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Culinary Graduate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Boston, MA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

At least 4 years of related progressive experience; or a culinary graduate with at least 2 years of progressive experience in a hotel or a related field. * Must have knowledge of F&B preparation ...

Pastry Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Excellent baking and pastry skills * 1 year of relevant restaurant experience or recent culinary graduate with exceptional skills * Able to handle a fast-paced environment and manage pressure well

At least 1 year of experience, or a culinary graduate with at least 1 year of experience in a hotel or related field. * Food Handlers Certificationrequired.(mustcomply withState requirements) * Able ...

$21 - $22/hr

At least 1 year of experience, or a culinary graduate with at least 1 year of experience in a hotel or related field. * Food Handlers Certificationrequired.(mustcomply withState requirements) * Able ...

DoubleTree Norwalk - Cook

Norwalk, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $20/hr

At least 1 year of experience, or a culinary graduate with at least 1 year of experience in a hotel or related field. * Food Handlers Certificationrequired.(mustcomply withState requirements) * Able ...

Ansonborough Inn - Cook

Charleston, SC · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

At least 1 year of experience, or a culinary graduate with at least 1 year of experience in a hotel or related field. * Food Handlers Certificationrequired.(mustcomply withState requirements) * Able ...

Courtyard Appleton - Cook

Appleton, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

At least 1 year of experience, or a culinary graduate with at least 1 year of experience in a hotel or related field. * Food Handlers Certificationrequired.(mustcomply withState requirements) * Able ...

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Culinary Graduate information

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How much do culinary graduate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary graduate in the United States is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Culinary Graduate vs Line Cook?

AspectCulinary GraduateLine Cook
CredentialsCooking diploma or degree from culinary schoolPractical experience, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentKitchen, restaurant, culinary schoolFast-paced restaurant kitchen
Industry UsageEntry-level, training, or internship rolesOperational kitchen staff, preparing dishes
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding educational background and career pathJob responsibilities and experience level

The main difference between a Culinary Graduate and a Line Cook is that a Culinary Graduate has completed formal culinary education, while a Line Cook typically gains skills through hands-on experience in a restaurant kitchen. Culinary Graduates often seek entry-level positions or internships, whereas Line Cooks are actively involved in preparing dishes in a busy kitchen environment.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Graduate, you need a solid foundation in cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen management, usually backed by a culinary arts degree or diploma. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is highly valued. Creativity, time management, and strong teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining high standards, ensuring kitchen efficiency, and delivering exceptional dining experiences.

What types of entry-level positions are typically available for culinary graduates, and how do these roles support career growth in the culinary industry?

Culinary graduates often begin their careers in positions such as line cook, prep cook, or commis chef in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or institutional kitchens. These roles provide hands-on experience in food preparation, kitchen organization, and teamwork, which are critical for building culinary skills and understanding professional kitchen operations. As you gain experience and demonstrate strong work ethic and creativity, opportunities for advancement to positions like sous chef, chef de partie, or pastry chef become more accessible. Many establishments also offer mentorship and training programs, helping graduates develop specialized skills and prepare for leadership roles in the future.

What are culinary graduates?

Culinary graduates are individuals who have completed formal education or training in culinary arts, typically from a culinary school, college, or specialized program. They have gained foundational knowledge and practical skills in cooking, food preparation, kitchen management, and often food safety. Culinary graduates are equipped to pursue careers in various food service settings, such as restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or even start their own food businesses. Their education prepares them to work as chefs, line cooks, pastry chefs, or in other culinary roles. Many also use their credentials to advance into supervisory or managerial positions within the industry.
More about Culinary Graduate jobs
What job categories do people searching Culinary Graduate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Graduate jobs are:
Infographic showing various Culinary Graduate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,420 per year, or $19 per hour.
Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort - Cook III

Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort - Cook III

Aimbridge Hospitality

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$18.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Aimbridge Hospitality rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 106 rated hotels


Job description

Join Our Team as a Cook!
The Cook III is a culinary expert with a passion for leadership and quality and is responsible for supervising food preparation across dining outlets. With strong leadership and culinary skills, this role ensures high-quality food and presentation standards. Problem-solving abilities and initiative are key in resolving issues efficiently in high-pressure environments. This role also involves working with financial information and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
KEY SKILLS/RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Culinary Captain: Supervise the preparation of food items, upholding high standards of quality and presentation across all dining outlets.
  • Kitchen Quarterback: Lead and support kitchen staff, leveraging supervisory experience to ensure smooth and efficient kitchen operations.
  • Crisis Crusher: Anticipate needs, evaluate alternatives, and solve problems swiftly and effectively in high-pressure situations.
  • Communication Connoisseur: Convey information clearly and listen actively to team members and guests, fostering a collaborative and responsive environment.
  • Budget Bistro Boss: Utilize financial data and basic arithmetic to support cost-effective kitchen operations and smart decision-making.
  • Safety Sage: Ensure strict compliance with food safety standards while maintaining a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • At least 7 years of related progressive experience, or a culinary graduate with at least 2 years of progressive experience in a hotel or related field.
  • Food Handlers Certification as required by state regulations

After an initial waiting period, those hired into full time positions are eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes the following:
  • Now offering Daily Pay! Ask your Recruiter for more details
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Income
  • Term Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 401k Retirement Plan

PROPERTY INFORMATION:
Surrounded by the desert landscape of Phoenix's North Mountain, this all-suite hotel offers luxurious amenities, enjoyable activities and delicious dining options for an unforgettable holiday. Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort features the Falls Water Village, the perfect place for family fun. The Village features 3 acres of swimming pools with waterfalls and a 150 feet waterslide. Relax in one of the private cabanas while sipping a refreshing drink from the Cascades Cafe.
Application deadline for Colorado positions:

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About Aimbridge Hospitality

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As the global leader in third-party hotel management, our growing portfolio represents over 1,550 hotels in all 50 states and 22 countries, from top international lodging brands to luxury hotels, destination resorts and lifestyle hotels. Our associates around the globe are passionate about serving our guests and driving exceptional results, and thrive in a culture where everyone is inspired to be the best. Join a world of possibility with Aimbridge Hospitality.

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Plano, TX, US

Year founded

2003

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