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Cook Job Description Templates & What To Include

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A well-written job description is an employer's first step to attracting top candidates.

So, whether you're opening up an entry-level Cook position or are looking for someone with more culinary experience to join your ranks, you want to hire the best possible candidate for your dining establishment.

We've created this guide to help you do so. See our five example Cook job descriptions suitable for common Cook positions below and learn how to write the best job description for the Cook role.

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1. Cook Job Description Template (General)

You can download our general template below in PDF or Word format as a guideline when creating your Restaurant Cook job description. You can use this template to hire Cooks for a wide range of establishments, including restaurants, school cafeterias or medical facilities. 

You can tweak any part, such as salary, required experience or job duties based on your open position.

Cook Job Overview

We at [Restaurant/Company Name] are seeking a talented and experienced Cook to join our team.

Your main responsibilities will be preparing and cooking various dishes according to our standards and recipes.

Your culinary expertise and experience will play a pivotal role in ensuring the ongoing quality of our dishes and customer satisfaction.

That said, we are looking for someone who can adapt to a fast-paced environment and is willing to work even on weekends, evenings and holidays.

If you have a passion for culinary arts, [Restaurant/Company Name] offers an exciting opportunity for you to expand your knowledge and contribute to our culinary excellence.

Pay range: $15–$20/hour 

Schedule: Full-time

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Prepare and cook menu items according to recipes
  • Maintain kitchen cleanliness and hygiene standards
  • Monitor food quality and freshness
  • Follow food safety regulations and practices
  • Collaborate with the kitchen team for efficient operation
  • Assist with menu development and testing

Experience Requirements & Skills

  • Minimum of [Number] years of culinary experience in professional kitchens
  • Proficiency in various cooking techniques
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
  • Effective time management skills
  • Attention to detail in food preparation and presentation
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills

Education and Training Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Culinary degree highly preferred
  • Apprenticeship or on-the-job training
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2. Grill Cook Job Description Template

This template can help you hire Grill Cooks for a variety of establishments, including restaurants, catering services and hotels. 

Grill Cook Job Overview

We at [Restaurant/Company Name] are searching for a skilled and detail-oriented Grill Cook to join our team. The primary responsibilities will be grilling, preparing and plating a variety of grilled dishes with precision and consistency.

Your expertise with the grill, along with a solid understanding of temperatures and timings, will help maintain our quality standards and enhance customer satisfaction. We are looking for someone comfortable in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen and willing to take on flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, to ensure smooth service.

If you’re passionate about delivering perfectly grilled dishes and enjoy the art of grilling, [Restaurant/Company Name] has an exciting opportunity for you to showcase your skills and grow with our team.

Pay range: $18–$22/hour

Schedule: Full-time and part-time roles available

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Grill a variety of menu items, ensuring food is cooked to the correct temperature and doneness
  • Season, marinate and prepare ingredients for grilling
  • Monitor the grill station, ensuring timely and efficient food preparation
  • Keep the grilling area clean organized and in line with hygiene and safety standards
  • Follow food safety regulations and grilling best practices
  • Manage timing to ensure grilled items are served fresh and hot
  • Assist with developing and refining grilled menu items
  • Work alongside kitchen staff to ensure smooth operation during peak hours

Experience Requirements & Skills

  • Minimum of [Number] years of experience working as a Grill Cook or in a similar role
  • Strong understanding of grilling techniques, temperature control and timing
  • Knowledge of food safety and kitchen sanitation standards
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively
  • Attention to detail with food preparation, presentation and portion control
  • Team-oriented with good communication skills

Education and Training Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Culinary degree or relevant certification preferred
  • On-the-job training or apprenticeship in grilling techniques and kitchen operations

3. Fry Cook Job Description Template

This Fry Cook job description template is great for hiring in establishments with fry stations, such as diners, fast-food restaurants or catering services. You can adjust any part of the description, like salary, experience requirements or duties, to fit your specific needs.

Fry Cook Job Overview

We at [Restaurant/Company Name] are looking for a dedicated and skilled Fry Cook to join our kitchen team. In this role, you’ll be preparing and cooking deep-fried dishes — from crispy appetizers to main entrées — ensuring consistent quality, texture and flavor.

Your attention to detail and knowledge of frying techniques will play an essential role in our kitchen’s success and in satisfying our customers. We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen, can handle peak hours and is comfortable working flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

If you’re passionate about creating delicious fried food and can work well under pressure, [Restaurant/Company Name] has an exciting opportunity for you to showcase your skills and be part of our culinary team.

