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Chef Jobs in Jackson, TN (NOW HIRING)

First Watch

Busser

Jackson, TN · On-site

Our YOU FIRST Philosophy In addition to no night shifts ever, and our fully chef-curated menu, our #1 priority has always been our people. We care about our customers, and we care about you! That ...

New

First Watch

Busser

Jackson, TN · On-site

Our YOU FIRST Philosophy In addition to no night shifts ever, and our fully chef-curated menu, our #1 priority has always been our people. We care about our customers, and we care about you! That ...

New

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Jackson, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Our Cooks have the option to explore exciting opportunities for advancement in positions such as Lead Cooks, Sous Chefs and Managers of Dining Services. Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you ...

Metz Culinary Management

Cook

Henderson, TN · On-site

$9.75 - $13/hr

Prepare and present DELICIOUS meals and IMPRESSIVE presentations following our Executive Chef Menus. Ability to inventory and portion ingredients. Additionally, assist in kitchen to include prep ...

Compass Group

Hospital Cafe Manager

Jackson, TN

$60K - $65K/yr

Morrison has more than 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, and serves more than 600M meals annually. Job Summary As a Retail Manager III, you will be responsible for supporting the ...

Compass Group

Hospital Cafe Manager

Jackson, TN · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Morrison has more than 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, and serves more than 600M meals annually. Job Summary As a Retail Manager III, you will be responsible for supporting the ...

Compass Group

Hospital Cafe Manager

Jackson, TN · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Morrison has more than 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, and serves more than 600M meals annually. Job Summary As a Retail Manager III, you will be responsible for supporting the ...

Logan's Roadhouse

Prep

Jackson, TN · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

The Prep Cook completes basic food prepping tasks as directed by the Chef /Manager. Their main duties include preparing food for the various kitchen stations, cleaning up prep areas and making sure ...

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Chef information

See Jackson, TN salary details

$9

$23

$42

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Jackson, TN is $23.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chef do?

A chef is a professional cook who is responsible for preparing meals, developing menus, and overseeing kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. Chefs ensure food quality, safety, and presentation standards are met, and often manage other kitchen staff. Their duties may include ordering ingredients, maintaining inventory, and creating new recipes. Chefs may specialize in specific types of cuisine or cooking techniques. They play a key role in delivering a memorable dining experience.

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

To thrive as a Chef, you need strong culinary skills, creativity in menu development, and comprehensive knowledge of food safety standards, typically supported by culinary school training or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and food hygiene certifications (such as ServSafe) is highly valuable. Exceptional organizational ability, teamwork, and leadership are critical soft skills for managing kitchen staff and maintaining a positive work environment. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality dishes efficiently, ensuring kitchen safety, and running a successful culinary operation.

What are common challenges chefs face in maintaining consistency across dishes and shifts?

Chefs often encounter challenges in ensuring that every dish meets the restaurant’s quality and presentation standards, particularly when managing a team with varying skill levels or during busy service periods. Maintaining consistency requires strong communication, standardized recipes, and rigorous training for all kitchen staff. Additionally, chefs must monitor ingredient quality and adapt quickly to supply changes, all while leading by example to uphold the restaurant’s reputation. Overcoming these challenges is key to delivering a reliable dining experience and building trust with patrons.

What is the difference between Chef vs Cook?

AspectChefCook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certifications often preferredMinimal formal training, on-the-job experience common
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsVaries from home kitchens to restaurants, catering
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, quality controlFood preparation, cooking, basic kitchen tasks
Industry UsageHigh-end restaurants, culinary institutionsWidespread across all food service settings

While both chefs and cooks work in kitchens and prepare food, chefs typically have formal training, oversee kitchen operations, and work in professional or upscale environments. Cooks usually focus on food preparation and cooking tasks, often with less formal education, and work in a variety of settings. The role of a chef involves leadership and menu development, whereas a cook primarily executes recipes and prepares dishes.

Is 25 too late to become a chef?

Becoming a chef at 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success in the culinary industry depends on skills, training, and experience, which can be gained through culinary schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training at any age.
More about Chef jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Jackson, TN?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Jackson, TN are:

What cities near Jackson, TN are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities near Jackson, TN with the most Chef job openings:

Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Jackson, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,608 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Busser

First Watch

Jackson, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

First Watch rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

Our YOU FIRST Philosophy
In addition to no night shifts ever, and our fully chef-curated menu, our #1 priority has always been our people. We care about our customers, and we care about you! That's where our YOU FIRST culture begins � each day, we put our employees first and strive to make them happy. They are empowered with independence to make decisions that will help provide an exceptional breakfast, brunch, or lunch experience for their customers. In fact, we like to say we love our employees more than bacon. And that says a lot.
A Few of The Perks (and not just the coffee!)
All employees are eligible for the following:
  • Health Insurance*
  • Dental & Vision Coverage
  • Unlimited access to medical and behavioral telemedicine through Cirrus MD
  • Flexible Spending Account - set aside money for health care expenses*
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account - set aside money for dependent care for children up to age 13*
  • 401(K) Retirement Savings Program
  • 50% meal discount for you, along with spouse / dependent children at all company restaurants
  • Child Discount Program at The Learning Experience
  • Employee Assistance Program and personal / professional coaching
  • Bright Horizon - back up child and elder care
  • Supplemental Insurance (accident, critical illness, indemnity)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) - must meet the minimum hourly requirements
  • Tuition Reimbursement & High School Diploma Program
  • Spot Pet Insurance
  • Complimentary premium access to the Calm App, plus 5 gift subscriptions
  • Perks at Work (over 30,000 discounts on purchases for travel, fitness, auto event tickets & more)

*FT Employees are eligible the first of the month after 60 days of employment and must enroll within 30 days of employment.
About The Position
Equipped with a spray bottle, sturdy tray and clean cloth towel, a First Watch Busser uses magician-like moves to clean and re-set tables within 3 minutes. They are often our silent communicators � contacting a nearby Host to signal �table readiness.�
Does this sound like you? Our Bussers (just to name a few):
  • Communicate well with others and believe in the importance of teamwork
  • Clear, clean, sanitize & reset tables in under 3 minutes
  • Update and communicate with Hosts & Servers when tables are available for seating
  • Perform other duties such as light housekeeping, rolling silverware, restroom cleanliness, etc.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age

What First Watch employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

First Watch logo

About First Watch

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. A recipient of hundreds of local "Best Breakfast" and "Best Brunch" accolades, First Watch's chef-driven menu includes elevated executions of classic favorites along with First Watch specialties such as the protein-packed Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farmstand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation (juiced in-house daily), Vodka Kale Tonic and its famous Million Dollar Bacon. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet, recognized with ADP's coveted Culture at Work award and named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute. In 2021, First Watch was recognized as FSR Magazine's Best Menu and as the fastest-growing full-service restaurant chain based on unit growth. There are more than 470 First Watch restaurants in 29 states and the restaurant concept is majority owned by Advent International, one of the world's largest private-equity firms.

Industry

Food and beverage stores

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bradenton, FL, US

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