Posted 26 days ago

Cook (P1-1384111-6)

Panda Express
Pay Estimated pay: $19.00-24.65 per hour

Location 7111 E. Tanque Verde, Tucson, Arizona, 85701, United States
Contract time Full time

The Breakroom Take

7.2

Rated 7.2 out of 10, based on 731 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

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  • Free food
  • Good employer
  • Recommended by students
  • Recommended by parents
  • Respectful managers
  • Learn new skills
  • Uninterrupted breaks
Apply on company site

About Panda Express

Panda Express is a fast food restaurant chain.

Job description from Panda Express

Our Panda Cook associates are important leaders of our team and the heart of our kitchen. You are responsible for creating food with passion, service with heart and ambiance with pride.

As a Cook for our team, you will have the opportunity to embrace a central role in a fast-paced and growth-oriented environment. Our restaurants are the heart and soul of our company, and we believe our people are the recipe for success. You will:
  • Support in creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for our guests.
  • Preparing all dishes to meet company recipes and standards
  • Guiding Kitchen Team and assisting with their training
  • Performing all Back of House responsibilities


Qualifications Education and Experience:
  • Some high school
  • Prefer some Operations experience Food Safety:
  • Local/municipal requirements, such as Food Handler certification, acquired at applicant's own expense


How we reward you:**

  • Flexible schedules
  • Great pay
  • Free meals while working at Panda
  • Medical, Vision, Dental, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Cancer Income Protection insurance for full-time associates
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending accounts
  • 401K with company match
  • Vacation, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave and Leave Share Program for eligible associates
  • Associate discounts for many brands
  • Referral bonus for eligible associates
  • Opportunity to give back to your community
  • Hands-on paid training to prepare you for success
  • On-Going Career & Leadership Development
  • Opportunities for growth into management positions
  • Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Please refer to https://www.pandacareers.com/files/PRG_HR_Recruiting_Benefits.pdf for details.


**Candidates must meet, and continue to meet if employed, eligibility requirements for each benefit to qualify.

ADA Statement:

While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and work quickly without losing accuracy. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchens are hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and the ability to manage conflicts/difficult situations.

Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it's impacting our team or the communities we work in, we're proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You're wanted here:

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to TASupport@PandaRG.com .

Map

7111 E. Tanque Verde, Tucson, Arizona, 85701, United States

A map of the rough location for this vacancy

What employees say

Pay

    Okay
  • Only some people get paid breaks

    Do cooks at Panda Express get paid breaks?

    Sometimes. Only some people get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    62% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 65 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Good jobs pay you for your break time.

    You should get paid for all the time you’re at work, even when you’re on break.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get paid when they’re sick

    Does Panda Express pay cooks when they’re sick?

    No. Most people don’t get paid when they’re sick.

    How we know this

    80% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Most US companies don’t have to pay you when you’re sick - only some states require it.

    But we believe a good job should pay you when you can’t work because you’re sick. Everyone gets sick sometimes.

  • Good
  • The job rarely spills into unpaid time

    Do cooks jobs at Panda Express spill into time they aren’t paid for?

    Rarely. The job doesn't usually spill into unpaid time.

    How we know this

    11% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.

    Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    You should be paid for all the work you do.

    A good job pays you for every minute you spend working for your employer.

Benefits

    Okay
  • Only some people get separate paid time off for sick days and vacation

    At Panda Express, are cooks’s sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?

    Only some people have separate paid time off for sick days and vacation.

    How we know this

    40% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.

    Based on data from 57 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Getting sick isn’t a vacation.

    You shouldn’t have to lose your time off just because you got sick or had a medical emergency.

    A good job gives you separate sick days so you can rest and get better without losing your paid time off allowance.

  • Needs improving
  • Part-timers can't get health insurance

    Are part-time cooks able to get health insurance from Panda Express?

    Most people who work part-time can't get health insurance.

    How we know this

    83% of people who work fewer than 30 hours a week say they can’t get health insurance

    Based on data from 6 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and January 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good employer offers health insurance to all their workers, no matter how many hours they work or what kind of job they have.

  • Good
  • Most part-timers get paid time off

    Do part-time cooks get paid time off at Panda Express?

    Most people who work part-time get paid time off.