Pay range: $14–$18/hour

Schedule: Full-time and part-time roles available

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Prepare, cook and serve fried menu items following recipes and quality standards
  • Ensure fryers are clean, maintained and at optimal temperatures
  • Batter, bread and season items as needed for frying
  • Monitor cooking times and temperatures to achieve consistent doneness and flavor
  • Keep the frying station clean organized and in compliance with health and safety regulations
  • Work closely with the kitchen team to ensure efficient service
  • Manage inventory of frying ingredients and report any shortages
  • Assist with developing new fried items and specials for the menu

Experience Requirements & Skills

  • Minimum of [number] years of experience as a Fry Cook or in a similar role
  • Solid knowledge of frying techniques, including temperature control and oil management
  • Familiarity with food safety and sanitation guidelines
  • Ability to work in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
  • Excellent time management and multitasking abilities
  • Strong attention to detail for food presentation and portion control
  • Effective team player with solid communication skills

Education and Training Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Culinary degree or relevant certification is a plus.
  • On-the-job training or apprenticeship in frying techniques and kitchen operations

4. Short Order Cook Job Description Template

This template is ideal for hiring Short Order Cooks in quick-service restaurants, including fast-food establishments and cafes.

Short Order Cook Job Overview

We at [Restaurant/Company Name] are looking for an efficient and versatile Short Order Cook to join our team. In addition to grilling and cooking basic items, the Short Order Cook will be responsible for preparing quick, easy-to-assemble meals, including sandwiches, salads and breakfast items, with an emphasis on speed and quality.

Typically found in quick-service restaurants and cafes, the Short Order Cook plays an essential role in delivering quality meals to customers within a short time frame. We’re seeking someone who works well under pressure, can handle a variety of tasks and is available for flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

If you enjoy creating simple, delicious meals and thrive in a fast-paced environment, [Restaurant/Company Name] offers an opportunity for you to bring your skills and become a key part of our kitchen team.

Pay range: $13–$17/hour

Schedule: Full-time and part-time roles available

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Prepare and cook a variety of short-order items, including breakfast food, sandwiches and salads
  • Grill, sauté and assemble food items quickly and efficiently to meet customer demand
  • Ensure food is fresh, prepared to order and consistently meets quality standards
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization at your station and in the kitchen
  • Follow health and safety guidelines, including proper food handling and storage
  • Monitor food supplies and ingredients, reporting any low stock or issues
  • Collaborate with team members to provide a smooth and quick service
  • Occasionally assist in menu development and testing for new quick-serve items

Experience Requirements & Skills

  • Minimum of [Number] years of experience in a quick-service kitchen or similar setting
  • Ability to handle multiple orders quickly while maintaining food quality
  • Knowledge of basic food prep and cooking techniques, including grilling and frying
  • Familiarity with food safety and sanitation regulations
  • Strong time management and multitasking abilities
  • Attention to detail with portion sizes, presentation and customer satisfaction
  • Team-oriented with good communication skills

Education and Training Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Culinary degree or apprenticeship preferred but not required

5. Pastry Cook Job Description Template

Unlike a Pastry Chef (who oversees dessert recipe development and sometimes manages kitchen operations) or a Baker (who typically focuses on making bread and other yeast-based baked goods), the Pastry Cook works hands-on to produce delicious, visually appealing desserts under guidance.

Check out our Pastry Cook job description template below and use it as a starting point when hiring. This template is suitable for bakeries, cafes, restaurants and other establishments offering a variety of desserts.

Pastry Cook Job Overview

We at [Restaurant/Company Name] are seeking a skilled and passionate Pastry Cook to join our kitchen team. The Pastry Cook will play a key role in preparing and presenting a range of pastries, cakes and desserts according to our quality standards and recipes.

This role requires precision, creativity and a strong attention to detail. We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic kitchen environment, is comfortable working flexible hours and is excited to contribute to our dessert offerings.

If you have a passion for pastry arts and a keen eye for presentation, [Restaurant/Company Name] provides an excellent opportunity to expand your culinary expertise and collaborate with a talented team.

Pay range: $14–$20/hour

Schedule: Full-time

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Prepare and bake a variety of pastries, cakes, cookies and other desserts following recipes and quality standards
  • Measure, mix and bake ingredients with precision to ensure consistency
  • Decorate and finish desserts with garnishes to achieve visually appealing presentations
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of the pastry station, adhering to hygiene and safety standards
  • Monitor inventory levels of pastry ingredients, alerting management to any shortages
  • Assist in daily preparation to meet demand and ensure timely production
  • Follow food safety regulations and storage guidelines
  • Collaborate with pastry team members to maintain efficient kitchen operations and meet orders

Experience Requirements & Skills

  • Minimum of [Number] years of experience as a Pastry Cook or in a similar role
  • Proficiency in pastry techniques, including baking, decorating and presentation
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
  • Ability to follow recipes with accuracy and precision
  • Artistic flair and attention to detail for presentation and portioning
  • Strong time management skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Team player with effective communication skills

Education and Training Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Certification in pastry or culinary arts preferred
  • On-the-job training or apprenticeship in dessert and pastry preparation

Common Duties and Responsibilities of Cooks

A Cook can work in a restaurant, school, medical establishment or generally any location where food is prepared and served. As such, their specific responsibilities may vary depending on their employer and establishment.

