ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Short Order Cooks Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Neptune Market

Short Order Cook

Harvey Cedars, NJ · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

We are a small beachside eatery interested in hiring a short order cook who is organized, quick and focused on fantastic client-service, great food and cleanliness. Good people skills is a must!

MLB Communications

Short Order Cook

Jacksonville, FL

$37K - $45K/yr

Short Order Cook prepares much of the food that comes out of the kitchen. Will prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers ...

RITAS FAMILY RESTAURANT LLC

Be Seen First

Short Order Cook

Belmont, NC · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Rita's Family Restaurant is looking for a reliable and experienced Short Order/Back Cook to join our kitchen team. We're a fast-paced, family-owned restaurant that takes pride in delivering hot ...

MLB Communications

Short Order Cook

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$37K - $45K/yr

Short Order Cook prepares much of the food that comes out of the kitchen. Will prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers ...

RITAS FAMILY RESTAURANT LLC

Be Seen First

Short Order Cook

Belmont, NC · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Rita's Family Restaurant is looking for a reliable and experienced Short Order/Back Cook to join our kitchen team. We're a fast-paced, family-owned restaurant that takes pride in delivering hot ...

Jersey Girl Cafe

Short Order Cook

Hamilton Township, NJ · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

To be successful in this role, you should have previous experience as a grill cook or short order ... with other cooks * clean as you go * dress and act professionally * use slow and down times to ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsFood JobsRestaurant JobsRestaurant Team Member JobsShort Order Cooks Jobs

Short Order Cooks information

See salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do short order cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for short order cooks in the United States is $16.34, 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 culinary professionals who specialize in preparing quick, simple meals in restaurants, diners, cafes, and other food service establishments. They typically work in fast-paced environments, cooking foods such as eggs, burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items to order. Their role often involves multitasking, managing several orders at once, and ensuring meals are served promptly. Short order cooks need good organizational skills and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.

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 strong food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent experience. Familiarity with grills, fryers, and basic kitchen equipment, as well as adherence to food handling and sanitation standards, is essential. Excellent time management, adaptability, and teamwork help Short Order Cooks succeed during busy shifts. These skills ensure quick, safe, and high-quality food service, which is vital for customer satisfaction and smooth kitchen operations.

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

Short Order Cooks often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal hours, needing to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously while maintaining speed and quality. One common challenge is accurately tracking and prioritizing multiple orders to ensure timely service. Effective cooks use strategies like organizing their workstation, prepping ingredients in advance, and maintaining clear communication with servers and kitchen staff. Staying calm under pressure and developing a rhythm are key to managing these busy periods successfully.

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

AspectShort Order CooksLine Cooks
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, quick-service restaurants, diners, cafesRestaurants, fine dining, casual eateries with complex menus
Job DutiesPrepare simple, quick meals like burgers, sandwiches, breakfast itemsPrepare a variety of dishes, often with more complex techniques and presentation
Industry UsageCommon in fast-food and casual diningFound across all restaurant types, especially those with diverse menus

Short Order Cooks focus on preparing quick, simple meals in fast-paced environments, while Line Cooks handle a broader range of dishes, often with more complex preparation. Both roles require similar certifications and work in restaurant settings, but their responsibilities and menu complexity differ.

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 kitchen safety are important. Some may pursue culinary courses or certifications to improve job prospects.

How much does a short order cook make?

Short order cooks typically earn a median hourly wage of around $11 to $14, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $23,000 to $29,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and the establishment's size and type.
More about Short Order Cooks jobs

What states have the most Short Order Cooks jobs?

States with the most job openings for Short Order Cooks jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Short Order Cooks jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Short Order Cooks jobs are:

Short Order Cooks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Short Order Cooks job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,984 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Short Order Cook

Neptune Market

Harvey Cedars, NJ • On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

We are a small beachside eatery interested in hiring a short order cook who is organized, quick and focused on fantastic client-service, great food and cleanliness.  Good people skills is a must!  Ability to laugh, have fun and enjoy being busy is too. Full and part time opportunities available.
 
Responsibilities include:
        •       Taking customer orders in person, by phone or online and making food to their specifications.
        •       Planning and managing orders to ensure all items served are delicious, served on time and accurately.
        •       Using grill, fryer and other stations to prepare both cold and hot sandwiches as well as all other dishes on the menu.
        •       Performing simple food preparation tasks: slicing meats, vegetables, garnishes etc.
        •       Maintaining cooler and backup stock;  ensuring rotation of supply and quality control. This includes time stamping of prep and use-by dates.
        •       Cleaning work stations regularly during the day.  Washing dishes.