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Apprentice Cook Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Apprentice Cook information

See Salem, OR salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do apprentice cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice cook in Salem, OR is $16.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you get an apprenticeship in cooking?

Yes, aspiring cooks can pursue apprenticeships in cooking, which provide hands-on training in professional kitchens. These programs often combine work experience with classroom instruction and may require a minimum age or prior food service experience. Apprenticeships help develop skills such as food preparation, safety, and kitchen operations.

What is a cooking apprenticeship?

A cooking apprenticeship is a structured training program where an apprentice cook learns culinary skills, kitchen operations, and food preparation under the supervision of experienced chefs. It often involves hands-on work, skill development, and may lead to certification or qualification in culinary arts.

Is 27 too old for an apprenticeship?

Apprentice cooks can be of any age, including 27, as apprenticeships are open to individuals seeking to develop culinary skills regardless of age. Many programs welcome mature learners who bring life experience and a strong work ethic, and age is rarely a barrier to entry in culinary apprenticeships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Cook, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and hygiene standards, often gained through culinary training or a relevant apprenticeship. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and point-of-sale systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality food output, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice cooks during their training period?

Apprentice cooks often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced kitchen environment, mastering basic cooking techniques under pressure, and learning to follow strict hygiene and safety standards. Balancing learning new skills with performing routine prep work can feel demanding, but it’s a valuable part of building a solid foundation. Regular feedback from experienced chefs and teamwork with other kitchen staff help apprentices grow and adapt quickly.

Can I join culinary school with no experience?

Apprentice cooks can often enroll in culinary school without prior experience, as programs are designed to teach foundational skills. Basic knowledge of kitchen safety, hygiene, and a strong interest in cooking can be beneficial, but formal experience is not always required for admission. Culinary schools typically provide hands-on training to develop necessary skills for a cooking career.

What is the difference between Apprentice Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectApprentice CookLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training or no formal certificationExperience or culinary certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining kitchen, supervised environmentFast-paced kitchen, independent responsibilities
Job RoleLearning and assisting, gaining skillsPreparing dishes, executing menu items

The main difference between an Apprentice Cook and a Line Cook is experience level and responsibilities. Apprentice Cooks are in training, focusing on learning skills under supervision, while Line Cooks are experienced professionals responsible for preparing specific dishes in a busy kitchen. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, with Apprentice Cooks progressing toward full Line Cook responsibilities as they gain experience.

What are apprentice cooks?

Apprentice cooks are individuals who are learning the basics of cooking and kitchen operations under the supervision of experienced chefs. They assist with food preparation, basic cooking tasks, cleaning, and maintaining kitchen equipment while developing their culinary skills. This role is often part of a formal apprenticeship or training program, designed to provide hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in the culinary arts. Apprentice cooks gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain experience and proficiency in the kitchen.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Salem, OR? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Salem, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Cook jobs in Salem, OR? For Apprentice Cook jobs in Salem, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Cook jobs in Salem, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Cook jobs in Salem, OR are:
What cities near Salem, OR are hiring for Apprentice Cook jobs? Cities near Salem, OR with the most Apprentice Cook job openings:
Apprentice Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Cook job openings in Salem, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,208 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Commercial Beverage Service Technician - Commercial & Industrial

CoolSys

Salem, OR • On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

CoolSys rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 277 rated repair and maintenance companies

Job description

Overview
WHY COOLSYS?
At CoolSys, we offer more than just a job-we provide stability, growth, and industry-leading benefits for our employees. No wonder Newsweek named CoolSys one of America's Greatest Workplaces! As a large company serving diverse customers, we invest in our team with:
  • Competitive Compensation: $30.00- $50.00 hr.
  • Sign on Bonus: Up to $5,000.00 DOE
  • Ongoing Education & Training: Access to state-of-the-art facilities and paid online training.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription coverage, paid vacation/holidays, and a 401(K) match.
  • Year-Round, Diverse Work: Stay engaged with consistent, interesting projects throughout the year, working across various industries and systems to keep learning and growing.
  • Extra Perks: Quarterly bonus plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts on vehicles, hotels, theme parks, pet insurance, and more.

Join us and advance your career while working with top-tier clients in the HVAC and refrigeration industry!
Responsibilities
  • Repairs Slurpee / Icee Machines , Fountain Soda Dispensers, Ice machines, Coffee Makers, Grinders ect.
  • Provides preventative maintenance activities for customers by diagnosing equipment malfunction and any operating deficiency of the mechanical equipment to ensure quality work performance for the customer base.
  • Test malfunctioning systems and components using electrical and/or mechanical skills.
  • Maintain legible corporate and personal records of work history.
  • Provides department support by processing job tickets, and work orders to the necessary department promptly.
  • Drives company vehicle in a safe manner.
  • Performs other related duties and projects as assigned by management.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma/GED.
  • EPA certification.
  • Certification from an accredited vocational-technical or trade school is a plus!
  • Minimum 3+ years of hot side commercial kitchen appliance service.
  • Experience working on refrigeration equipment in convenience stores or supermarkets is a strong plus.
  • Familiarity with single systems and rack systems along with previous work on display cases and walk-in boxes is very helpful.
  • Must have a good driving record and be able to work independently.
  • Emergency on-call availability is a basic requirement.
  • Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs. with no assistance and also be able to sit and/or stand for several hours at a time

Join Us
Today, there are 26 different companies that make up the CoolSys family of brandsOur valued employees are at the heart of our continued growth and success. We invite you to be part of that growth!
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter
Coolsys is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified individuals - Including all ages, colors, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics are encouraged to apply.
Pre-employment background screening (criminal and MVR for driving positions) and drug testing are required for all positions. Coolsys will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with federal law, state law, or local ordinance.
Service Tech, HVAC, refrigeration, HVAC-R, HVAC/R, diagnostic, commercial, service, install, mechanical, mechanic, apprentice, AC, field service, chiller, specialist, specialty, hotside, hot side, Hstech, HVACR, cooking equipment, restaurant, kitchen, appliance

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