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Cooking Chef Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Metro Diner

Prep Cook

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$16.50/hr

... cooking, chef, saute cook or grill cook kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment. Start at $16.50+ per hour

New

Metro Diner

Line Cook

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

... cooking, chef, saute cook or grill cook kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment.

New

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Cooking Chef information

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$9

$22

$40

How much do cooking chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking chef in Tennessee is $22.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cooking chef do?

A Cooking Chef is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting meals in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. They often design menus, select ingredients, and ensure food quality and safety standards are met. Chefs may also supervise kitchen staff, manage inventory, and maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment. Their role is essential in delivering delicious, visually appealing dishes that satisfy customers. Cooking Chefs often work in fast-paced settings and need strong culinary skills, creativity, and attention to detail.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Chef, you need strong culinary skills, a deep understanding of food safety, and often a culinary arts degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and inventory software is typically required. Creativity, leadership, and the ability to work under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality food preparation, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges cooking chefs face when managing a busy kitchen, and how can they overcome them?

Cooking Chefs often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple orders during peak hours, maintaining food quality under pressure, and managing a diverse kitchen team. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential for overcoming these challenges. Many chefs implement systems for prep work, delegate tasks efficiently, and foster a collaborative environment to ensure smooth kitchen operations and consistent quality.

What is the difference between Cooking Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectCooking ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCooking certification or culinary degree often preferredBasic culinary training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentKitchen, often overseeing kitchen operationsKitchen station, focused on specific dishes
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, food service establishments
Job FocusMenu planning, supervising staff, quality controlPreparing dishes according to recipes and standards

The Cooking Chef typically has more responsibilities, including supervising kitchen staff and managing menus, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing specific dishes. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, but the Cooking Chef often requires more experience and culinary education.

Can I be a cooking chef with no experience?

Becoming a cooking chef typically requires some culinary skills and knowledge, but many entry-level positions are available for those without formal experience. Gaining basic cooking skills, completing culinary courses, or starting as a kitchen assistant can help build the necessary experience to advance in a chef role.

Is 25 too late to become a cooking chef?

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

What type of cooking chef gets paid the most?

Executive chefs and head chefs typically earn the highest salaries among cooking chefs, especially in fine dining restaurants or luxury hotels. Their compensation reflects leadership responsibilities, extensive experience, and specialized skills, often supplemented by bonuses and profit sharing.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Cooking Chef jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Cooking Chef job openings:

Cooking Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Chef job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,493 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Prep Cook

Metro Diner

Murfreesboro, TN • On-site

$16.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Metro Diner rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


We are looking for friendly folks like you to join our family

With our Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner hours we're able to offer you a better quality of life with flexible scheduling, competitive benefits, no late nights and more! Paid vacation is available to hourly team members after meeting eligibility requirements.

NOW HIRING / Immediate Opportunities for

Full & Part Time, Day (AM) & Night (PM):

  • PREP COOKS

Established in 1992 as a family-owned eatery in Jacksonville, Florida, Metro Diner is among the nation's fastest-growing locally owned and operated family dining concepts, with over 60 locations east of the Mississippi.

Metro Diner is known for its warm, welcoming service, large portion sizes and serious diner food. Metro Diner has received many accolades, including features on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Cooking Channel's Cheap Eats.

We are united by our passion for treating people like special Guests in our home. We believe that people are driven to be part of something that gives them a strong sense of belonging, significance, and pride. We are more than just a Team of people working together, we are a Family. We know when we take care of our Family, they will take care of Metro Diner.

Metro Diner is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We offer great restaurant culinary careers for line cooks (concinero / cocinera) who have back of house cooking, chef, saute cook or grill cook kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment. We're also looking for Jefe / Jefa who have back of house preparation / food prep / production experience. We offer great restaurant culinary careers for line cooks (concinero / cocinera) who have back of house cooking, chef, saute cook or grill cook kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment.

Start at $16.50+ per hour

What Metro Diner employees say

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