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Temp Cook Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

COOK I

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$42K - $44K/yr

Job Detail Job Opening ID 274114 Working Title COOK I Job Title COOK I Work Location Ann Arbor Campus Ann Arbor, MI Modes of Work Onsite Full/Part Time Full-Time Regular/Temporary Regular FLSA Status ...

COOK I

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$42K - $44K/yr

Job Detail Job Opening ID 273815 Working Title COOK I Job Title COOK I Work Location Ann Arbor Campus Ann Arbor, MI Modes of Work Onsite Full/Part Time Full-Time Regular/Temporary Regular FLSA Status ...

Line Cook

Troy, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

LINE COOK Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill is an upscale steakhouse, specializing in hand-cut ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

Line Cook

Troy, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

Line Cook

Troy, MI

$15 - $18.75/hr

LINE COOK Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill is an upscale steakhouse, specializing in hand-cut ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

Line Cook

West Bloomfield, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

Line Cook

Troy, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

LINE COOK Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill is an upscale steakhouse, specializing in hand-cut ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

Line Cook

Troy, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

Line Cook

Troy, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

Line Cook

West Bloomfield, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

HELPER COOK

Yale, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Prior cooking experience is preferred, but not required. * Perks: Paid training! * Pay Range: $14 ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

COOK

Olivet, MI · On-site

$17.65/hr

Prior line cooking, scratch cooking, and ability to follow recipes. * Fixed Pay Rate: $17.65 per ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Line Cook

Livonia, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

Line Cook

Livonia, MI · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

Line Cook

Livonia, MI · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

Prep Cook

Clarkston, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

... temp tear with an assortment of meats. It's a ritual that starts with a careful rub and ends only ... Slow cooked bacon ready to be cut in from thick slabs into magical planks. Thank you pig, for all ...

Prep Cook

Clarkston, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

... temp tear with an assortment of meats. It's a ritual that starts with a careful rub and ends only ... Slow cooked bacon ready to be cut in from thick slabs into magical planks. Thank you pig, for all ...

HELPER COOK

Waterford, MI · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a part time HELPER COOK position. * Location : Oakland Schools - 2111 ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Showing results 41-60

Temp Cook information

What is a temp cook?

Temp cooks are culinary professionals who work on a temporary basis, often filling in for permanent staff at restaurants, catering companies, hotels, or other food service establishments. They may be hired through staffing agencies or directly by businesses to cover short-term needs such as staff shortages, special events, or busy seasons. Temp cooks are expected to quickly adapt to different kitchens, follow recipes and safety standards, and maintain high food quality. Their work can vary from basic food prep to full meal preparation, depending on the assignment. This role offers flexibility and exposure to different culinary environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temp cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temp Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and prior kitchen experience, often supported by a food handler certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and basic inventory management are commonly required. Strong time management, adaptability, and effective communication help temp cooks excel in varied, fast-paced environments. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and seamless integration into different teams and settings.

What are some common challenges temp cooks face when adapting to new kitchens and teams?

Temp Cooks often work in unfamiliar kitchens with varying equipment, menus, and workflows, which can make it challenging to quickly integrate and perform efficiently. They must be able to learn new procedures rapidly, adapt to different team dynamics, and maintain high standards under time constraints. Strong communication skills and flexibility are essential, as Temp Cooks regularly collaborate with permanent staff and must uphold consistency in food quality despite changing environments.

What is the difference between Temp Cook vs Part-Time Cook?

AspectTemp CookPart-Time Cook
CredentialsFood Handler’s Permit, basic culinary skillsFood Handler’s Permit, basic culinary skills
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, varied locationsConsistent schedule, same location
Employment TypeShort-term, project-basedRegular, scheduled hours
Industry UsageEvent catering, seasonal workRestaurants, cafes, catering

Temp Cooks typically work on short-term assignments at various locations, often for events or seasonal needs, requiring similar credentials as part-time cooks. Part-Time Cooks have a regular schedule at a specific establishment, providing consistent service. Both roles require basic culinary skills and food safety certifications, but differ mainly in employment duration and work setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Temp Cook job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

$42K - $44K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Follow standardized recipes to prepare food items in a back-of-house or front-of-house setting.

  • Communicate with culinary and management staff regarding production, sanitation, quality, health and safety, and maintenance issues.

  • Maintain food quality, nutritional standards, and visual presentation during food preparation.


University Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
When business needs fluctuate throughout the year, Michigan Dining will offer work assignments based on availability and selected through the seniority-driven bidding process. Work assignments may be required in other departments to ensure year-round work schedules for all staff members that want that, seasonal leave requests may be approved on a year by year basis at the unit discretion.
What You'll Do
As a Cook I for Michigan Dining you will follow standardized recipes for all meals either in a back-of-house production kitchen or a front-of-house station. Prepare food items ensuring we maintain accurate nutritional standards, great taste, and visual presentation. Communicate daily with culinary and management staff regarding essential issues to appropriate staff members: i.e. production problems, sanitation, quality issues, health and safety issues, and maintenance issues.
Required Qualifications*
  • Proficiency in English and ability to interpret instructions.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include weekends & holidays.
  • Prior food production experience as a short-order cook or line cook in a restaurant; knowledge of the methods and equipment used in the preparation and serving of food.
  • Maintain a static position for extended periods of time while preparing food.
  • Routinely move items weighing up to 50 lbs.

Why Work at Michigan?
  • Earn a Living Wage - Positions range from $19-$23 per hour, with annual increases.
  • Locations near AATA bus routes, with free bus fare for employees.
  • Work-Life Balance - consistent schedules and paid holidays.
  • Culinary Excellence - MDining has received national recognition for culinary achievements.
  • Unbeatable Benefits - health, dental, vision, and matched retirement contributions.
  • Growth opportunities - continuing education and tuition assistance, culinary certifications

Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .
Work Schedule
Sunday 1:30PM to 10:00PM
Monday - Tuesday Off
Wednesday - Thursday 1:30PM to 10:00PM
Friday - Saturday 12:30PM to 9:00PM
Additional Information
Department : M|Dining - South Quad
Hourly Rate: $20.42 - $21.62
Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the AFSCME union, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
274114
Working Title
COOK I
Job Title
COOK I
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Dsa Housing Services
Department
MI Dining - Administration
Posting Begin/End Date
8/31/2026 - 9/05/2026
Salary
$42,473.60 - $44,969.60
Career Interest
Hospitality
Service/Maintenance (AFSCME Union)

What University Of Michigan employees say

Pay

Benefits

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About University of Michigan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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