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Third Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boston College

Third Cook - Hillside Cafe

Chestnut Hill, MA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Third Cook Basic Function and Responsibility Under direction, performs a variety of routine, supportive duties to assist in the preparation of food for use in the dining operations and/or catered ...

NYP - Westchester Division

$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 ...

Bates College

Third Cook (FT, FY)

Lewiston, ME

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Third Cook (FT, FY) Apply now Job no: 493136 Work type: Staff Full Time - Full Year Location: Lewiston, ME Categories: Culinary, Hourly Title: Third Cook (FT, FY) Position Purpose: Staff holding a ...

NewYork-Presbyterian

$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 ...

Bates College

Third Cook (FT, FY)

Lewiston, ME · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Third Cook (FT, FY) Job no: 493136 Work type: Staff Full Time - Full Year Location: Lewiston, ME Categories: Culinary, Hourly Title: Third Cook (FT, FY) Position Purpose: Staff holding a cook ...

Boston College

Third Cook - Hillside Cafe

Chestnut Hill, MA · On-site

$25.78 - $28.65/hr

Third Cook Basic Function and Responsibility Under direction, performs a variety of routine, supportive duties to assist in the preparation of food for use in the dining operations and/or catered ...

NYULMC

Third Cook/Special Order Cook

New York, NY · On-site

$27.75/hr

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Third Cook/Special Order Cook. In this role, the successful candidate Performs work moderate difficulty in the preparation of various menu items ...

FlexStaff

Cook - FlexStaff (Temp)

Carmel, NY · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Minimum of one (1) year experience as a Third Cook / Special Order Cook, required. * Previous experience as a short order cook in an institutional or business environment, required. * Ability to read ...

FlexStaff

Second Cook - FlexStaff (Temp)

Valley Stream, NY

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Minimum of one (1) year experience as a Third Cook / Special Order Cook, required. * Previous experience as a short order cook in an institutional or business environment, required. * Ability to read ...

Flexstaff

Second Cook - FlexStaff (Temp)

Valley Stream, NY

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Minimum of one (1) year experience as a Third Cook / Special Order Cook, required. * Previous experience as a short order cook in an institutional or business environment, required. * Ability to read ...

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Third Cook information

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How much do third cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 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 are the duties of a cook III?

A Cook III is responsible for preparing and cooking food according to recipes and standards, supervising junior kitchen staff, and ensuring food quality and safety. They often handle more complex dishes, assist in menu planning, and maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen environment.

What are third cooks?

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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Third cooks typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs. In the culinary industry, top executive chefs or restaurant owners in high-end establishments may reach high six-figure incomes, but reaching $500,000 often requires additional business ownership or bonuses. Most jobs paying this level of income involve advanced skills, significant experience, or ownership stakes.

What is the role of a 3rd cook?

A third cook is an entry-level or junior kitchen staff member responsible for preparing basic dishes, assisting higher-level cooks, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They typically follow recipes, work under supervision, and help ensure smooth kitchen operations in a restaurant or hotel setting.

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.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying roles for cooks include executive chefs and head chefs, especially in fine dining restaurants, hotels, or private clubs, where salaries can exceed $80,000 annually. These positions often require extensive experience, culinary certifications, and strong leadership skills. Specialized roles such as pastry chefs or culinary directors may also offer higher compensation depending on the establishment.
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Third Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Third Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,143 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Third Cook - Hillside Cafe

Third Cook - Hillside Cafe

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA • On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Boston College rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 560 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Third Cook
Basic Function and Responsibility
Under direction, performs a variety of routine, supportive duties to assist in the preparation of food for use in the dining operations and/or catered events. Moderately heavy lifting is necessary.
Characteristic Duties
-As assigned, assists in the preparation of food items using recipes for all meals (breakfast, lunch, receptions and dinner).
-As assigned, provides routine support in kitchen by performing duties such as, slicing, mixing, grilling, sauteing, roasting, steaming, baking and stewing.
-Under direction of individual in charge, monitors foods while cooking to maintain proper temperatures and ensure proper timing cycles.
-Transports food to serving areas, assembles and replenish food items as required.
-May transport food and equipment to catered functions and then assists in the execution of events as assigned.
-Performs routine sanitation and safety functions of work areas and equipment.
-May assist in the training of food service workers and students as directed.
-May be assigned other duties during slow periods such as semester breaks, holidays and summer.
-Performs all other reasonable duties as assigned.
Supervision Received
Reports to the Chef Manager in assigned unit, while receiving functional direction from unit chef, first, cook and other support personnel.
Supervision Exercised
May assist in the monitoring of work by food service workers and students as required.
Hiring Range: 25.78/hr to 28.65/hr. Pay rate commensurate with relevant experience.

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