ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Temporary Cook Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Lexington, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/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 ...

J Alexander's

Line Cook

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15.25 - $19/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 ...

Compass Group

RETAIL COOK

Lexington, KY · On-site

$15/hr

Requirement : Previous cook experience is required. * Fixed Pay Rate: $15.00 per hour We Make ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

CATERING COOK

Lexington, KY · On-site

$15/hr

Requirement : 1 year of prior cooking experience. * Fixed Pay Rate: $15.00 per hour. We Make ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Chartwells HE

CATERING COOK (FULL TIME)

Lexington, KY · On-site

$15/hr

Requirement : 1 year of prior cooking experience. * Fixed Pay Rate: $15.00 per hour. We Make ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

CATERING COOK (FULL TIME)

Lexington, KY · On-site

$15/hr

Requirement : 1 year of prior cooking experience. * Fixed Pay Rate: $15.00 per hour. We Make ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

ASM Global

Cook/Catering-kitchen prep

Highland Heights, KY · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

... Prep/Cook team members in our Food & Beverage department at Truist Arena in Highland Heights ... Supervises temporary labor staff Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual ...

ASM Global

Cook/Catering-kitchen prep

Highland Heights, KY · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

... Prep/Cook team members in our Food & Beverage department at Truist Arena in Highland Heights ... Supervises temporary labor staff Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Newport, KY · On-site

$18/hr

We are hiring immediately for a full time PREP COOK position. * Address : 100 Nunn Drive, Highland ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

COOK SUPERVISOR

Newport, KY · On-site

$18/hr

We are hiring immediately for a full time COOK SUPERVISOR position. * Address : 100 Nunn Drive ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK (FULL TIME)

Newport, KY

$18/hr

We are hiring immediately for a full time PREP COOK position. * Address : 100 Nunn Drive, Highland ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Chartwells HE

PREP COOK (FULL TIME)

Newport, KY · On-site

$18/hr

We are hiring immediately for a full time PREP COOK position. * Address : 100 Nunn Drive, Highland ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Chartwells HE

COOK SUPERVISOR (FULL TIME)

Newport, KY · On-site

$18/hr

We are hiring immediately for a full time COOK SUPERVISOR position. * Address : 100 Nunn Drive ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsCook JobsTemporary Cook JobsTemporary Cook Jobs in Kentucky

Temporary Cook information

See Kentucky salary details

$7

$13

$19

How much do temporary cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary cook in Kentucky is $13.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $15.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Cook, you need strong food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and experience with various cooking techniques, often supported by a food handler’s certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food storage protocols is typically required. Adaptability, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills for success in fast-paced, changing environments. These competencies ensure efficient service, food quality, and seamless integration into different kitchen teams.

What is the difference between Temporary Cook vs Full-Time Cook?

AspectTemporary CookFull-Time Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredSame as temporary; often requires additional experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentShort-term assignments in various settings like events, catering, or seasonal kitchensLong-term employment in restaurants, hotels, or institutional kitchens
Employment DurationTemporary, project-based, or seasonalPermanent, ongoing employment
Employer UsageEvent companies, catering services, temp agenciesRestaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools

Temporary Cooks typically work on short-term or seasonal projects, often through agencies or for specific events, while Full-Time Cooks are employed permanently in a consistent work environment. Both roles require similar credentials and certifications, but their employment terms and work settings differ significantly.

What is a temporary cook?

Temporary cooks are culinary professionals hired for a limited period to prepare and cook food in a variety of settings, such as restaurants, catering events, hotels, or institutional kitchens. They often fill in during staff shortages, busy seasons, or special events. Temporary cooks may be employed through staffing agencies or directly by employers, and their assignments can range from a single shift to several weeks. They are expected to adapt quickly to different kitchen environments and follow the specific recipes, safety, and hygiene standards of each workplace.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Temporary Cook jobs in Kentucky? For Temporary Cook jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Cook jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Cook jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Temporary Cook jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Temporary Cook job openings:
Temporary Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Cook job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $28,957 per year, or $13.9 per hour.

Line Cook

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Lexington, KY • On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

LINE COOK

J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily scratch made wood-fired cuisine.

We strive to provide the highest-quality food and service in the hospitality industry, while fostering a culture of working hard, paying attention to details, and providing our guests with the best, all-around dining experience possible. We have immense pride in being a leader in the hospitality industry. It’s a part of the company DNA.

Our compensation is at the top of the industry, but life is more than a paycheck. A workplace needs to inspire both professional and personal growth while motivating their leaders to reach their goals. And you can find that with us.

Why Choose Us:

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Flexible scheduling
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Opportunity for Upward Growth

Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years of age to operate kitchen equipment.
  • 1 yr. previous kitchen / culinary / chef experience is preferred, but not required.
  • Experience and knowledge of kitchen equipment including but not limited to knives, slicer, mixer, stoves, and ovens required.
  • Flexible to work a variety of shifts.

Job Description:  Our restaurants operate professional, fast-paced, scratch kitchens. We hire line and prep cooks who understand high expectations for food presentation and execution. Our restaurants typically include an open-kitchen layout with visibility from the dining room. Coordination of designated positions requires strong communication and teamwork with other employees, including assembler, expo, and all members of management. This position must manage ticket orders for proteins and is responsible for the execution of proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and workspace. Proper sanitation protocols must be followed. Responsibilities also include opening duties and closing cleaning duties.

We are an Equal Opportunity / E-Verify Employer. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. As an SPB Hospitality Team Member you may be asked to perform additional related duties to meet ongoing needs.

Apply