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Culinary Apprentice Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$66K - $78K/yr

Completion of Apprenticeship or Certification course from culinary school * Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team in a fast‑paced setting. * Strong knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP ...

Sous Chef

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$66K - $78K/yr

Completion of Apprenticeship or Certification course from culinary school * Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team in a fast‑paced setting. * Strong knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP ...

Showing results 21-25

Culinary Apprentice information

See Portland, OR salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do culinary apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary apprentice in Portland, OR is $17.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Apprentice jobs in Portland, OR? For Culinary Apprentice jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Apprentice jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Apprentice jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Culinary Apprentice jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Culinary Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Culinary Apprentice job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,096 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

$66K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


LSG Group rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

332nd of 360 rated logistics


Job description

Job Title: Sous Chef
Job Location: Portland-USA-97218
Work Location Type: On-Site
Salary Range: $66,000.00 - 78,000.00

About us
Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.
The Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef is a hands-on culinary leader responsible for driving excellence in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment. This role leads and develops kitchen teams producing thousands of premium airline meals daily, ensuring exceptional quality, consistency, food safety, and operational efficiency. Combining strong culinary expertise with proven large-scale production experience, the Sous Chef sets the standard in the kitchen, coaches and inspires team members, and ensures seamless execution from preparation through service. Ideal for a confident, results-driven professional, this position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact by delivering outstanding culinary experiences at scale while maintaining the highest standards of excellence every day.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starting Day 1
• Employer‑paid life insurance and AD&D benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free meals and parking
• Career growth opportunities with a global organization

How You'll Make a Difference
  • Lead and support the kitchen team every day,coaching, teaching, and helping everyone stay confident and on track
  • Assumes responsibilities of Executive Chef when he/she not available ie. Vacation, off-days, menu presentation to customers, etc.
  • Executes and supervises food production activities, e.g. proper cleaning, cutting, marinating, seasoning, cooking of food items etc.
  • Jump in alongside the team to prepare, cook, and plate meals, making sure everything looks and tastes great
  • Keep quality and food safety front and center, making sure everything is done the right way, every time
  • Make sure portions are consistent and every plate meets the standard guests expect
  • Keep an eye on timing, flow, and details so the kitchen runs smoothly, even during busy shifts
  • Track what’s being used, help manage inventory, and check deliveries to ensure everything meets expectations
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen that the whole team can take pride in
  • Contribute ideas to menus and help bring new dishes to life
  • Support scheduling and provide feedback that helps team members grow and succeed
  • Help control costs by reducing waste and using resources wisely without cutting corners
What You Bring to the Table
  • 3-5 years of experience in commercial cooking, with high volume experience a plus
  • Completion of Apprenticeship or Certification course from culinary school
  • Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team in a fast‑paced setting.
  • Strong knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP, food hygiene, inventory control).
  • Strong communication, organizational, and time‑management abilities.
  • Understanding of cost control and kitchen operations

SkyChefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.


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