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Third Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

$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 - Corcoran Commons

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 ...

Third Cook - Corcoran Commons

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 ...

P.M. Cook

Ghent, NY

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

The Third Cook is responsible for the preparation and serving of a variety of foods, such as meat, fish, chicken, vegetables, soups, starches, to residents and staff. The Third Cook works from 11:00 ...

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 ...

Second Cook - FlexStaff (Temp)

Melville, NY

$14.50 - $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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Second Cook - FlexStaff (Temp)

Syosset, NY

$14.50 - $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 ...

Second Cook - FlexStaff (Temp)

Syosset, NY

$14.50 - $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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$9

$18

$24

How much do third cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A third cook in the culinary industry can potentially earn around $10,000 a month with experience, working in high-end restaurants, hotels, or cruise ships. Success depends on skill level, location, and the establishment's pay scale, as most culinary roles do not require a formal degree but do require culinary training or experience. Advanced positions or specialized roles in the food service industry can also reach this income level without a college degree.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Some high-paying jobs for a third cook or similar culinary roles can reach $2000 per day, especially in luxury or private settings, or with overtime and tips included. These positions often require extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-end environments such as private yachts, luxury hotels, or exclusive events.

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 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 may be required to have food safety certifications. The role often involves supporting the kitchen team during busy periods and ensuring smooth food preparation operations.

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 jobs for cooks are often executive chef or head chef positions in high-end restaurants, hotels, or resorts, where salaries can exceed $70,000 annually. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or chefs with advanced certifications and extensive experience tend to offer higher compensation.
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Infographic showing various Third Cook job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,143 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
3rd Cook

$13 - $17/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


IHOP rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 350 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 86 rated restaurants


Job description

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 Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain professional functional working relationships with IHOP Team Members and guests.
  • Prepare food according to specifications set forth in the IHOP SOP manuals.
  • Memorize and apply all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items, procedures, galley utensils, abbreviations and methodologies.
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary work station.
  • Comply with all federal, state and local regulations as well as with the IHOP Safety Manual and SOP health, sanitation and safety guidelines.
  • Comply with IHOP uniform and appearance standards per SOP guidelines.
  • Perform other assignments or tasks as assigned by the General Manager, Assistant Manager or acting supervisor.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
Six months to one year of related experience and/or training or equivalent.

What IHOP employees say

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About IHOP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The shortest distance between two people is a smile, so our logo changed to include one! Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. No matter what menu items they order, there's one ingredient that's always constant -- a smile.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

2003