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Temporary Cook Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital

Senior Cook

Baytown, TX

$13.25 - $17/hr

Follows HACCP program to include: proper storage, preventing cross contamination, proper food storage, thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating temps, wrapping, labeling & date marking, documentation of ...

Houston Methodist

Senior Cook

Baytown, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Follows HACCP program to include: proper storage, preventing cross contamination, proper food storage, thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating temps, wrapping, labeling & date marking, documentation of ...

Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital

Senior Cook

Baytown, TX

$13.25 - $17/hr

Follows HACCP program to include: proper storage, preventing cross contamination, proper food storage, thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating temps, wrapping, labeling & date marking, documentation of ...

Houston Methodist

Senior Cook

The Woodlands, TX

$13.25 - $17/hr

Follows HACCP program to include: proper storage, preventing cross contamination, proper food storage, thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating temps, wrapping, labeling & date marking, documentation of ...

Houston Methodist Hospital

Senior Cook

Houston, TX

$14 - $18.25/hr

Follows HACCP program to include: proper storage, preventing cross contamination, proper food storage, thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating temps, wrapping, labeling & date marking, documentation of ...

Houston Methodist

Senior Cook

Baytown, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Follows HACCP program to include: proper storage, preventing cross contamination, proper food storage, thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating temps, wrapping, labeling & date marking, documentation of ...

Cotton Holdings

Cook

Katy, TX · On-site

$17/hr

... logistics, temporary housing, and culinary services, providing innovative solutions to complex ... Join the dynamic team at Cotton Culinary as a Catering Cook where you'll create unforgettable ...

Cotton Patch Cafe

Line/Grill Cook

Spring, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

Proven grill/fryer station experience; confidence cooking proteins to temp * Strong knife skills and working knowledge of line cooking techniques * Ability to work efficiently and stay composed ...

Cotton Culinary

Cook

Katy, TX

... logistics, temporary housing, and culinary services, providing innovative solutions to complex ... Hands-On Cooking: Be an integral part of the kitchen team, preparing, cooking, and presenting meals ...

Cotton Patch Café

Line/Grill Cook

Spring, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

Proven grill/fryer station experience; confidence cooking proteins to temp * Strong knife skills and working knowledge of line cooking techniques * Ability to work efficiently and stay composed ...

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Houston, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program ... cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Pearland, TX · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program ... cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.

The Briar Club

Cook (Seasonal)

Houston, TX · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Job Type Temporary Description The Cook is responsible for setting up, cooking, maintaining quality control, cleaning up, serving food, cook to order, maintaining kitchen and food storage, and meet ...

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Houston, TX · 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 ...

Cowabunga Vegas

Cook

Katy, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Job Type Part-time, Temporary Description A Food and Beverage Team Member is Guest service focused ... Cook/Prep positions are in the following places: River Grill, Smokehouse, Ray's Pizza, Ben's Soft ...

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Houston, TX

$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 ...

J Alexander's

Line Cook

Houston, TX · 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 ...

The Reserves Network Inc

Dietary Cook

Cypress, TX

$15.50/hr

Cypress, TX * Temporary-to-hire opportunity with career growth and stability * Weekly Pay with ... Cook you will work with the hospital staff to meet dietary requirements and food needs for all ...

Compass Group

GRILL COOK (FULL TIME)

Galveston, TX · On-site

$13/hr

Prior grill cook experience is preferred. * Pay Range: $11.00 per hour to $13.00 per hour. We Make ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

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Temporary Cook information

See Houston, TX salary details

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How much do temporary cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary cook in Houston, TX is $15.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.84 and $17.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Cook jobs in Houston, TX?

For Temporary Cook jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Cook jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Cook jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Temporary Cook jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Temporary Cook job openings:

Temporary Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Cook job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,839 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Senior Cook

Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital

Baytown, TX

$13.25 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Houston Methodist rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 300 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description

At Houston Methodist (HM), the Sr Cook position is responsible for the preparation and cooking of entrees, side dishes and other specialty products using the recipe collection provided. In addition to performing the duties of the Cook position, this position prepares specialty dishes for catered events, including physician dinners, employee recognition ceremonies, and other high-profile events. The Sr Cook position must maintain adequate production to support the needs of the patients, café, catering functions, and doctor's lounge. This position adheres with the HM Food and Nutrition Services Standards of Appearance and complies with relevant local Food Ordinances, reviewing and maintaining production records and cooling charts according to the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines. The Sr Cook position may be asked to assist in other food and nutrition service areas, as needed.
Hours of operation are 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Work schedules vary based upon the needs of the business.”
FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) preferred

EXPERIENCE
  • Two years food service/large quantity or volume cooking experience in healthcare or hotel setting

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
  • Food Handlers Permit - Various Issuers Accredited food handler training course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Preferred
  • ServSafe (ServSafe)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment
  • Ability to adapt to a changing work environment
  • Strong knowledge of kitchen/food service equipment and sanitation principles
  • Strong understanding of buffet receptions, upscale plated menu items, volume batch cooking
  • Fundamental cooking techniques including braising, searing, etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Interacts in a positive, professional manner with patients, family, and staff. Communicates clearly and professionally to promote both work efforts and problem resolution.
  • Notifies management appropriately with changes to menu items due to unforeseen events; i.e. spoilage, shortage, etc.
  • Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Cooks food products for patients, café, catering functions, and doctor’s lounge. Maintains high quality, proper temperatures and garnishes all plates.
  • Coordinates with production and food service coordinators or other responsible role to ensure scheduled meal preparation and/or meal delivery.
  • May assist in ordering and receiving of food deliveries. Transports food carts for meal service through corridors and elevators to food prep areas.
  • Contributes to daily production meetings, keeping patient satisfaction and customer service standards a priority.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Follows HACCP program to include: proper storage, preventing cross contamination, proper food storage, thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating temps, wrapping, labeling & date marking, documentation of food temps and cooler/freezer temperatures, and correcting as appropriate.
  • Prepares food, with knowledge of dietary restrictions, according to standardized recipes, menu, safe food handling and time schedule. Maintains proper storage and sanitation of all items in storage, refrigerators, and freezers.
  • Inspects all food for quality, freshness and appearance. Ensures all food beyond the expiration date is discarded.
  • Maintains sanitation in work area to comply with all federal and state regulatory agencies, including local Health Department, Fire Department, DNV, etc., cleaning immediate work area concurrently and cleaning large equipment per posted cleaning schedule.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Practices good cost control through the proper use and storage of food, supplies and equipment. Minimizes food waste through proper usage.
  • Utilizes resources with cost-effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Recommends new food items from the creation to making it a menu item.
  • Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan (MDP) on an ongoing basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
    WORK ATTIRE
    • Uniform: Yes
    • Scrubs: No
    • Business professional: No
    • Other (department approved): Yes

    ON-CALL*
    *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
    • On Call* No

    TRAVEL**
    **Travel specifications may vary by department**
    • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
    • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) preferred

EXPERIENCE
  • Two years food service/large quantity or volume cooking experience in healthcare or hotel setting

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
  • Food Handlers Permit - Various Issuers Accredited food handler training course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Preferred
  • ServSafe (ServSafe)

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital brings the expertise and latest technology of Houston Methodist to Baytown and surrounding counties. The skilled and compassionate physicians, nurses and staff provide unsurpassed medical care in a close-to-home, state-of-the-art facility. Houston Methodist Baytown is committed to meeting the needs of its growing community through the ongoing facilities master plan expansion project, which includes a new, expanded emergency department, a five-story patient tower, outpatient center, renovated Cancer Center, neonatal intensive care unit and the addition of technologically advanced operating rooms.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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