    How we know this

    92% of people who work part-time say they get paid time off

    Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get paid time off, no matter if they work full-time or part-time.

    At a good job, you deserve all the same benefits, even if you work fewer hours.

  • Good
  • Most people say they can afford the health insurance

    Is the health insurance from Panda Express affordable enough for cooks?

    Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.

    How we know this

    95% of people say the health insurance costs are okay

    Based on data from 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.

    Why this matters

    Everyone needs medical care sometimes, but it can be expensive.

    A good job should offer health insurance that workers can actually afford.

  • Good
  • Most people get paid time off

    Do cooks get paid time off at Panda Express?

    Most people get paid time off work.

    How we know this

    95% of people say they get paid time off.

    Based on data from 64 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Everyone needs time to rest and take care of life outside of work.

    A good employer offers paid time off so their workers can choose when to have a break or go to appointments without worrying about losing pay.

Hours and flexibility

    Needs improving
  • Less than 4 weeks notice of work schedule

    How far ahead of time do cooks find out their work schedule?

    Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.

    How we know this

    • 66% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
    • 21% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
    • 13% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
    • 0% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.

    Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    We believe your workplace should tell you your schedule at least 4 weeks ahead of time.

    You need to know when you’ll be working so you can plan your life and know how much money you’ll earn.

  • Okay
  • Some people worry about their hours

    Do cooks at Panda Express worry about hours?

    Some people worry about getting enough hours.

    How we know this

    35% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.

    Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good employer should give you the hours you need each week.

    You shouldn’t have to struggle or beg for work time.

  • Okay
  • Only some people can choose their shifts

    Do cooks at Panda Express get to choose the shifts they work?

    Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.

    How we know this

    35% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.

    Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to change shifts

    How easy is it for cooks at Panda Express to change shifts?

    Some people find it hard to change shifts.

    How we know this

    39% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.

    Based on data from 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2025 and April 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good job works with your personal life.

    It should be easy to change your schedule when you need to - both for emergencies and when you’re planning ahead.

  • Good
  • Easy to get time off

    How easy is it for cooks to get time off at Panda Express?

    Most people find it easy to get time off.

    How we know this

    71% of people report it’s easy to get time off.

    Based on data from 56 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good job should let you use your vacation time when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a hassle to arrange.

  • Good
  • Schedules don’t get changed at the last minute

    Do Panda Express managers change cooks schedules at the last minute?

    Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.

    How we know this

    77% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.

    Based on data from 57 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2025 and April 2026.

    Why this matters

    If your bosses keep changing your schedule at the last minute, that shows they aren’t planning well.

    Good jobs don’t switch your hours around without warning.

  • Good
  • Most people find it easy to take sick days

    How easy is it for cooks to take sick days at Panda Express?

    Most people find it easy to take sick days.

    How we know this

    73% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes.

    You should be able to stay home when you need to get better.

    A good job should make it easy to take sick time and have clear steps for letting them know you’re sick.

  • Good
  • Most students say it’s good

    Is cooks at Panda Express job good for students?

    Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    How we know this

    79% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

  • Okay
  • Only some parents say it’s good

    Is working as cooks at Panda Express good if you have caring responsibilities?

    Only some parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.

    How we know this

    36% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.

    Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good job should understand when you need to take care of your kids or help sick family members. Your work should respect your family needs.

Workplace

    Good
  • Most people feel treated with respect

    Do cooks at Panda Express feel treated with respect by their managers?

    Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.

    How we know this

    84% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.

    Based on data from 57 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Your boss should treat you with respect.

    No one at work should bully you or treat you unfairly.

    If you have a problem, you should be able to talk to someone else who can help.

  • Good
  • Most people get breaks without interruption

    Do cooks at Panda Express get to take their breaks without interruption?

    Most people get breaks without interruption.

    How we know this

    91% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.

    Based on data from 58 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    When you take a break it should be a proper rest. You should be able to do what you want to and not get pulled off it early.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people are stressed out

    Is it stressful for cooks to work at Panda Express?

    Most people feel stressed out here.

    How we know this

    70% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.

    Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Work can be hard sometimes, but you shouldn’t feel stressed all the time.

    Your boss should make sure there are enough people and resources to get the work done without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Okay
  • Only some people enjoy their job

    Do cooks at Panda Express enjoy their jobs?

