team, apply now and become part of Athenian Fresh Grill’s exciting kitchen family!

HEALTHY TASTY GREEK / MEDITERRANEAN FOOD Athenian Fresh Grill offers New Jersey the best, freshest Greek dishes in the area. Come and stop by Athenian Fresh Grill to get the best pita wraps, salads, platters, and more. Build your own pita wrap, salad, or bowl with our delicious beef and lamb gyro, chicken shish, falafel, veggies, steak, or shrimp. Top it with any of our fresh toppings, dips, and sauces to create your own amazing signature favorite from Athenian Fresh Grill. For Lunch and Dinner stop by Athenian Fresh Grill. Our friendly and helpful staff looks forward to serving you with the best Greek dishes you have ever had. Check out our signature Greek yogurts too like our Greek yogurt with baklava crisps. Order online through our website for delivery or pickup. Keep an eye out for any upcoming deals or promotions. If you have an upcoming event, and are interested in Athenian Fresh Grill catering services, contact us today! We cater to events of all types with our delicious platters of salads, wraps, desserts and more!