Top 10 Cook Jobs in NYC, NY – July 2024 Job Listings

Best Cook Jobs in NYC (Hiring Now!)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), New York City currently employs 107,660 Cooks, with the largest portion in the restaurant industry (67,980), followed by fast food establishments (16,480).

[Source: BLS]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data. 

Whether you’re aiming to start or progress in your culinary career, we’ve curated a selection of the highest-paying Cook positions available in NYC for you to apply to today.

1. Sodexo | $24–$28 per hour

[Source: Sodexo]

• Position: Senior Cook
• About: Sodexo is a global company that provides sustainable food services and facilities management to businesses, hospitals, schools, universities and stadiums across 45 countries.
• Requirements: Great communication skills, strong teamwork and a positive attitude, adaptability and willingness to learn
• Salary: $49,920–$58,240 per year
• Job type: Full-time
• Benefits: 401(k), dental insurance, health insurance, paid time off
• Where to apply: Visit Sodexo’s career page

2. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital | $28.19–$33.95 per hour

[Source: NewYork-Presbyterian]

• Position: Cook
• About: NewYork-Presbyterian is a leading academic healthcare system dedicated to providing top-tier patient care, research and medical education in the New York metropolitan area and beyond.
• Requirements: Graduate from a formal technical school specializing in high-volume cooking, or has equivalent culinary experience, experience in the preparation of high-quality hot and cold food, one to three years of related experience
• Salary: $58,635–$70,616 per year
• Job type: Part-time
• Benefits: Comprehensive and competitive benefits that support employee and their family in every aspect of life
• Where to apply: Visit NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s career page

3. Yeshiva University | $26.77 per hour

[Source: Yeshiva University]

• Position: Meat Cook
• About: Yeshiva University (YU) is a distinguished educational institution with a rich history of integrating Jewish scholarship with academic excellence across various disciplines.
• Requirements: 5–7 years experience
• Salary: $55,681 per year
• Job type: Full-time
• Benefits: Medical, prescription drugs, dental, life insurance, short and long-term disability, long-term care, Aflac, retirement benefits
• Where to apply: Visit Yeshiva University’s career page

4. Marriott International | $30.62–$40.83 per hour

[Source: Marriott]

• Position: Cook
• About: Marriott International is a global hospitality company with over 30 brands and nearly 8,700 properties worldwide, offering diverse experiences and connections for travelers across 139 countries and territories.
• Requirements: No special requirements
• Salary: $63,689–$84,926 per year
• Job type: Full-time
• Benefits: Disability insurance, health insurance, life insurance, paid time off, retirement plan
• Where to apply: Visit Marriott International’s career page

5. La Pecora Bianca – SoHo | $20–$25 per hour

[Source: La Pecora Bianca]

• Position: Pasta Cook
• About: La Pecora Bianca offers high-quality Italian cuisine, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, including house-made pastas.
• Requirements: Previous cook experience in a high-volume environment, experience working pasta station
• Salary: $41,600–$52,000 per year
• Job type: Full-time
• Benefits: 401(k) 6% match, 401(k) matching, health insurance, paid time off
• Where to apply: Visit La Pecora Bianca’s career page

6. Morton’s the Steakhouse | $18–$25 per hour

[Source: Morton’s the Steakhouse]

• Position: Broiler Cook
• About: With over 70 locations worldwide. Morton’s The Steakhouse is a global restaurant chain that offers the finest quality steaks and seafood alongside genuine hospitality.
• Requirements: 1+ of year line cook experience
• Salary: $37,440–$52,000 per year
• Job type: Full-time
• Benefits: Disability insurance, health insurance, paid sick time, vision insurance
• Where to apply: Visit Morton’s the Steakhouse’s career page

7. Hard Rock International | $32.32 per hour

[Source: Hard Rock]

• Position: Cook 1
• About: With over 68 venues worldwide, Hard Rock offers not just a dining experience but a cultural phenomenon, boasting the world’s largest collection of music memorabilia and a legacy of award-winning performances and hospitality.
• Requirements: Secondary school degree preferred and/or previous work experience in service for at least 2 years
• Salary: $67,225 per year
• Job type: Full-time
• Benefits: Annual bonus, competitive health plans, paid time off, retirement programs
• Where to apply: Visit Hard Rock’s career page

8. FoodPlus | $24.60 per hour

[Source: FoodPlus]

• Position: Cook
• About: Food Plus is a Polish franchise network of grocery stores, with a focus on freshness, quality and customer satisfaction.
• Requirements: Previous experience as a food attendant or runner is preferred
• Salary: $51.168 per year
• Job type: Full-time
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability insurance, commuter benefits
• Where to apply: Visit FoodPlus’ career page

9. The Educational Alliance | $25.65 per hour

[Source: Educational Alliance]

• Position: Head Cook
• About: Educational Alliance provides top-tier educational, health, cultural and civic engagement initiatives, regardless of background or affiliation.
• Requirements: Culinary degree preferred, 3 years of experience in food service, food protection certificate
• Salary: $53,352 per year
• Job type: Full-time
• Benefits: 403(b), dental insurance, gym membership, health insurance, paid time off
• Where to apply: Visit The Educational Alliance’s career page

10. City Experiences | $17–$22 per hour

[Source: City Experiences]

• Position: Cook
• About: City Experiences is dedicated to delivering exceptional land and water experiences, boasting a diverse portfolio of 25+ brands and serving over 30 million guests annually.
• Requirements: At least one year of previous kitchen experience, high school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Salary: $17,680–$22,880 per year
• Job type: Part-time
• Benefits: Paid time off, family leave, 401(K), including employer matching
• Where to apply: Visit City Experiences’s career page

Cook Salary Trends in New York City, NY

According to the most recent data from BLS, the average base salary for a Cook in NYC, NY is $42,460 per year or 20.41 per hour.

