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Temporary Cooking Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

COOK (TEMPORARY)

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$24/hr

Schedule : Temporary schedule. Days may vary, day shift. Further details upon interview ... Previous cooking and food service experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available

Compass Group

COOK (TEMPORARY)

Casper, WY · On-site

$16.50/hr

Temporary schedule. Monday through Friday, hours may vary; evening shifts and occasional weekends ... Previous cooking and patient services experience is required. * Pay Range: $14.00 per hour to $16 ...

Compass Group

COOK (TEMPORARY)

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$16.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for temporary COOK positions. * Location : Christian Hospital - 11133 Dunn Road, Saint Louis, MO 63136. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Temporary ...

Compass Group

COOK (TEMPORARY)

O Fallon, MO

$19/hr

* We are hiring immediately for temporary COOK positions. * Location : Progress West - 2 Progress Point Parkway, O Fallon, MO 63368. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Temporary ...

Compass Group

COOK (TEMPORARY)

Davenport, IA · On-site

$17.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for temporary COOK positions. * Location : MercyOne Genesis West - 1401 West Central Park Avenue, Davenport, IA 52804. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule

Crothall Healthcare

COOK (TEMPORARY)

Davenport, IA · On-site

$17.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for temporary COOK positions. * Location : MercyOne Genesis West - 1401 West Central Park Avenue, Davenport, IA 52804. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule

Uni

Temporary - Cook I

Campus, IL

$18.27/hr

Serving up the #1 college food in Iowa, UNI Dining Services has temporary Cook I positions open. Under direct supervision, prepares quality foods for meals in student dining center for the Department ...

Datawize Technologies LLC

Cook

Milford, DE · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

... cooking and food preparation activities. Record food/refrigerator temperatures and the number of meals prepared each day. · This individual will function as temporary cooks and must be willing to ...

Compass Group

COOK (TEMPORARY)

Davenport, IA · On-site

$17.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for temporary COOK positions. * Location : MercyOne Genesis West - 1401 West Central Park Avenue, Davenport, IA 52804. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule

Roxbury Day Care Center

Temporary Cook

Succasunna, NJ

$15.92 - $17/hr

Cooking and preparing lunch for all children, adhering to menu planning and nutrition guidelines. * Setting tables in the multi-purpose room for Purple and Pre-k teams, ensuring a clean and inviting ...

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Temporary Cooking information

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How much do temporary cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary cooking 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 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 cities are hiring for Temporary Cooking jobs?

Cities with the most Temporary Cooking job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs are:

What states have the most Temporary Cooking jobs?

States with the most job openings for Temporary Cooking jobs include:

Temporary Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Cooking job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,984 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

COOK (TEMPORARY)

Compass Group

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,091 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

346th of 494 rated business services

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for temporary COOK positions.
  • Location: Moderna Cambridge - 325 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Temporary schedule. Days may vary, day shift. Further details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Previous cooking and food service experience required.
    *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available
  • Pay Range: $20.00 per hour to $24.00 per hour.

Free meals, uniforms and laundering service available at select locations.

We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1558286.

The advertised program is an AI recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg

Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!

What makes FLIK click? Our people. The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients every day. We know how to pick them and we know how to grow them. It starts with hiring people who share our passion for food and hospitality. Once we find the right talent, we encourage, value and recognize their contributions.

We keep our people renewed, excited and engaged by providing hands-on training and educating them about the latest trends. We give them a stake in successfully raising the bar. Our people love what they do and they love sharing their passion. Join our team and see the FLIK difference. Where a job isn’t merely a job but the start of a career where you can flourish.    

Job Summary


Summary:   Prepares food in accordance with applicable federal, state and corporate standards, guidelines and regulations with established policies and procedures. Ensures quality food service is provided at all times.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Prepares high-quality food items according to standardized recipes and instructions to meet production, delivery and service schedules.
  • Serves meals or prepares for delivery by using correct portioning, meeting outlined standards, ensuring that food is at the correct temperature and is attractive and tasty. Tastes all prepared food items.
  • Uses established ticket collection procedures during service. Responsible for records from area worked during service periods.
  • Cleans kitchen after preparation and serving, maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Stores or discards excess food in accordance with safe food-handling procedures.
  • Keeps refrigerators and storerooms clean and neat. Ensures food and supply items are stored per standards.
  • Operates and maintains kitchen equipment as instructed.
  • Assists in production planning, record keeping and reporting as required.
  • Assists in the ordering and receiving of all food and supplies as required.
  • Reports needed maintenance, faulty equipment or accidents to the supervisor immediately.
  • Attends in-service and safety meetings.
  • Maintains good working relationships with coworkers, customers, administrators and managers.
  • Performs job safely while maintaining a clean, safe work environment.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Ensures proper presentation, portion control and maintenance of serving temperatures; follows HACCP standards.
  • Personal commitment to your own safety and that of others.
  • Abides by all Company policies and procedures including but not limited to:
    • The use of a medium weight cut gloves when handling or using knives, peelers, choppers, mandolins or cleaning a slicer.
    • The use of oven mitts, fryer gloves or steamer gloves when handling hot pans from ovens, warmers or steamtables.
    • The use of slip-resistant shoes and proper lifting techniques.

Associates at FLIK are offered many fantastic benefits.

Both full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. 

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_FlikHospitality.pdf

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
 

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Flik maintains a drug-free workplace.

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