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Culinary Apprentice Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Lead Line Cook - Repeal

Louisville, KY · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Mentor and collaborate with Entry Level Cooks, Line Cooks, culinary apprentices, and stewards while managing daily food preparation and production in the food outlet * Follow company F&B procedures ...

Job Summary Our Apprentice Baker is a key player in making sure our pastries look and taste amazing ... You have culinary vision beyond a simple "what's for dinner?" and every opportunity to connect with ...

$90 - $130/hr

... Culinary Arts Butler Community College is an equal opportunity employer Posting Information ... The BICA division supports all workforce, internships, apprenticeships, and transfer needs for ...

Cook

Lexington, KY · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food preparation, full-line menu items and therapeutic diets * Maintains a current SERV Safe certificate ...

Cook

Hopkinsville, KY · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food preparation, full-line menu items and therapeutic diets * Maintains a current SERV Safe certificate ...

Cook

Hopkinsville, KY · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food preparation, full-line menu items and therapeutic diets * Maintains a current SERV Safe certificate ...

Cook

Hopkinsville, KY · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food preparation, full-line menu items and therapeutic diets * Maintains a current SERV Safe certificate ...

Cook

Mayfield, KY · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food preparation, full-line menu items and therapeutic diets * Maintains a current SERV Safe certificate ...

Cook

Mayfield, KY · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food preparation, full-line menu items and therapeutic diets * Maintains a current SERV Safe certificate ...

Cook

Lexington, KY · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food preparation, full-line menu items and therapeutic diets * Maintains a current SERV Safe certificate ...

Cook

Lexington, KY · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food preparation, full-line menu items and therapeutic diets * Maintains a current SERV Safe certificate ...

Cook

Mayfield, KY · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Culinary apprenticeship or training preferred * One (1) year job related experience including food preparation, full-line menu items and therapeutic diets * Maintains a current SERV Safe certificate ...

Entry Level Cook - Repeal

Louisville, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Culinary degree or apprenticeship preferred - not required; we will train the right candidate * Ability to stand and move at a fast pace for long periods Other information: What You Can Look Forward ...

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Culinary Apprentice information

See Kentucky salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do culinary apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary apprentice in Kentucky is $14.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $17.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary apprentice?

Culinary apprentices are individuals who are learning the skills and techniques required to work in a professional kitchen, typically under the guidance of experienced chefs. They combine hands-on training with classroom instruction to gain a comprehensive understanding of cooking methods, food safety, and kitchen operations. Culinary apprenticeships are often part of formal programs that may lead to certification or qualifications recognized in the culinary industry. This role is ideal for those who want to gain practical experience while learning the trade. Apprentices may rotate through different kitchen stations, assisting with food preparation, cooking, and plating, while gradually taking on more responsibility.

What does a culinary apprentice do?

As a Culinary Apprentice, you can expect a hands-on learning experience that includes assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting chefs with various cooking and plating tasks. You'll likely rotate through different kitchen stations to gain exposure to a range of culinary techniques and cuisines. Apprentices are often responsible for ingredient measuring, chopping, and basic cooking, as well as learning proper food safety standards. Collaboration with chefs and other kitchen staff is key, and you'll receive ongoing feedback to help you develop your culinary skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a culinary apprentice?

To thrive as a Culinary Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and a passion for learning, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, knife skills, and sometimes completion of a food handler certification are important for this role. Attention to detail, strong work ethic, teamwork, and the ability to take direction help apprentices excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for building foundational culinary techniques, ensuring safety, and supporting efficient kitchen operations.

What is the difference between Culinary Apprentice vs Culinary Intern?

AspectCulinary ApprenticeCulinary Intern
CredentialsOften requires basic culinary training or certificationMay have limited or no formal credentials, often students
Work EnvironmentApprentices work in professional kitchens, learning hands-on skillsInterns may assist in kitchens or food service settings, focusing on observation and learning
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in culinary schools, restaurants, hotelsTypically found in hospitality or food service programs, internships
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking entry-level culinary training or apprenticeshipsIndividuals exploring internship opportunities in culinary fields

In summary, a Culinary Apprentice is usually engaged in structured training with hands-on experience, often requiring some certification, while a Culinary Intern generally focuses on observational learning, often as part of an educational program. Both roles serve as entry points into the culinary industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Apprentice jobs in Kentucky?

For Culinary Apprentice jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary Apprentice jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Apprentice jobs in Kentucky are:

Infographic showing various Culinary Apprentice job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,562 per year, or $14.2 per hour.

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


White Lodging rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 107 rated hotels


Job description

Description

Summary:

Who We Are

White Lodging is hiring a Lead Line Cook to join our culinary team! This is a kitchen leadership role designed for an experienced line cook who is ready to take the next step toward becoming a Sous Chef. You'll step into a Sous Chef in training capacity, leading daily back-of-house (BOH) operations, mentoring junior kitchen staff, and keeping production running smoothly across a fast-paced hotel kitchen environment.

If you're a senior line cook or lead cook looking for a clear path to culinary management, this role offers the hands-on leadership experience you need — backed by one of the country's top hospitality companies operating premium hotels, restaurants, and rooftop bars across the U.S.


Responsibilities:

What You'll Do

  • Serve as a Sous Chef in training — stepping into full kitchen management responsibilities and overseeing all BOH operations in the Sous Chef's absence
  • Mentor and collaborate with Entry Level Cooks, Line Cooks, culinary apprentices, and stewards while managing daily food preparation and production in the food outlet
  • Follow company F&B procedures, health department regulations, and federal food safety guidelines
  • Assist in maintaining food cost and labor cost standards to meet financial targets
  • Check ingredient freshness; enforce all recipe standards and portion-use records across the team
  • Monitor guest feedback scores and proactively influence food quality and service consistency
  • Foster a culture of cooperation, respect, and professional kitchen standards among all coworkers
  • Perform other duties as assigned

What You'll Bring

  • Solid working knowledge of all commercial kitchen equipment and culinary preparation techniques
  • Demonstrated proficiency in sautéing, broiling, frying, roasting, butchery, garde manger, pantry, and breakfast cookery
  • High-volume fine-dining grill experience required - candidates must demonstrate proven competency in premium grill execution withing a fast-paced, elevated culinary environment
  • Experience leading or mentoring kitchen staff — prior lead cook or senior cook experience strongly preferred
  • Culinary degree, culinary school training, or apprenticeship preferred — not required
  • Ability to stand and move at a fast pace for extended periods in a high-volume kitchen

Other information:

What You Can Look Forward To

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (starting Day 1)
  • Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • DailyPay option
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Vacation/Paid Time Off (PTO) with rollover
  • Complimentary wellness tools
  • Unlimited referral bonuses
  • Leadership development and tuition reimbursement
  • Discounts on hotel rooms, dining, and other travel/entertainment experiences
  • Multiple hotels in each market = more opportunities for growth

White Lodging is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.


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