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Chef Intern Jobs in Tempe, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Chef Intern information

See Tempe, AZ salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do chef intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef intern in Tempe, AZ is $16.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chef intern?

Chef Interns are individuals who are gaining hands-on experience in a professional kitchen as part of their culinary education or training. They typically work under the supervision of experienced chefs and kitchen staff, learning various cooking techniques, food preparation methods, and kitchen operations. Chef Interns may assist with tasks such as prepping ingredients, plating dishes, maintaining cleanliness, and following food safety protocols. This role provides valuable real-world exposure and helps aspiring chefs develop the skills needed for a culinary career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chef intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chef Intern, you need a basic understanding of culinary techniques, food safety principles, and a willingness to learn, often supported by enrollment in or completion of a culinary program. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, knife skills, and knowledge of food safety certifications such as ServSafe is beneficial. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a positive attitude help you excel in fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environments. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient kitchen operations, learning from experienced chefs, and building a successful culinary career.

What are some common challenges chef interns face during their training, and how can they overcome them?

Chef Interns often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced kitchen environment, mastering time management, and maintaining high standards under pressure. It's common to feel overwhelmed at first, but seeking guidance from experienced chefs and asking questions can help build confidence. Developing strong communication skills and being proactive about learning new techniques are key to thriving in this role. Embracing feedback and staying organized will help interns grow and succeed in their culinary journey.

What is the difference between Chef Intern vs Line Cook?

AspectChef InternLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training or student statusRelevant culinary experience or training
Work EnvironmentTraining kitchen, learning-focusedFast-paced kitchen, production-oriented
Employer UsageInternship programs, culinary schoolsRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Search & ComparisonOften searched by students or entry-level job seekersCompared for hands-on cooking roles

In summary, a Chef Intern is typically a trainee gaining foundational skills in a learning environment, while a Line Cook is an experienced professional responsible for preparing dishes in a busy kitchen. The internship focuses on education and skill development, whereas the line cook role emphasizes efficiency and production.

Is 25 too late to become a chef intern?

There is no age limit to becoming a chef intern, and many programs welcome applicants of various ages. At 25, you can gain valuable culinary skills, certifications, and experience that can help you pursue a career in cooking or advance within the industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Tempe, AZ?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Tempe, AZ are:

Infographic showing various Chef Intern job openings in Tempe, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,939 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Culinary Extern - Fall Externship

Desert Mountain

Scottsdale, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Are you passionate about food and eager to build your culinary skills in dynamic, fast-paced kitchens? We're are looking for Culinary Externs to join our experienced Culinary team and gain hands-on experience in food preparation, and kitchen operations.
  • Fall Internship dates: (09/08/2026 - 12/21/2026).

Desert Mountain Club features seven signature golf courses, and seven distinctive clubhouses - each with its own, unique restaurant plus banquets! You will have the opportunity to work and learn from our passionate and accomplished Chefs, under the leadership of Bertrand Bouquin, Maîtres Cuisiniers de France.
In this role, you will be responsible for the preparation and presentation of all menu items, to include hot and cold, for all meal periods in the outlet according to property recipes and standards. Follow direction of the culinary leadership team in maintaining the highest standards of food quality, taste, and presentation.
This is a paid externship and must be recognized by extern's collegiate institution as academic credit towards chosen culinary degree. This is a full-time externship which entails 32-40 hours per week for 14 weeks.
Hourly Rate: 22.00 per/hr.
The ideal candidate will be a team player with a great attitude, strong work ethic, and passion for delivering excellence. Must be working towards a culinary degree from an accredited culinary school.
BENEFITS
Join one of the Top 10 Platinum Clubs of America and enjoy exceptional benefits and perks, including:
  • Competitive pay
  • PTO, Sick Pay, Holiday Pay, and Paid Parental Leave
  • Annual Education Scholarship
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Professional Development Scholarship
  • Mentorship Program
  • Internships
  • Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Medical FSA and Dependent Care FSA
  • FREE onsite medical clinic to all employees & their dependents
  • Mental health, wellness, and virtual care resources
  • FREE employee meals during shifts or meal stipend
  • FREE golf and tennis
  • Matching Retirement 401K Plan
  • Retail discounts
  • Pet insurance

*Please note, benefits are dependent on your DOL Status (ex. Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal).
JOB DETAILS
Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for ensuring and preparing all menu items by following recipes, portion controls, and presentation specifications as set by the Chef de Cuisine / Sous Chef with minimal supervision.
  • Receive food deliveries, and store and label items properly to prevent spoilage.
  • Set-up stations by checking and completing mise en place and pars.
  • Assist chef with inventory and ordering.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of properly storing, rotating and maintaining products.
  • Execute all duties in accordance of DMC, ServSafe, and health department standards.
  • Other duties as assigned by management.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:
  • Required to work, days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Required to stand for long periods of time.
OUR COMPANY
Desert Mountain Club is one of the nations premier private clubs, located in the scenic foothills of North Scottsdale, Arizona. Spanning more than 8,000 acres, Desert Mountain features:
  • Seven signature golf courses (six of which are Jack Nicklaus & a par 54 championship course)
  • Seven distinctive clubhouses with unique dining and banquet experiences
  • Award-winning spa, fitness center, tennis, pickleball, and swim facility.
  • Dozens of hiking and biking trails

What truly sets Desert Mountain apart is our people. We foster a culture built on care, respect, teamwork, wellbeing, and growth where teammates feel valued and proud to be part of the team.
Desert Mountain Club is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a workplace built on inclusion, respect, and opportunity for all teammate's.
Keywords: (Culinary Extern, Extern, Externship, Intern, Internship, Culinary Art, Culinary Arts, Kitchen, Cuisine, Chef, Sous, Sous Chef, Fine Dining, Golf, Golf Club, Private Club, Hospitality, Restaurant, Cafe, Dining, Fine Dining, Kitchen, Kitchens, Food, Gastropub, Phoenix, North Phoenix, Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Carefree, Cave Creek, Arizona, Student, Culinary Student, Opportunity, Opportunities, Culinary School, Full-Time, Seasonal, Culinary Graduate, Southwest, CA, NY, TX).
Desert Mountain is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect. We do not discriminate or tolerate discrimination against any employee or applicant based upon race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, physical or mental disability, military and veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.