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Third Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tufts University

Third Cook

Somerville, MA · On-site

$28.16/hr

What You'll Do The Third Cook prepares, cooks, and presents a variety of menu items in accordance with established recipes, production schedules, quality standards, and food safety requirements. This ...

Tufts University

Third Cook

Medford, MA · On-site

$28.16/hr

What You'll Do The Third Cook prepares, cooks, and presents a variety of menu items in accordance with established recipes, production schedules, quality standards, and food safety requirements. This ...

Tufts University

Third Cook

Medford, MA · On-site

$28.16/hr

What You'll Do The Third Cook prepares, cooks, and presents a variety of menu items in accordance with established recipes, production schedules, quality standards, and food safety requirements. This ...

Tufts University

Third Cook

Medford, MA · On-site

$28.16/hr

What You'll Do The Third Cook prepares, cooks, and presents a variety of menu items in accordance with established recipes, production schedules, quality standards, and food safety requirements. This ...

Tufts University

Third Cook

Somerville, MA · On-site

$28.16/hr

What You'll Do The Third Cook prepares, cooks, and presents a variety of menu items in accordance with established recipes, production schedules, quality standards, and food safety requirements. This ...

Dufry

Third Cook

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.10/hr

The Third Cook is responsible for food production, preparation and presentation, and is able to rotate through all food stations to ensure a high quality product is served to the customer. This role ...

Longhorn Steakhouse

Third Cook

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.10/hr

Third Cook 513200 Summary: The Third Cook is responsible for food production, preparation and presentation, and is able to rotate through all food stations to ensure a high quality product is served ...

Dufry

Third Cook

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.10/hr

The Third Cook is responsible for food production, preparation and presentation, and is able to rotate through all food stations to ensure a high quality product is served to the customer. This role ...

Cooper University Hospital

Third Cook

Camden, NJ · On-site

$25/hr

Short DescriptionThe Third cook will Prepare food for regular and therapeutic diets according to the planned menu Reads food order or receives verbal instructions on food required by patron and ...

Cooper University Hospital

Third Cook

Camden, NJ · On-site

$25/hr

Short DescriptionThe Third cook will Prepare food for regular and therapeutic diets according to the planned menu Reads food order or receives verbal instructions on food required by patron and ...

ASM Global

Third Cook - Lansing Center

Lansing, MI

$14.25 - $19/hr

Third Cook DEPARTMENT: Foodservice REPORTS TO: Sous Chef FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Non-exempt LEGENDS GLOBAL Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands.

Dufry

Third Cook

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$20.55/hr

The Cook is responsible for preparing cooked foods, and must be able to perform all station functions of Fry, Flat Top Griddle, Pantry, and cooking eggs; communicating ticket times and potential ...

Dufry

Third Cook

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$20.55/hr

The Cook is responsible for preparing cooked foods, and must be able to perform all station functions of Fry, Flat Top Griddle, Pantry, and cooking eggs; communicating ticket times and potential ...

ASM Global

Third Cook - Lansing Center

Lansing, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Third Cook DEPARTMENT: Foodservice REPORTS TO: Sous Chef FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Non-exempt LEGENDS GLOBAL Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands.

Amherst College

Third Cook - Baker

Amherst, VA · On-site

$21.24 - $21.75/hr

The Third Cook - Baker is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $21.24 to $21.75 per hour. The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors ...

IHOP

3rd Cook

Aiken, SC · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Summary: Store, prepare, cook and properly plate all food items in accordance with federal, state and local regulations and IHOP Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Essential Duties and ...

NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital

$27.75 - $29.77/hr

Third Cook - Part Time - CHONY - Rotating Shifts Join our staff and provide the finest cuisine in health care. Our Third Cook in the Cafeteria willbe responsible for producing all hot foods ...

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Third COOK information

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How much do third cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for third cook in the United States is $18.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a third cook?

A third cook is an entry-level position in a professional kitchen, responsible for assisting with basic food preparation and maintaining cleanliness. They often support higher-level cooks and chefs with tasks such as chopping vegetables, preparing simple dishes, and ensuring that ingredients are ready for use. Third cooks may also help with inventory, storage, and following food safety procedures. This role is a common starting point for those pursuing a culinary career and offers opportunities to learn essential kitchen skills.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges faced by a third cook in a professional kitchen?

As a Third Cook, you are often responsible for basic food preparation, maintaining cleanliness in your station, and assisting higher-level cooks with cooking and plating dishes. One common challenge is working efficiently during busy service times while adhering to food safety and quality standards. You'll also need to adapt quickly to changing priorities and support the kitchen team wherever needed. This role offers valuable hands-on experience and is a solid stepping stone for advancement within the culinary field.

What is the difference between Third Cook vs Second Cook?

AspectThird CookSecond Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, culinary school preferredAdvanced culinary training, more experience required
Work EnvironmentAssists in kitchen, prepares basic dishesPrepares complex dishes, supervises junior staff
Employer UsageEntry to mid-level kitchen roleMid-level role with more responsibilities

The Third Cook typically has basic culinary training and assists in preparing dishes under supervision, while the Second Cook has more experience, handles complex tasks, and may oversee junior staff. The Second Cook's role involves greater responsibility and skill, making it a step above the Third Cook in the kitchen hierarchy.

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

To thrive as a Third Cook, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary coursework. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and recipe management systems is typical. Strong teamwork, time management, and a willingness to learn help you stand out in this entry-level culinary role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, food safety, and support for higher-level chefs in a busy food service environment.
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Third COOK jobs near you
Infographic showing various Third Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,143 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Third Cook

Tufts University

Somerville, MA • On-site

$28.16/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Tufts University rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Overview
This role is an academic year position.
Shift: Sunday & Thursday: 1:30PM - 10:00 PM, Monday and Tuesday Off. Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, Friday & Saturday: 1:00 PM - 9:30 PM.
Tufts Dining is a self-operated food service provider managing a comprehensive collegiate dining program on the Tufts University Medford/Somerville and SMFA/Fenway campus, delivering high quality, contemporary and innovative food and hospitality services to meet the various needs of students, staff, faculty, administrators and visitors in a fiscally responsible manner. Our team provides a progressive resident dining program as well as innovative retail services, and a distinctive university catering program serving a campus community comprised of 6600 undergraduates, 2100 graduate students, and 2300 staff, faculty and administrators.
Residential dining Centers and Catering are open 7 days a week. Working weekends & evenings will be expected.
What You'll Do
The Third Cook prepares, cooks, and presents a variety of menu items in accordance with established recipes, production schedules, quality standards, and food safety requirements. This position utilizes a variety of cooking methods and commercial kitchen equipment to produce food in support of daily dining operations.
  • The Third Cook is responsible for maintaining assigned production stations, ensuring food is prepared and served in a timely manner, and maintaining high standards of food quality, sanitation, and customer service.
  • Working both independently and as part of a team, the Third Cook assists with food preparation, service, station setup and breakdown, and other kitchen-related duties as assigned.
  • The position is responsible for following all food safety and sanitation procedures, maintaining a clean and organized work area, and accurately completing required production and temperature logs.
  • In customer-facing areas, the Third Cook provides courteous and professional service while contributing to a positive dining experience.
  • The Third Cook must demonstrate the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing business needs, and perform assigned duties with minimal supervision.
  • This position supports the overall success of dining operations through a commitment to quality, safety, teamwork, and exceptional customer service while performing additional duties as required to meet departmental and operational needs.
    • All employees are responsible for punching in and out in accordance with department policy and standards.
    • All employees must be given permission from a manager to punch in early or stay past their schedule "out time."
    • All employees must adhere to posted schedule.
    • All requests for time off will be granted based on business needs.
    • In accordance with the CBA, schedules will be posted 14 days (excludes catering) in advance.
    • Time off requests must follow proper procedure and will be approved or denied in accordance with department needs.
    • No request will be honored for Senior Week, Holidays, Alumni Weekend, Commencement, Orientation, Matriculation, or Special Events during the Academic Year.

What We're Looking For
Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:
  • High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Minimum of 1 year of food preparation or commercial kitchen experience preferred
  • Ability to safely operate commercial foodservice equipment or learn equipment operation through on-the-job training
  • Demonstrated knife skills and knowledge of basic culinary techniques
  • Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling procedures
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Strong customer service and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate Degree or Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • ServSafe Food Handler or ServSafe Manager Certification
  • Experience in high-volume institutional, university, hotel, restaurant, healthcare, or catering foodservice operations
  • Experience using commercial food production equipment

The pay rate for this position is $28.16 / hour.

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