    Only some people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    49% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

  • Okay
  • Only some people recommend their team

    Do cooks at Panda Express recommend working with their team?

    Only some people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    51% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 65 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    The people you work with every day are important. They can make the difference between a bad day and a good one.

  • Good
  • Most people get enough training

    Do cooks get enough training when they start at Panda Express?

    Most people got enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    67% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good job should train you well from your first day, not just throw you into the deep end.

    Nobody can do their job well without proper training at the start.

  • Good
  • Most people get support to advance

    Do cooks get support to advance at Panda Express?

    Most people are given support to advance their career here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 80% of people report being given support to advance their career here.

    Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good job should help you grow, if you want to.

    This could mean getting better at your current job, learning new things, becoming a team leader, or taking on more duties.

    This helps you build skills and earn more money.

  • Needs improving
  • Headquarters doesn't understand what's happening

    Do cooks think Panda Express’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

    Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.

    How we know this

    76% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.

    Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    In a good job, the people running the organization should support the workers who do the hands-on work.

    To do this well, they need to know what’s really happening at each location.

    This is extra important when an organization has many different sites.

  • Okay
  • Only some people feel well informed by headquarters

    Do cooks feel well informed about how Panda Express is doing?

    Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.

    How we know this

    42% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good employer shares news with all its workers.

    You should know how your employer is doing - both the good news and the problems.

    Managers should keep you updated about what’s happening.

Find out more about working at Panda Express

What Panda Express employees say about their job

  • Best thing

    Pay is great for Stillwater, plus they have $0.25 raises every 6 months. There's room for growth to shift lead. FOH starts at $16, BOH at $17, and shiftleads at $18 (which is easy to get). You get a paid 10 min break every 4 hours you work, plus an unpaid 30 every 6 hours.

    Worst thing

    Our location is open until 11, so you don't get out until midnight some nights. They are meticulous about cleaning so there's a lot of deep-cleaning required, even if you have to do it between helping dozens of customers.

    7.5

    Employee at Panda Express, September 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    That it isn’t hard to talk with your team and we work together fine

    Worst thing

    That sometimes people don’t do their part of the work and we sometimes struggle during rush hour or when we clean

    7.5

    Employee at Panda Express, May 2025

    Report this review
See more reviews
  • Best thing

    The job pay seems pretty good for my age and as a student

    Worst thing

    The higher up create a toxic environment by creating fear for associates to ask questions without turning it against you. Panda does not respect when you’re off. they expect to tend to the store on your off days and conduct meetings that always over extend.

    8.1

    Assistant manager at Panda Express, May 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    The people I work with, for the most part, are really nice and are cool to be around. The work itself isn't all too hard and as long as we have enough people, the day goes well.

    Worst thing

    We are understaffed a lot and many times the management blames us for being too slow or inefficient while running the front. We get knitpicked a lot for things that aren't important compared to other things. Sometimes our hours are cut because labor is too high but when labor is fine, we are understaffed. The management only really strives for bonuses and not the well being of the employees.

    5.7

    Counter help at Panda Express, April 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    Getting to go home

    Worst thing

    Managers skimping on hours, random schedule that’s all over the place, extremely stressful and disorganized at times

    6.6

    Front of house team member at Panda Express, April 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    Pay is good and a lot of customers service

    Worst thing

    Lunch Rush and customers with attitude

    7.7

    FOH at Panda Express, March 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    The benefits and the flexibility of being able to ask for preferred shifts.

    Worst thing

    Management, work overload + environment, physically + mentally demanding and strenuous, understaffed for limited labor, and competitive promotions among team members.

    7.6

    Front of house at Panda Express, March 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    The people I work with some of the coworkers

    Worst thing

    The managers the schedule and how busy it gets

    7.0

    Front of house team member at Panda Express, February 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    We get free meals if while we are working our shift.

    Worst thing

    I recently got cut down on hours and it has been hard to get more hours. The space for us to work is so cramped and it gets very humid. When it's busy I feel that we don't have enough staff to compensate for the amount of customers so I get overwhelmed and am not able to perform my best.

    7.1

    Cashier at Panda Express, January 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    pay and me being used to the place

    Worst thing

    hours. and being able to things during the day because shift usually lands from 12 pm to 10 pm

    7.9

    Cook at Panda Express, January 2025

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  • More reviews from Panda Express employees

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