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Union Cooks Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Citadel of Skokie

Cook

Skokie, IL

$19 - $26.25/hr

At this facility, this is a collectively bargained position under the union Cook Duties and Responsibilities: * Reviews menus prior to preparation of food. * Inspects special diet trays to assure ...

Citadel Healthcare

Cook

Skokie, IL · On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

At this facility, this is a collectively bargained position under the union Cook Duties and Responsibilities: * Reviews menus prior to preparation of food. * Inspects special diet trays to assure ...

Union Joints

Prep Cook

Royal Oak, MI

$13.50 - $17/hr

UNION JOINTS IS THE LITTLE HOUSE THAT MAC amp; CHEESE BUILT. It started in 1995. The Clarkston ... This role includes food preparation and setup of the stations on the Cooks' Line; maintaining the ...

Union Joints

Prep Cook

Royal Oak, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

UNION JOINTS IS THE LITTLE HOUSE THAT MAC & CHEESE BUILT. It started in 1995. The Clarkston union ... This role includes food preparation and setup of the stations on the Cooks' Line; maintaining the ...

Union Joints

Prep Cook

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

For 28 years, Union Joints has put the independent approach to practice at local originals like the ... This role includes food preparation and setup of the stations on the Cooks' Line; maintaining the ...

Union Joints

Prep Cook

Birmingham, MI

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

For 28 years, Union Joints has put the independent approach to practice at local originals like the ... This role includes food preparation and setup of the stations on the Cooks' Line; maintaining the ...

Union 50

Cook - Union 50

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

As a Cook, you are responsible for preparing and cooking a wide variety of dishes to ensure the quality and taste of our menu items. Your culinary skills, attention to detail, and commitment to food ...

HV Global Marketing Corporation

$26.21/hr

Follows set standards for cooking and presenting all food items from his / her station. * Assists in food procurement, delivery, storage and usage of items. Puts away delivery when necessary ...

Hyatt Vacations Ownership

Union Cook III (AM)

Carmel, CA · On-site

$26.21/hr

Follows set standards for cooking and presenting all food items from his / her station. Assists in food procurement, delivery, storage and usage of items. Puts away delivery when necessary. Assist ...

HV Global Group, Inc.

Union Cook III (AM)

Carmel, CA · On-site

$26.21/hr

Follows set standards for cooking and presenting all food items from his / her station. * Assists in food procurement, delivery, storage and usage of items. Puts away delivery when necessary ...

KU Memorial Union

KU Dining Cook

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Cooks prepare hot and cold menu items using standardized recipes, maintain clean and organized ... Support the KU Memorial Unions' lines of effort, initiatives, and End State as described by the ...

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How much do union cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for union cooks in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Union Cook, you need expertise in food preparation, safety, and sanitation practices, often supported by a high school diploma and food handler certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, standardized recipes, and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help you excel in a fast-paced environment and meet union standards. These skills ensure consistent, high-quality food service while maintaining safety and efficiency in a collaborative workplace.

What companies pay you to cook?

Union cooks are typically employed by hospitality, healthcare, or institutional organizations such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and catering companies. These employers pay for cooking services and often require skills in food preparation, safety, and sanitation. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and the specific employer's pay scale.

What's the best paying union job?

Union cooks typically earn competitive wages, but the highest-paying union jobs are often in skilled trades such as union electricians, plumbers, or crane operators, who require specialized training and certifications. These roles tend to offer higher salaries due to the technical skills and safety responsibilities involved.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying jobs for cooks are often executive or head chefs in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private clubs, with salaries reaching six figures for experienced professionals. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or executive chefs with advanced certifications and management responsibilities tend to offer the highest compensation in the cooking industry.

What are some common challenges Union Cooks face in large-scale food service operations?

Union Cooks often work in fast-paced environments such as hotels, hospitals, or banquet halls, where managing high-volume meal preparation is a daily challenge. Coordinating with other kitchen staff to maintain consistency, quality, and timing can be demanding, especially during peak service hours. Additionally, adhering to strict union guidelines and safety standards while meeting production deadlines requires strong organizational and communication skills. Overcoming these challenges helps build valuable teamwork experience and can open doors to supervisory or lead cook positions over time.

Do cooks have unions?

Union cooks are common in many workplaces, especially in large kitchens, hotels, and restaurants, where they may organize to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions. Union membership can provide job security, collective bargaining power, and support for workplace issues. Not all cooks are unionized, and union presence varies by industry and location.