When filling out this section of your Cook job description, clearly define the duties and responsibilities associated with the role. This will allow interested candidates to quickly learn what is expected of them.

In fact, both employers (92%) and applicants (91%) emphasize the importance of clearly outlined duties and responsibilities as key elements in a job description.

So, when writing about the duties and responsibilities, you want to use a bulleted format with short, concise descriptions of the expectations that come with the role.

Some of the common duties applicable to most types of Cook roles are:

  • Ensuring that ingredients are fresh
  • Cutting, weighing and preparing ingredients for cooking
  • Baking, grilling, frying or preparing meat and fish in some other way
  • Garnishing and preparing the dish to be served
  • Maintaining a clean kitchen environment

If your establishment is hiring for a specific type of Cook, like a Grill Cook or Fry Cook, you can list duties and responsibilities that are specific for that particular role. 

Refer to our table below to see how these Cook roles differ from one another:

What To Include in Cook Skills and Experience

When writing the skills and experience section for your Cook job description, you want to focus on the aspects most relevant to the role.

The skills should cover both the technical expertise necessary to perform the role you are offering and the soft skills essential to navigating the kitchen environment.

If you are offering an entry-level Cook position, highlight the desired skills and (if you prefer) experience.

However, if you are seeking an experienced Cook, highlight the number of years of experience you require and whether you are looking for someone with experience cooking specific types of dishes.

Use bullet points and highlight what is expected of candidates in the following way:

  • A minimum of [number of years] in a relevant role
  • Knowledge of [specific cooking technique]
  • Time management
  • Adaptability in fast-paced kitchen environments
  • Excellent communication

Cook Education and Training Requirements

In a survey by the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), 44% of respondents said that Cooks need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, it is up to you as an employer to choose the level of educational attainment you'd want Cook candidates to have.

Depending on the specific tasks associated with the role you are trying to fill, you may require your Cooks to have a college degree or a specific certificate or apprenticeship.

Cook Hourly Wage Expectations

Cooks typically earn hourly wages rather than an annual salary. In the United States, the average wage for Cooks is $17 per hour.

However, you can also consider factors like skills, experience and location when deciding how much to offer your prospective Cooks.

Cooks in some major U.S. cities are often paid higher than the U.S. average. So, if you’re looking to hire a Cook in LA, NYC, Chicago or Miami, you can use the below information as a reference:

Additionally, you can learn more about the compensation for this role in other parts of the U.S. on our Cook Salary page.

Explore Similar Culinary Roles

Cook Job Description FAQ

It is up to you as the employer or hiring manager whether you're open to accepting applicants without experience for the Cook role you are offering.

Highlight the desired level of expertise and qualifications you want interested candidates to have. From there, examine their resume and see if they can contribute to your organization and whether their skills align with the role.

The ideal length for a Cook job description is typically between 300 to 700 words.

Considering that candidates spend only 14.6 seconds reading a job description, you want to provide enough detail to attract qualified candidates while remaining concise, straight to the point and easy to read.

It is also advisable to keep your job description limited to one page, as a job description spanning two pages may be overly long and could risk losing the attention of potential candidates.

Once you've posted your Cook job opening, here are some steps to find and hire the right Cook:

  • Screen resumes: Review resumes carefully to identify candidates who meet your criteria.
  • Schedule interviews: Conduct interviews with promising candidates to assess their skills, experience and fit for your team.
  • Assess their skills: Consider conducting a practical cooking demonstration or skills assessment as part of the interview process.
  • Check references: Contact the candidate's references to verify their employment history, skills and work ethic.
  • Evaluate cultural fit: Assess whether the candidate will fit in well with your kitchen team and company culture.

For a more detailed approach to finding and hiring top talent for your restaurant, check out our guide on how to hire restaurant staff. This article covers essential steps and tips for building a well-rounded team.

Yes, you can hire Cooks who are under 18. According to the FLSA, employees aged 16 and above can work in any occupation other than the ones determined as hazardous by the Secretary of Labor.

In the context of a Cook and the responsibilities this role entails, employees under 18 cannot operate power-driven meat processing machines, commercial mixers or power-driven bakery machines.

Aside from that restriction, you can hire a Cook under 18 for other tasks and duties related to the role.

They typically follow the directions of a Sous Chef or a Head Chef and prepare the food according to the instructions. These supervisors not only oversee food preparation but also ensure that the Cook maintains quality and consistency in each dish. 

When crafting the job description for a Cook, employers or hiring managers can consult with these senior kitchen staff to tailor the responsibilities and skills listed, ensuring they align with the team’s needs and expectations.