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Temporary Cooking Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

cook

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$20.80 - $31.20/hr

Will be exposed to sharp knives, other sharp cooking utensils, heat from ovens and other hazards in ... diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview. About ...

COOK

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Previous cooking experience required. * Pay Range: $16.00 per hour to $20.00 per hour. *Internal ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

cook

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$20.80 - $31.20/hr

Will be exposed to sharp knives, other sharp cooking utensils, heat from ovens and other hazards in ... diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview. About ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Previous cooking experience required. * Pay Range: $16.00 per hour to $20.00 per hour. *Internal ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Previous cooking experience required. * Pay Range: $16.00 per hour to $20.00 per hour. *Internal ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Wauwatosa, WI

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Previous cooking experience required. * Pay Range: $16.00 per hour to $20.00 per hour. *Internal ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

COOK

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$20/hr

Requirement : 1 year of cooking experience in a high-volume kitchen is required. * Pay Range: $18 ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Cook - FT Days

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Will be exposed to sharp knives, other sharp cooking utensils, heat from ovens and other hazards in ... diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview. About ...

New

GRILL COOK

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$18/hr

Previous grill cooking experience, fryer operations, and a HACCP certification are required ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Cook - PT Nights

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Will be exposed to sharp knives, other sharp cooking utensils, heat from ovens and other hazards in ... diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview. About ...

Requirement : 1 year of cooking experience in a high-volume kitchen is required. * Pay Range: $18 ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

NIGHT COOK

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$19/hr

Prior fast food cooking and frying experience- burgers, fries, salads, appetizers, and made-to ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Requirement : 1 year of cooking experience in a high-volume kitchen is required. * Pay Range: $18 ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Requirement : 1 year of cooking experience in a high-volume kitchen is required. * Pay Range: $18 ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $19.75/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $19.75/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $19.75/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items ...

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Showing results 1-20

Temporary Cooking information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do temporary cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary cooking in Milwaukee, WI is $16.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $17.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary cook?

A temporary cooking job involves working as a cook or chef for a limited period, often to fill short-term staffing needs at restaurants, catering companies, events, or seasonal venues. These positions can range from a few days to several months and may involve tasks such as food preparation, cooking, serving, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Temporary cooks are often hired during busy periods, staff absences, or for special events, providing flexibility for both employers and employees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary cook?

To thrive as a Temporary Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment, often supported by a food handler’s certificate. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and point-of-sale systems is typically necessary. Strong time management, adaptability, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in ever-changing settings. These competencies ensure consistent food quality, efficient service, and smooth integration into diverse kitchen teams.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary cooks, and how can they adapt quickly to new kitchen environments?

Temporary cooks often face the challenge of adapting to unfamiliar kitchens, equipment, and team dynamics with little onboarding time. To succeed, it’s important to ask clear questions about kitchen protocols, observe how regular staff operate, and stay organized with prep and cleanup. Flexibility, strong communication, and a positive attitude can help temporary cooks integrate smoothly and contribute effectively, even in fast-paced or high-pressure settings.

What is the difference between Temporary Cooking vs Line Cook?

AspectTemporary CookingLine Cook
CredentialsMay require basic food safety certificationTypically requires culinary training or experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary kitchens, events, or short-term assignmentsConsistent kitchen environment, restaurant or food service
Employer & IndustryEvent companies, catering, temp agenciesRestaurants, hotels, food establishments
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for short-term cooking jobsSeeking ongoing kitchen roles

Temporary Cooking involves short-term, often event-based or contract-based cooking roles, while a Line Cook is a permanent or long-term position within a restaurant kitchen. Both roles require basic food safety knowledge, but Line Cooks typically need more culinary experience. Temporary Cooking offers flexibility and variety, whereas Line Cooks focus on consistent kitchen operations.

Can I get a temporary cooking job with no experience?

Temporary cooking jobs often do not require prior experience, as employers may provide on-the-job training. Basic skills such as the ability to follow instructions, work in a fast-paced environment, and maintain cleanliness are helpful. Certifications like food safety training can improve chances but are not always mandatory for entry-level positions.

How to become a temporary cooking?

To become a temporary cook, you typically need basic cooking skills, relevant experience, and sometimes a food handler's or sanitation certification. Many temporary cooking jobs require flexibility in scheduling and the ability to work in fast-paced environments. Applying through staffing agencies or directly to food service establishments is common.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Milwaukee, WI?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

Infographic showing various Temporary Cooking job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,482 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Dining & Retail Services Temporary Positions

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

$15 - $17/hr

Part-time, Temporary

Re-posted 6 hours ago


University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

613th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Position Title:Dining & Retail Services Temporary PositionsJob Category:University StaffEmployment Type:Temporary (Fixed Term)Job Profile:CookJob Duties:

Dining & Retail Services is hiring limited term employees for part-time positions to fill roles such as food service assistant, cook, dishwasher, and cashier. Various shifts are available Monday-Friday with a few options to work on the weekends as well.

Food Service Assistant Duties

  • Performs routine food preparation activities such as portioning, chopping food, and serving food to customers

  • Greets customers, answers questions, and provides basic information regarding food preparation and associated activities

  • Prepares a variety of basic dishes and assists in the preparation of more complex dishes

  • Cleans, inspects, and maintains kitchen equipment and work areas

Cook Duties

  • Perform routine and non-routine food preparation activities including cook-to-order and specialty foods

  • Greets customers, answers questions, and provides information regarding food preparation and associated activities

  • Cleans, inspects and maintains equipment and work areas to ensure adherence to safe food quality, handling, and sanitation processes and procedures

Dishwasher Duties

  • Operates a dishwashing station and associated equipment

  • Assists student employees and provides training as needed

  • Cleans, inspects, and maintains equipment and work areas to ensure adherence to safe food quality, handling, and sanitation processes and procedures

  • Shelves and organizes (stockroom, warehouse) inventory

Cashier Duties

  • Processes customer transactions by performing cashier duties using the point of sale system

  • Cleans and stocks work areas in and around the register

  • Interacts with customer, answers questions, and provides information regarding products, escalating questions as necessary

Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Adheres to federal, state, campus, and local food safety regulations, policies, and procedures
  • Greets customers, answers questions, and provides information regarding food preparation and associated activities
Department:

Dining & Retail Services

Compensation:

$15.00 - $17.00 an hour based on position and experience

How to Apply:

Applicants must apply online and submit a resume outlining your previous work experience and availability.

Positions are open until filled and this posting will be updated as positions are no longer available.

Contact Information:

Questions regarding available positions can be directed to Katherine Ott (ottka@uwm.edu)

Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWMis a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law.UWMwill not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBCand Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check.UWMtakes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For theUWMAnnual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, seehttp://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM's Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.
Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.


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