Miami

Annual mean wage

$36,380

New York City

Annual mean wage

$42,460

Chicago

Annual mean wage

$38,030

Los Angeles

Annual mean wage

$42,900

[Source: BLS]

Cook’s wage in NYC is significantly higher than the U.S. average base salary which stands at $36,060 per year or $17.34 per hour.

What is the Workplace of a Cook Like?

According to BLS data, 10.96% of all Cooks in the U.S. work in Restaurants and Other Eating Places, accounting for 1,191,050 employed in this industry.

Browse the chart below to discover what other industries employ Cooks the most.

[Source: BLS]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data. 

Here’s a description of what the workplace of a Cook might be like in each of the top employment industries:

Restaurants and Other Eating Places:

• Fast-paced environment with high volumes of orders
• Great variety of menus and cuisines, ranging from casual dining to fine dining establishments
• Typically well-equipped kitchens with specialized cooking equipment
• Collaboration with other kitchen staff such as Chefs, Sous Chefs and Line Cooks

Traveler Accommodation:

• Often refers to hotels, motels, resorts and cruise ships
• Cooks may work in large-scale kitchens catering to hundreds or thousands of guests
• Menus may be tailored to accommodate the diverse tastes and dietary restrictions of travelers
• Shifts may include working early mornings, late nights and weekends

Drinking Places:

• Focus on preparing and serving bar snacks, appetizers and limited food menus
• Fast-paced environment, especially during peak hours or special events
• Emphasis on quick turnaround and simple dishes
• Interaction with customers may be more frequent compared to traditional restaurants
• Collaboration with Bartenders and other staff to coordinate food and drink orders

Other Amusement and Recreation Industries:

• Includes venues such as theme parks, sports stadiums, concert halls and entertainment complexes
• Cooks may work in concession stands, food courts or dedicated dining areas within these venues
• High demand during events, concerts, games and peak tourist seasons
• Adherence to strict food safety regulations due to large crowds and public health concerns

Special Food Services:

• Encompasses catering companies, food trucks, banquet halls and other specialized food service providers
• Varied work environments depending on the specific niche within the industry
• Flexibility in menu planning and execution to accommodate clients’ preferences and event themes
• Mobile operations may require adaptability to different locations and logistical challenges
• Focus on delivering meals for private events, weddings, corporate functions and other occasions

Factors That Affect Cook Earnings

Several factors can impact the Cook’s salary, including:

• Experience: Cooks with more experience typically earn higher wages due to their skills and proficiency in various cooking techniques.
• Education and training: Formal culinary education or specialized training can lead to better-paying opportunities, especially in upscale restaurants or hotels.
• Location: Earnings can vary significantly based on the cost of living and demand for cooks in different regions or cities. Urban areas or tourist destinations may offer higher wages to attract the best Cooks.
• Type of establishment: Cooks employed in fine dining restaurants, upscale hotels or gourmet catering services often earn more than those working in fast-food chains or casual dining establishments.
• Specialization: Cooks with expertise in specific cuisines or culinary techniques, such as Pastry Chefs or Sushi Chefs, may get higher salaries due to their niche skills.
• Responsibilities: Lead Cooks, Sous Chefs or Executive Chefs who oversee kitchen operations and manage staff typically earn higher salaries than Line Cooks or Prep Cooks.
• Economic conditions: Economic factors such as inflation, market demand for dining out, and overall employment trends can impact cook salaries and job opportunities.

Consider tax deductions as another significant factor to take into account, as they can affect the amount of money you ultimately take home.

Use our paycheck calculator to determine your net earnings post-tax deductions and discover your take-home pay.

Simply input your gross earnings, specify your pay frequency, indicate your state of employment, and click the Calculate Tax button for results.

Cook Career Outlook

According to the BLS, there are currently 1,412,350 Cooks employed in the U.S.

The employment outlook for cooks is expected to increase by 6% from 2022 to 2032, surpassing the average growth rate for all occupations.

Cook Employment in the U.S. 2023-2032

[Source: BLS]
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An average of approximately 439,300 job openings for Cooks are projected annually over the decade.

A significant portion of these openings is anticipated to arise from the replacement of workers transitioning to other occupations or leaving the workforce, including retirement.

Is Cook the Right Role for You?

See if you have what it takes to be a Cook by taking our quiz below.

Average Number of Cook Jobs Per State

Check out the map below to get an insight into the Cook employment across all U.S. states.

[Source: BLS]
This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data. 

Legal Requirements for Cook Jobs in NYC

To work as a Cook in New York City, you must obtain a food handler’s permit, which validates your understanding of safe food handling practices.

Certain positions may also necessitate a ServSafe certification, a nationally recognized food safety training program.

In New York City, the minimum age requirement for individuals to work as Cooks depends on their specific tasks and responsibilities.

Generally, 14- and 15-year-olds may be employed in food preparation tasks with restrictions on certain cooking activities, such as cooking over an open flame, using high-speed ovens, pressure cookers, etc.

16- and 17-year-olds have fewer limitations and may perform a wider range of cooking tasks, except those deemed hazardous by the Secretary of Labor, including operating power-driven meat processing machines or engaging in tasks that require extensive manual labor.

However, individuals must adhere to federal child labor provisions outlined in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and its regulations, which establish both hours and occupational standards for youth workers. To find out more, visit our New York Labor Laws page.

In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in child labor violations in the United States, as evidenced by the following chart showing the reported instances from 2015 to 2022.

[Source: Economic Policy Institute]
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