1

Bbq Pitmaster Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smoker Prep Cook

Clinton, MS · On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

... Pitmaster Career Track Turn Your Passion for BBQ into a Career At Sonny's BBQ, great BBQ is more than a recipe-it's a craft. We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, cares deeply ...

Smoker Prep Cook

Clinton, MS · On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

... Pitmaster Career Track Turn Your Passion for BBQ into a Career At Sonny's BBQ, great BBQ is more than a recipe-it's a craft. We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, cares deeply ...

Smoker Prep Cook

Clinton, MS · On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

... Pitmaster Career Track Turn Your Passion for BBQ into a Career At Sonny's BBQ, great BBQ is more than a recipe--it's a craft. We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, cares deeply ...

The ideal candidate will work alongside our experienced Pitmasters who have been mentored and trained by Matt Barry, Corporate Executive Pitmaster. Our BBQ Pit Cooks managing the wood smoker and ...

BBQ Pit Cook

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$19/hr

The ideal candidate will work alongside our experienced Pitmasters who have been mentored and trained by Matt Barry, Corporate Executive Pitmaster. Our BBQ Pit Cooks managing the wood smoker and ...

The ideal candidate will work alongside our experienced Pitmasters who have been mentored and trained by Matt Barry, Corporate Executive Pitmaster. Our BBQ Pit Cooks managing the wood smoker and ...

BBQ Pit Cook

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$19/hr

The ideal candidate will work alongside our experienced Pitmasters who have been mentored and trained by Matt Barry, Corporate Executive Pitmaster. Our BBQ Pit Cooks managing the wood smoker and ...

Showing results 41-60

Bbq Pitmaster information

See salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do bbq pitmaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for bbq pitmaster in the United States is $15.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a BBQ pitmaster?

A BBQ Pitmaster is a professional responsible for preparing and cooking barbecue using smokers, grills, and other cooking equipment. They manage fire control, seasoning, and smoking techniques to achieve perfectly cooked meats with rich flavors. Pitmasters often oversee the entire cooking process, from selecting quality meats to ensuring optimal cooking temperatures. Many also create signature rubs, sauces, and cooking methods to differentiate their barbecue. In some cases, they may compete in barbecue competitions or manage restaurant operations focused on smoked meats.

What does a BBQ pitmaster do?

A typical day for a BBQ Pitmaster involves preparing and seasoning meats, managing smokers or grills over several hours, monitoring temperatures and doneness, and ensuring all food safety protocols are followed. You’ll often start early to get the smokers going and work alongside other kitchen and service staff to coordinate meal timing. Depending on the establishment, you may also interact with customers, maintain equipment, and help develop new menu items. This role requires both physical stamina and a keen sense for timing and flavor, making each day varied and rewarding.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a BBQ pitmaster?

To thrive as a BBQ Pitmaster, you need deep knowledge of meat selection, seasoning, smoking techniques, and food safety standards, often gained through hands-on experience or culinary training. Familiarity with smokers, grills, temperature monitoring devices, and sometimes food handler certifications are valuable in this role. Attention to detail, time management, teamwork, and a passion for continuous learning distinguish top performers in this position. These skills are crucial for producing consistently high-quality barbecue, maintaining safety, and contributing to a positive team environment.

How long does it take to become a bbq pitmaster?

Becoming a BBQ pitmaster typically requires several years of hands-on experience, often 3 to 5 years, to develop the necessary skills in smoking, grilling, and meat selection. Many pitmasters also pursue certifications or attend specialized training to improve their expertise and credibility in the field.

How much does a BBQ pitmaster make?

A BBQ pitmaster's average annual salary ranges from $25,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and establishment size. Skilled pitmasters with certifications and a strong reputation can earn higher wages, especially in high-end or popular venues.

What cities are hiring for Bbq Pitmaster jobs?

Cities with the most Bbq Pitmaster job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Bbq Pitmaster jobs?

The most popular types of Bbq Pitmaster jobs are:

What states have the most Bbq Pitmaster jobs?

States with the most job openings for Bbq Pitmaster jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Bbq Pitmaster jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Bbq Pitmaster jobs are:

Infographic showing various Bbq Pitmaster job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,189 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Smoker Prep Cook

Sonny's BBQ

Clinton, MS • On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 6 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Learn and master the craft of BBQ, including preparation, smoking, handling, and quality control of the BBQ.

  • Assist in protecting the food quality, consistency, and standards of the restaurant by understanding proper preparation, yields, portioning, waste control, food safety, and pit management.

  • Work closely with restaurant leadership to take ownership of the preparation, smoking, and quality of BBQ coming from the pit.


Sonny's BBQ rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Looking for a workplace that values hard work and offers opportunities for long-term growth? You've come to the right place! At ACGBBQ, LLC., a licensed franchisee of Sonny's BBQ, we know our people are the heart of our success, and we're committed to taking care of our team.
Benefits for team members are:
  • Family-Friendly Hours
  • Competitive Pay
  • Eat Free when working
  • Paid Time Off after one year
  • Christmas and Thanksgiving Off
  • Team Member of Quarter Awards Program
  • Incentive Opportunities
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Additional Supplemental Benefits

(Employees in non-exempt positions must complete the applicable waiting period prior to benefits enrollment.)
Essential Duties
Smoker Prep - Pitmaster Career Track
Turn Your Passion for BBQ into a Career
At Sonny's BBQ, great BBQ is more than a recipe-it's a craft. We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, cares deeply about food quality, and wants to learn the business of BBQ from the pit up. This is not just another hourly kitchen position. You'll begin as a Smoker Prep team member, working hands-on with our BBQ and learning the standards, discipline, and operational knowledge required to protect the quality of every meal we serve. For the right person, this position is the first step toward becoming a Pitmaster-a salaried leadership position with bonus potential and responsibility for food quality and food cost performance.
At Sonny's BBQ, we don't just hire great people-we invest in them. When you join the ACGBBQ family, you'll be part of a team that supports you, values your contributions, and helps you grow.
General Purpose: The Smoker Prep position is responsible for learning and mastering the craft of BBQ while helping protect the food quality, consistency, and standards of the restaurant. Working closely with the General Manager and restaurant leadership team, you will take ownership of the preparation, smoking, handling, and quality of the BBQ coming from your location's pit. You will learn to understand how proper preparation, yields, portioning, waste control, food safety, and pit management directly impact both the guest experience and the financial performance of the restaurant. This role is designed for someone who wants more than a job. We are looking for a dependable, driven individual who takes pride in their work, wants to develop their leadership and operational skills, and is interested in earning the opportunity to advance into our salaried Pitmaster position.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Can be calm under pressure.
  • Efficient time management skills. Ability to follow instructions and procedures.
  • Able to work with and troubleshoot smokers and hot boxes.
  • Able to stand for long periods of time.
  • Able to work with sharp knives.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • Attend and successfully complete ongoing training or certification programs required by the company, federally, or by the state, as it relates to this position.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any BOH team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to handle food products and equipment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with other team members, including listening.
  • The position requires continuous walking, standing, bending, lifting, reaching, crouching, touching, feeling, tasting, talking, hearing, wiping, and smelling.
  • Sonny's is a fast-paced environment and requires constant human interaction and movement.
  • Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 90 pounds.
  • While performing the duties of the job, you are regularly working with or near, moving mechanical parts.
  • Must be able to work in wet and/or humid conditions for cleaning tools, pots, and pans, and required to work with cleaning chemicals. Frequent washing of the hands is required.
  • You must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job for up to an 8-hour shift.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a detailed list of all responsibilities.

What Sonny's BBQ employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom