Cooks
(NOC 6322)
in All Sales and ServiceCooks prepare and cook a wide variety of foods. They work for restaurants, hotels, hospitals and other health care institutions, central food commissaries, educational institutions, and other organizations. Cooks also work aboard ships and at construction and logging campsites. Cooks may specialize in preparing and cooking ethnic cuisine or special dishes.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Sales and Service
Thousands of cooks were laid off from March until June when dining rooms were ordered to close. Some remained employed as restaurants were permitted to sell meals as delivery or takeout. Many cooks were rehired when dining rooms were able to open again, though some remained unemployed as of late summer. As of November 2020, dining rooms in the Halifax region were forced to close for a second time due to community spread of the virus. This is expected to result in a temporary increase in the number of unemployed cooks. Despite the higher-than-usual number of unemployed cooks, employers in some areas of the province have indicated that finding qualified cooks has been a challenge. High turnover in this occupation can also be problematic from a service delivery standpoint, given the length of time dedicated to on-the- job training for new employees.
Prior to COVID-19, the number of workers in food services rose during the previous several years. Demand has increased with population and income growth, as well as the rising popularity of food delivery services. Some restaurants reported a shortage of cooks prior to the pandemic. There are typically many vacancies due to high turnover. The permanent closure of some restaurants may result in reduced demand for cooks persisting after the pandemic. Going forward, employment in this occupation will be linked to the health of the food services industry overall. Many restaurants have indicated an inability to recover financially from the closure in the spring. Those normally reliant on seasonal summer revenue were particularly hard-hit by the decline in tourism.
The median employment income for the 35% of Cooks who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 2as $27,186. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, the 59% of those who worked full-time, year-round had a median employment income of $43,600. (Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$13.00
Median$17.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$3,669
Minimum$17,935
Median$41,583
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.36
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Cooks prepare and cook a wide variety of foods. They work for restaurants, hotels, hospitals and other health care institutions, central food commissaries, educational institutions, and other organizations. Cooks also work aboard ships and at construction and logging campsites. Cooks may specialize in preparing and cooking ethnic cuisine or special dishes.
Job duties
Cooks:
- Prepare and cook complete meals or individual dishes and foods.
- Prepare and cook special meals for patients as instructed by dietitian or chef.
- Schedule and supervise kitchen helpers.
- Oversee kitchen operations.
- Maintain inventory and records of food, supplies and equipment.
- May set up and oversee buffets.
- May clean kitchen and work area.
- May plan menus, determine size of food portions, estimate food requirements and costs, and monitor and order supplies.
- May hire and train kitchen staff.
Sample job titles
- apprentice cook
- assistant cook
- banquet cook
- cafeteria cook
- camp cook
- caterer cook
- cook
- line cook
- ship's cook
- short order cook
Skills
This work requires initiative, imagination, and creativity. Knowledge of basic nutrition and cooking methods is needed. You should understand and apply the rules of hygiene, sanitation, and occupational safety. Organization, time management, and the ability to perform under pressure are important. You must have good physical health, physical stamina, and manual dexterity. You will be required to establish good working relationships with a variety of co-workers and customers and display a professional attitude.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- A three-year apprenticeship program for cooks or completion of college or other program in cooking or several years of commercial cooking experience are required.
- Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified cooks upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
These jobs are heavily influenced by tourism activity. Employment levels tend to vary throughout the year and peak in the summer months. A high rate of turnover in these jobs generates numerous job openings for people seeking employment. Earnings can vary significantly depending upon the skills and training of the individual and the employer’s organization type. There is movement among the various types of cooks in this group. Movement to supervisory or more senior positions, like chef, is possible with experience and training.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Cape Breton
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Accommodation and food services
Health care and social assistance
Public administration
Retail trade
Educational services
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
$16,110 median annual incomeLess than high school
$14,052 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,035 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$27,886 median annual incomeBachelor
$19,190 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Culinary Arts/Chef Training
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to provide professional chef and related cooking services in restaurants and other commercial food businesses. They include courses in recipe and menu planning, preparing and cooking of foods, supervising and training kitchen assistants, managing food supplies and kitchen resources, aesthetics of food presentation, and familiarity with or mastery of a wide variety of cuisines and culinary techniques.
Institutions providing this program
Food Preparation/Professional Cooking/Kitchen Assistant
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to serve under the supervision of chefs and other food service professionals as kitchen support staff and commercial food preparation workers. They include courses in kitchen organization and operations, sanitation and quality control, basic food preparation and cooking skills, kitchen and kitchen equipment maintenance, and quantity food measurement and monitoring.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Stellarton, NS
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally do this work.
Not Provincially Regulated: This job may be regulated by a federal regulatory body.