How to hire a pantry cook

How to hire a pantry cook, step by step

Here's a step-by-step pantry 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 pantry cook job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new pantry cook
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The pantry cook hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A pantry cook's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, pantry cooks from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of pantry cooks.

   Type of Pantry Cook	Description	Hourly rate
   Pantry Cook	Cooks prepare, season, and cook a wide range of foods, which may include soups, salads, entrees, and desserts.	$12-19
   Line Cook, Prep Cook	A 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
   Line Cook/Dishwasher	A line cook/dishwasher is primarily in charge of prepping food and maintaining their work station's cleanliness while adhering to health standards and protocols. Among their duties include washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat according to requirements, preparing sauces, and cooking according to an executive chef's directives... Show more	$12-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Food Handling
   • Cleanliness
   • Kitchen Equipment
   • Quality Standards
   • Fine Dining
   • Salad Dressings
   • Culinary
   • Mix Ingredients
   • Wine
   • Food Products
   • Dependability
   • Dinner Service
   • Food Preparation
   • Food Quality

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Operate mixers and manage ingredients to meet product quality and uniformity standards.
   • Use of meat slicers, oven and stove.
   • Monitor garnishing of desserts and salads for plating.
   • Handle mixing machines and deli slicers per health regulations.
   • Maintain all HACCP sanitation guidelines on a daily basis.
   • Perform culinary skills such as cooking, prepping, and cleaning.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, pantry cooks' average salary in mississippi is 46% less than in massachusetts.
   • Seniority. Entry-level pantry cooks 37% less than senior-level pantry cooks.
   • Certifications. A pantry 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 pantry cook's salary.

   Average pantry cook salary

   $16.14hourly

   $33,568 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level pantry cook salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 31, 2026

4. Writing a pantry cook job description

   A good pantry cook job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a pantry cook job description:

   Pantry cook job description example

   Are you ready for the best job you've ever had?
   
   Since Ruth's Chris was founded in 1965, the most important ingredient in our recipe for success has been a team of hard-working people with a passion for creating special experiences for our Guests. We believe in treating our team like family and providing an environment where you can be yourself and grow professionally, while delivering hospitality as legendary as our steaks.
   
   This is your chance to join the best of the best and start a career with endless opportunity, plus great benefits like:
   
   * Health insurance eligibility when working an average of 24 hours per week
   * 401(k) with competitive match
   * Employee assistance program
   * Dining discounts
   * Training and exciting career growth opportunities
   * Paid time off
   * Referral program - refer a friend and earn a bonus
   
   Learn more here: Why Work at Ruth's Chris Steak House (ruthschris.com)
   
   Get Ready to Sizzle: When preparation meets true passion, memories are made. Our Prep Pantry Cooks have a passion for preparing the highest quality food and creating memorable dining experiences through world-class service and exceptional cuisine.
   
   This role and you are the perfect pairing if you can:
   
   * Passionately prepare, portion, and/or cook food items to quality specifications
   * Ensure exceptional presentation by checking/dressing dishes before they are served
   * Showcase superior dexterity skills to operate cutting tools quickly and safely
   * Measure ingredients and seasonings to ensure correct cooking and flavor profiles
   * Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers and customers
   * Thrive in a fast-paced environment
   * Be a true team player and work well with others
   
   COMPENSATION: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour
   
   Signing Bonus $1500 After 90 Days!
   
   Full job description available here: Ruth's Chris | Pantry Cook (ruthschris.com)
   
   NOTE: The information here does not constitute a contract, express or implied. The content of this material is not all-inclusive but is for informational purposes only. Ruth's Chris Steak House is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
   
   This Organization Participates in E-Verify Employee Rights and Responsibilities (e-verify.gov)

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right pantry 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 pantry cooks they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit pantry 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 pantry cook job on Zippia to find and recruit pantry cook candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit pantry cooks, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   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 pantry cook

   Once you've decided on a perfect pantry cook candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   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 employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

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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