What is the difference between Union Cooks vs Non-Union Cooks?

AspectUnion CooksNon-Union Cooks
CredentialsMay require union-specific certifications or trainingTypically no union-specific credentials needed
Work EnvironmentWorks in unionized kitchens with collective bargaining agreementsWorks in non-unionized kitchens, often with less standardized conditions
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large hotels, casinos, and unionized restaurantsPrevalent in independent and non-union establishments

Union Cooks are employed in unionized environments with collective bargaining agreements, often benefiting from better wages and benefits. Non-Union Cooks work in non-union settings, which may offer more flexibility but fewer protections. The choice depends on the work environment and employer type.

What are Union Cooks?

Union Cooks are professional cooks who are members of a labor union, such as the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union or UNITE HERE. These cooks typically work in establishments like hotels, restaurants, schools, or hospitals that have collective bargaining agreements with the union. Union Cooks benefit from negotiated wages, better working conditions, job security, and access to benefits such as health insurance and paid leave. Their role involves preparing meals, following food safety standards, and sometimes supervising kitchen staff.
What cities are hiring for Union Cooks jobs? Cities with the most Union Cooks job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs? The most popular types of Cooks jobs are:
Union Cooks jobs near you
Cook - Hershey Lodge

Cook - Hershey Lodge

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company

Hershey, PA

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Join the team at Hershey Lodge, an award-winning resort best known for being warm, welcoming, and distinctly Hershey. Offering 665 guest rooms and 100,000 square feet of function space, Hershey Lodge provides convenience and comfort for families and guests of all ages. We hope you'll enjoy the sweet hospitality and iconic chocolate details around every corner.

As a Full-Time Cook at Hershey Lodge, you’ll prepare a meal at one of our 6 restaurants or Event spaces. This culinarian should have general knowledge, understanding and application of knife skills and cooking techniques. The Cook must possess at minimum a basic understanding of a ala carte setting as well as production. The Cook needs to possess a positive attitude with a professional appearance and demeanor. Apply and interview today.

As a Full-Time Team Member at Hershey Lodge, enjoy sweet perks like FREE meal during your schedule shift, FREE admission to Hersheypark, discounts, and more as soon as you receive your Employee ID! Your total compensation consists not only of the wage that you are paid, but also all includes Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage beginning the first day of the next month, 401K Contribution, paid time off, and so much more!

To view detailed job descriptions, please copy and paste the following web address into another browser:

https://www.hersheyentertainmentandresorts.com/assets/pdf/full-time-union-cooks.pdf

Positions currently available:

  • General Cook - STACKS
  • General Cook - Banquets
  • General Cook - Cocoa Cabana
  • Cook III - Revelry

Qualifications:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must have a minimum of 1 year of cooking experience OR currently hold a culinary position in a similar restaurant, hotel or private club setting.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Knowledgeable of kitchen equipment, good knife skills, and possess a full tool kit.
  • Knowledgeable of weights and measures, as well as basic math applications.
  • Must be able to assist, train and direct culinary interns and general cooks in daily tasks
  • Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English.
  • Skilled with a minimum of two cuisines. Examples may include but not limited to Asian, Italian, Classical, New American, and Mexican.
  • Complete a mystery basket cooking test to include 3 courses in 4 hours.
  • Must obtain ServSafe certification.

Job Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

  • Reaching Forward Constant (>67%)

  • Lifting Frequent (34-66%) (50lbs maximum weight)

  • Reaching Overhead Occasional (<33%)

  • Finger Dexterity Constant (>67%)

  • Hand/Eye Coordination Constant (>67%)

  • Stooping Occasional (<33%)

  • Bending Occasional (<33%)

  • Standing Constant (>67%)

  • Walking Frequent (34-66%)

  • Additional physical requirements include repetitive elbow motions for chopping, repetitive wrist motions for stirring and chopping.

  • Must have ability of taste buds to distinguish between and among flavors, spices, temperature, and mouth feel (smoothness, pungency, etc.) of food, and beverage.

  • Must have ability of olfactory nerves to distinguish between and among odors and scents as to their appeal and level of intensity.

  • Must be able to work in extreme temperatures.

  • This is a union position and the work schedule will be based on union seniority. Candidates must be able to meet scheduled requirements, which will most likely require evening and weekend hours.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Hershey Entertainment and Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.