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How to hire a master cook

Master cook hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring master cooks in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a master cook is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new master cook to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a master cook, step by step

To hire a master cook, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a master cook:

Here's a step-by-step master cook hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a master cook job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new master cook
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the master cook you need to hire. Certain master cook roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect master cook also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    This list presents master cook salaries for various positions.

    Type of Master CookDescriptionHourly rate
    Master CookCooks prepare, season, and cook a wide range of foods, which may include soups, salads, entrees, and desserts.$12-21
    Culinary InternshipIn a culinary internship, an intern's responsibilities primarily depend on the directives of a supervisor. Usually, they must gain industry insights and practical work experience by performing support tasks in the daily kitchen operations, such as measuring and preparing ingredients, sanitizing tools, maintaining and monitoring supplies, participating in food preparations, and maintaining the cleanliness of different areas... Show more$11-18
    Line Cook, Prep CookA line cook/prep cook is responsible for assisting with food preparations, ensuring that all ingredients are readily available and stored safely. Line cook/prep cook tasks also include reviewing and updating menus to keep the customers' patronization... Show more$12-19
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Kitchen Equipment
    • Customer Service
    • Culinary
    • Food Quality
    • Food Products
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Food Preparation
    • Fine Dining
    • Food Orders
    • Plate Presentation
    • Food Handling
    • Line Cooks
    • Safety Standards
    • Quality Standards
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Inventory and run register, check merchandise in when arrive in facility.
    • Mentore cooks and other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, and presentation of food.
    • Contribute innovated ideas for new and unique cuisine and presentation techniques.
    • Maintain and follow proper hygiene and sanitation standards.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your master cook job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A master cook can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, master cooks' average salary in west virginia is 44% less than in hawaii.
    • Seniority. Entry-level master cooks 42% less than senior-level master cooks.
    • Certifications. A master cook with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a master cook's salary.

    Average master cook salary

    $16.70hourly

    $34,732 yearly

    Entry-level master cook salary
    $26,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 19, 2025
  4. Writing a master cook job description

    A job description for a master cook role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a master cook job description:

    Master cook job description example

    1.Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables and other food items for cooking in broilers, ovens, grills, fryers and a variety of other kitchen equipment. Identifies and safely operates said equipment. Versatile in preparing both hot and cold items.

    2.Assumes 100% responsibility for quality of products served.

    3.Knows and complies consistently with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards and kitchen rules, policies and procedures.

    4.Stocks and maintains sufficient levels of all food products and supplies at line stations to assure a smooth service period. Restocks at the end of shift to promote teamwork and ensure shift to shift success

    5.Portions food products prior to cooking according to standard portion sizes and recipe specifications.

    6.Maintains a clean and sanitary work station area including tables, shelves, grills, broilers, fryers, pasta cookers, saut burners, convection ovens, flat top range and refrigeration equipment.

    7.Prepares items for broiling, grilling, frying, sauting or other cooking methods by portioning, battering, breading, seasoning and/or marinating.

    8.Follows proper plate presentation and garnish set up for all dishes.

    9.Handles, stores and rotates all products per standard.

    10.Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods to ensure shift to shift success

    11.Properly label and date all products to ensure freshness and quality.

    12.Apply advanced knife skills required for service such as carving cooked meats, slicing, dicing, julienne, brunoise, mince.

    13.Exhibits a solid, working knowledge, understanding and application of all cooking techniques.

    14.Completes prep duties, executes tickets and performs duties with speed and accuracy with no supervision.

    15.Able to detect irregularities in quality and consistency of all product and correct as needed.

    16.Exhibits positive leadership qualities and can solve problems, make decisions and direct other cooks in the absence of the chef or sous chef.

    17.Able to assist in correcting standards in a positive and professional manner with cook IIs and Cook IIIs.

    18.Test the temperature of food at specified intervals. Must be able to properly use and calibrate a thermometer

    19.Ensure all requisitions are processed properly and placed in designated area.

    20.Understands par levels and able to complete order guides for needed product in the absence of a chef.

    21.Maintain a solid knowledge of all food products and skillfully apply culinary techniques.

    22.Ensure the cleanliness and organization of all kitchen areas throughout and at the end of each shift.

    23.Work as a team, assisting all guests and employees.

    24.Effectively communicate with management, chefs and service staff to fulfill and address any issues or needs requested by guests and fellow team members.

    25.Regularly submits suggestions for specials, menu items and process improvements.

    26.Address guest concerns and or complaints in a timely and professional manner

    27.Regular predictable attendance is required.

    28.Knowledgeable of and consistently follow Nugget policies and procedures as well as appropriate local, state and federal regulations.

    29.Communicate effectively with all levels of the Nugget team and guests.

    30.Perform work in a safe manner and maintain a safe environment for team member and guests.

    31.Immediately report unsafe conditions and team member or guest incidents to a member of the management team or Security.

    32.Maintain a positive and professional image when performing duties or representing the Nugget and encourage others to do the same.

    33.Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.


    REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

    Room Chef/Assistant Room Chef, Chef Tournant

    MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

    Must have a basic knowledge and experience in general cooking styles, techniques, and understanding of how to read and execute recipes in assigned food outlet.

    EDUCATION LEVEL:

    High School diploma or equivalent is required.

    LANGUAGE:

    Effectively communicate with others both verbally and in written form using the English language.

    EXPERIENCE:

    Minimum 2 years previous experience as a Cook I or Cook II preferably in a high-volume kitchen.

    SPECIAL SKILLS:

    Solid knife and culinary skills required.

    Company DescriptionNugget Casino Resort in Reno began operations in 1955 as a coffee shop across the street from our present location. Throughout the years, the Nugget has become a premier Hotel/Casino Resort in the Reno/Tahoe area. We have over 1,500 rooms, eight award-winning restaurants, 110,000 square feet of convention space, a world-class spa and over 2,000 employees.

    Today, the resort offers a competitive benefits package in a fun and friendly setting. We have a sterling reputation for the friendliest employees in the industry, who strive to provide the very best in guest services. Work for the best, come to the Nugget!
  5. Post your job

    To find the right master cook for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with master cooks they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit master cooks who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your master cook job on Zippia to find and recruit master cook candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting master cooks requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new master cook

    Once you've found the master cook candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    To prepare for the new master cook first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a master cook?

Before you start to hire master cooks, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire master cooks pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

Master cooks earn a median yearly salary is $34,732 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find master cooks for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $12 and $21.

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