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

Roxbury Day Care Center

Temporary Cook

Succasunna, NJ · On-site

$15.92 - $17/hr

Preparing order sheets for food and consumables on a weekly basis, including all necessary details ... Cooking and preparing lunch for all children, adhering to menu planning and nutrition guidelines.

T-Bowl II

Snack Bar Cook

Wayne, NJ · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Employee discounts Job Summary We are seeking a part-time Cook to join the team at our bowling ... In this position, you will be responsible for preparing orders for our customers, maintaining a ...

Sodexo

Senior Cook

Summit, NJ · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Senior Cook Location: CELGENE, SUMMIT - 93032001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Senior Cook

Summit, NJ

$20 - $27/hr

Senior Cook Location: CELGENE, SUMMIT - 93032001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Senior Cook

Parsippany, NJ · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Senior Cook Location: ADP, PARSIPPANY - 31778001 Workdays/shifts: Weekdays - morning and afternoon/evening shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Senior Cook

Parsippany, NJ · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Senior Cook Location: ADP, PARSIPPANY - 31778001 Workdays/shifts : Weekdays - morning and afternoon/evening shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

SodexoMagic

Senior Cook

Summit, NJ · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Senior Cook Location: CELGENE, SUMMIT - 93032001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Senior Cook

Parsippany, NJ

$23 - $28/hr

Senior Cook Location: ADP, PARSIPPANY - 31778001 Workdays/shifts : Weekdays - morning and afternoon/evening shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Compass Group

SENIOR COOK

Hartsdale, NY · On-site

$21/hr

Previous hot cooking experience preferred. * Perks: Willing to train! *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $20.00 per hour to $21.00 per hour. Free meals, uniforms and laundering ...

Compass Group

SENIOR COOK

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$27/hr

Three years of previous cooking experience is required. * Pay Range: $22.00 per hour to $27.00 per hour. We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and ...

Veselka

Line Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Seeking experienced, strong line cooks for fast-paced, high-volume, short order service restaurant. Must be able to multi-task, produce dishes consistently according to in-house standards, set-up ...

Compass Group

SENIOR COOK

Whippany, NJ · On-site

$24/hr

Previous 5 years of cooking experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $22.00 per hour to $24.00 per hour. Free meals, uniforms and laundering service available at ...

Compass Group

SENIOR COOK

Spring Valley, NY · On-site

$22.50/hr

Previous kitchen prep cooking experience required. * Perks: Free uniforms, meals, and training provided! *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $22.00 per hour to $22.50 per hour.

Veselka

Line Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

) Seeking experienced, strong line cooks for fast-paced, high-volume, short order service restaurant. Must be able to multi-task, produce dishes consistently according to in-house standards, set-up ...

Compass Group

SENIOR COOK (FULL TIME)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$22/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time SENIOR COOK position. * Location : Windward Manhattan - 212 East 93rd Street, New York, NY 10128. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

Compass Group

SENIOR COOK (FULL TIME)

Spring Valley, NY · On-site

$22.50/hr

Previous kitchen prep cooking experience required. * Perks: Free uniforms, meals, and training provided! *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $22.00 per hour to $22.50 per hour.

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All JobsShort Order Cook JobsShort Order Cook Jobs in Wayne, NJ

Short Order Cook information

See Wayne, NJ salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do short order cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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.

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 job categories do people searching Short Order Cook jobs in Wayne, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Short Order Cook jobs in Wayne, NJ are:

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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,704 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Temporary Cook

Roxbury Day Care Center

Succasunna, NJ • On-site

$15.92 - $17/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Prepare menus in compliance with Child Care Food Program regulations and ensure timely and accurate completion.

  • Conduct weekly inventory of food and consumables, place orders, and organize storage areas.

  • Prepare and serve meals and snacks to children, ensuring adherence to dietary and nutritional standards.

Job description


About This Role

Familiarity with child nutrition and menu planning principles is essential for success in this role.

Maintaining inventory of supplies and food, and taking prompt action when necessary, is a crucial aspect of the position.

The ability to work collaboratively with other staff members, supervisors, and vendors is vital to the success of our team.

In the kitchen, it's essential to maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary environment, adhering to proper sanitizing requirements as outlined by the Board of Health and the Child Care Food Program guidelines.


What You'll Do

The cook is responsible for:

  • Preparing menus in compliance with Child Care Food Program regulations, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
  • Conducting a weekly inventory of food and consumables to ensure stock levels and ordering requirements are met.
  • Preparing order sheets for food and consumables on a weekly basis, including all necessary details for vendors.
  • Placing orders for food, bread, and consumables on a weekly basis when necessary, and creating a list of items to share with admin staff.
  • Organizing and maintaining the pantry and food cabinets in an efficient and accessible manner.
  • Receiving milk deliveries, washing and refrigerating the bottles, and restocking supplies as needed.
  • Cleaning and maintaining the refrigerator, rotating food stock as necessary to ensure freshness and safety.
  • Preparing and serving meals to all enrolled children, adhering to dietary requirements and nutritional standards.
  • Obtaining headcounts from each team for lunch and snacks each day, ensuring accurate meal preparation and service.
  • Setting up tables for breakfast and lunch, creating a welcoming and organized dining environment.
  • Preparing PM snacks for designated teams, presenting them in labeled boxes on the table in the multi-purpose room.
  • Cooking and preparing lunch for all children, adhering to menu planning and nutrition guidelines.
  • Setting tables in the multi-purpose room for Purple and Pre-k teams, ensuring a clean and inviting space for meals.
  • Delivering lunch to Yellow, Green, and Orange team rooms, and serving meals in the multi-purpose room for Purple and Pre-k teachers.
  • Cleaning up after meals, washing dishes, putting away food, cleaning and sanitizing counters and worktables.
  • Cleaning tables in the multi-purpose room after lunch, and washing dishes used for classroom activities as part of lunch or breakfast clean-up.
  • Inventorying deliveries of food and consumables as they arrive, comparing them against the order list to ensure accuracy.
  • Storing all deliveries of food and consumables in their designated areas: food in the pantry and refrigerator, and consumables in the hall closet.
  • Shopping as needed for any items not available from delivery companies, including supplies required for staff use in classroom activities.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent

Prior experience in the food service industry

Experience or coursework in menu planning and/or child nutrition

Good physical and mental health, as confirmed by a physician's statement

Proof of completion of a Mantoux tuberculin skin test

Two written references from individuals who can attest to suitability to work with children

Completion of a Child Abuse Record Information background check (CARI)

Able to lift 50 pounds and lift and carry cases as needed

Able to perform duties with physical stamina and flexibility, as required

Able to read, write, and speak English, and communicate clearly and effectively with children, staff, and vendors