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Apprentice Chef Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Cook 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$18.75 - $23.25/hr

The position needs to be a facilitator and coordinator in conjunction with the sous chef and ... High School Diploma or Equivalent, Apprenticeship, ACF Certification as CC; or vocational studies.

Cook 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$18.75 - $23.25/hr

The position needs to be a facilitator and coordinator in conjunction with the sous chef and ... High School Diploma or Equivalent, Apprenticeship, ACF Certification as CC; or vocational studies.

Cook 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$18.75 - $23.25/hr

The position needs to be a facilitator and coordinator in conjunction with the sous chef and ... High School Diploma or Equivalent, Apprenticeship, ACF Certification as CC; or vocational studies.

Apprentice Chef information

See Portland, OR salary details

$13

$23

$39

How much do apprentice chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice chef in Portland, OR is $23.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Apprentice Chef job?

An Apprentice Chef is a trainee cook who learns culinary skills through hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. They assist senior chefs with food preparation, cooking, and maintaining kitchen hygiene while gaining knowledge of techniques and recipes. This role is typically part of a structured training program, such as an apprenticeship or culinary school placement. It provides foundational skills needed for a career as a professional chef.

How to get a chef job with no experience?

To get an apprentice chef position with no experience, focus on gaining basic culinary skills through cooking classes or volunteering in kitchens. Highlight your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and any relevant certifications such as food safety training in your application. Entry-level roles often prioritize attitude and reliability over experience.

Can you get an apprenticeship as a chef?

Yes, aspiring chefs can pursue apprenticeships to gain practical experience and develop culinary skills. These programs are often offered by restaurants, hotels, and culinary schools and may require a minimum age, relevant interest, or basic food safety knowledge. Completing an apprenticeship can lead to full-time chef positions and industry certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Apprentice Chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Chef, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and a willingness to learn, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food hygiene regulations, and, in some cases, certifications like ServSafe is beneficial. Strong communication, teamwork, and time management skills help you integrate smoothly into a fast-paced kitchen environment. These skills ensure you can contribute effectively to the culinary team while developing your technical abilities for future advancement.

What does a typical day look like for an Apprentice Chef?

As an Apprentice Chef, your day typically involves assisting senior chefs with ingredient preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, learning cooking techniques, and helping with plating and service. You may rotate between different kitchen stations and tasks, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of mentors. The work environment is usually fast-paced and collaborative, with opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback. Over time, you’ll take on more responsibilities as you demonstrate reliability and skill, which helps pave the way for career progression in the culinary field.

Is 27 too old for an apprenticeship?

Apprentice chefs can be of any age, including 27, as many programs welcome mature individuals seeking to develop culinary skills. Age is rarely a barrier, and prior experience or a strong interest in cooking can be advantageous in apprenticeship programs. Employers value dedication and a willingness to learn regardless of age.

How much do beginner chefs get paid?

Beginner chefs, such as apprentice chefs, typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on the location and establishment. Compensation often increases with experience, skills, and additional certifications, and many start with unpaid or low-paid positions to gain training and practical skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Chef jobs in Portland, OR? For Apprentice Chef jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Chef jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Chef jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Chef job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,577 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Cook 2

$18.75 - $23.25/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

This position coordinates and produces high quality meals, coordinates menus assembly and incorporates HACCP procedures and safe food handling practices and taking corrective action where applicable with other cooks or, at times, tray line. Responsible for directing other cooks and food service workers in proper preparation and methods of service and presentation. Responsible for the coordination of patients, guests, and staff related menu items. This position needs to be capable of covering all positions. This role is expected to be mission orientated and be flexible to adjust to business demands and requirements. The position needs to be a facilitator and coordinator in conjunction with the sous chef and executive chef.

Function/Duties of Position

Preparation/Cooking:

  • Prepare food items for patients and visitors at OHSU South hospital and CHH2 according to standardized recipes and menus or by verbal  instruction given by higher-level cooks or supervisors. Perform functions according to following procedures as listed: (1) mise-en-place (put in place) all ingredients and supplies; (2) perform all required preparation; (3) cook ingredients using prescribed best method; (4) hold and serve at proper safe temperature; (5) chill as appropriate using correct food safety procedures; (6) reheat as necessary to the appropriate safe temperature; (7) properly label and date products to be stored in the various stages of production.

Food Safety & Sanitation:

  • Ensure all foods, including potentially hazardous foods, are handled in a safe and proper manner according to Food and Nutrition Standard Operating Procedures, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), OHSU Infection Control, and Multnomah County Health Department. Identify critical control points (CCPs) in food preparation and storage and monitor the factors that might create a food safety hazard, using corrective action when a deviation occurs.
  • CCPs include but are not limited to: hand washing, cooking, cooling, holding, thawing, temperature monitoring, cross-contamination. Effectively prepare sanitizing agents (e.g. bleach water, quat sanitizer) and clean and sanitize food preparation appliances, work areas, utensils, and equipment using dish machine or three-compartment sink method. Maintain cleanliness of assigned work area.
  • At minimum, the last 30 minutes of each shift will be dedicated to cleaning, sanitizing, and sweeping assigned work area.

Planning, Requisitioning and Preparation:

  • This position must be able to maintain adequate products and supplies for patient operations, especially being prepared for the next days and coming events. Request needed products, and supplies to be ordered; check supplies or food products delivered by suppliers, to insure they meet type, quantity, and quality specified, checked for proper temperature safety standards.
  • Must be able to make a production schedule and oversee its completion, coordinating with the patient services supervisor and the retail cafe supervisor to ensure complete order and adjust to last minute order when necessary. Keep records of amounts of foods prepared and left overs to adjust production schedules.

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications
  • An OR food handlers card or equivalent; AND
  • Food Protection Manager Certification with 6 months of hire; AND
  • Three years of cooking experience in an institution or commercial firm serving complete meals OR
  • An Associate's degree in Food Service Management, Foods and Hospitality Service, or a directly-related field.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

  • Basic knowledge of therapeutic diets.
  • Skill in checking trays to ensure diets have been accurately followed.
  • Ability to participate in menu planning, recipe development, and testing.
Preferred Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent, Apprenticeship, ACF Certification as CC; or vocational studies.
  • Hotel or high volume restaurant catering experience.
Additional Details

Normal work schedule is as determined by supervisors but may change due to departmental requirements, employee will be subject to equipment noise and in a very active environment, will also be exposed to bleach and other sanitizing agents and cleaning chemicals. Employees are required to review MSDS sheets for specifics and to ensure proper handling. Employee will be exposed to smoke, steam, vapors, deep fryer exhaust, heat lamps, various production equipment, multiple interior surface materials and variable lighting conditions.

Benefits:

  • Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
  • Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
  • Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
  • Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
  • 8 paid holidays per year
  • Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
  • Additional Programs including: Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center.

In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research.  We also train the next generation of health care professionals.  As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

All are welcome.

OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations.  We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.

To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

Employment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887