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Union Cooks Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Union Square Cafe

Line Cook

Manhattan, NY

$20 - $25/hr

Union Square Cafe's seasonal cuisine draws inspiration from the kitchens and tables of Italy ... As a Line Cook, you have a strong passion for food, technique, and an eagerness to learn more ...

Union Gap School District

Substitute Cook

Yakima, WA · On-site

$18.72/hr

UNION GAP SCHOOL DISTRICT #2Specification for Class of SUBSTITUTE COOK The Cook performs skilled quantity cooking duties in the preparation and serving of meals. The Substitute Cook is under the ...

LifeBridge Health

Cook - Union-Levindale

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook - Union-Levindale * Sign On Bonus Potential: $1000 * Baltimore, MD * LEVINDALE HOSPITAL * FOOD ... Prepares and cooks foods for the hospital patients, staff, and visitors as directed by management.

City Union Mission

Cook

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$16/hr

To maintain a team atmosphere in order that the food service of City Union Mission truly "ministers ... Must have quantity cooking experience and must love to cook. Physical Requirements : * Prolonged ...

City Union Mission

Cook

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

To maintain a team atmosphere in order that the food service of City Union Mission truly "ministers ... Must have quantity cooking experience and must love to cook. Physical Requirements : * Prolonged ...

City Union Mission

Cook

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$16/hr

To maintain a team atmosphere in order that the food service of City Union Mission truly "ministers ... Must have quantity cooking experience and must love to cook. Physical Requirements : * Prolonged ...

Union Square Cafe

Line Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Union Square Cafe's seasonal cuisine draws inspiration from the kitchens and tables of Italy ... As a Line Cook, you have a strong passion for food, technique, and an eagerness to learn more ...

City Union Mission

Head Cook

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$17/hr

To seek to maintain a team atmosphere in order that the food service of City Union Mission truly ... staff cooks have what is needed to prepare meals from menu. * Prepare and serve nutritious and ...

City Union Mission

Head Cook

Kansas City, MO · On-site

To seek to maintain a team atmosphere in order that the food service of City Union Mission truly ... staff cooks have what is needed to prepare meals from menu. * Prepare and serve nutritious and ...

City Union Mission

Head Cook

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$17/hr

To seek to maintain a team atmosphere in order that the food service of City Union Mission truly ... staff cooks have what is needed to prepare meals from menu. * Prepare and serve nutritious and ...

AVI Foodsystems

Cook (University of Mount Union)

Alliance, OH · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic team member to fill the role of Cook, Full-time at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, OH. This position is scheduled Monday through ...

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Union Cooks information

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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 (University of Mount Union)

Cook (University of Mount Union)

AVI Foodsystems, Inc

Alliance, OH

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

AVI Foodsystems rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 168 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 67 rated caterers

Job description

AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic team member to fill the role of Cook, Full-time at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, OH.

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service companies in the nation. Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients, impeccable service and total value is the reputation we have earned and live up to everyday.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Please customers by providing a pleasant dining experience
  • Assemble, combine, and cook ingredients
  • Maintain a sanitary kitchen
  • Attend to the detail and presentation of each order
  • Place and expedite orders
  • Prepare ingredients by following recipes; slicing, cutting, chopping, mincing, stirring, whipping, and mixing ingredients
  • Complete hot meal preparation by grilling, sauting, roasting, frying, and broiling ingredients and assembling and refrigerating cold ingredients
  • Adhere to proper food handling, sanitation, and safety procedures
  • Maintain appropriate dating, labeling, and rotation of all food items
  • Stores leftovers according to established standards
  • Contribute to daily, holiday, and theme menus in collaboration with the team

Requirements:

  • 2 or more years of cooking experience to include food preparation
  • Strong working knowledge of food preparation techniques, cooking methods, and safety and sanitation practices
  • Exceptional food presentation skills
  • Familiarity with general kitchen equipment and appliances
  • Strong work ethic and high energy level

Benefits:

  • A family culture and atmosphere
  • Competitive compensation
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time team members
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid vacations and holidays
  • Immense training and growth opportunities

We conduct pre-employment drug testing. EOE

What AVI Foodsystems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

AVI Foodsystems logo

About AVI Foodsystems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service companies in the nation. Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients, impeccable service and total value is the reputation we have earned and live up to everyday.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Warren, OH, US

Year founded

1960

Social media

Twitter

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