1

Culinary Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Specialist Buffalo

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$78K - $117K/yr

This position may also be responsible for supervising kitchen assistant(s) or culinary interns. Specialists will prioritize time, targets, and team selling efforts based on market insights and data ...

Culinary Specialist Buffalo

Warners, NY · On-site

$78K - $117K/yr

This position may also be responsible for supervising kitchen assistant(s) or culinary interns. Specialists will prioritize time, targets, and team selling efforts based on market insights and data ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Culinary Internship information

See salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do culinary internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary internship in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Culinary Internship position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Culinary Intern, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and a genuine passion for cooking, often supported by culinary coursework or equivalent experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and recipe management systems is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are soft skills that distinguish top candidates. These abilities help interns adapt quickly, support the kitchen staff, and gain the most from hands-on training in a fast-paced culinary environment.

Which internship pays the most?

Culinary internships that offer higher pay typically involve working in high-end restaurants, hotels, or catering companies, and may require specialized skills or certifications. Paid internships in these settings can range from minimum wage to significantly higher rates, especially for roles with more responsibility or advanced culinary skills.

Can I join culinary school with no experience?

Culinary internships are often open to individuals with little or no prior experience, as they are designed to provide training and skill development. Many programs accept beginners and focus on teaching fundamental techniques, kitchen safety, and food preparation skills. Having a strong interest in cooking and a willingness to learn can be more important than previous experience.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect during a Culinary Internship?

As a Culinary Intern, you can expect to assist with food preparation tasks such as chopping ingredients, assembling dishes, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. You may also learn from experienced chefs by observing and gradually participating in cooking processes, plating, and inventory management. Interns often rotate through different stations to gain exposure to various aspects of kitchen operations. This hands-on experience is designed to help you develop technical skills while supporting the team and understanding the workflow of a professional kitchen.

What does a culinary intern do?

A culinary intern assists in food preparation, cooking, and kitchen operations under the supervision of professional chefs. They gain hands-on experience with cooking techniques, kitchen tools, and food safety standards while supporting daily restaurant or culinary establishment activities.

What is a culinary internship called?

A culinary internship is often referred to as a culinary externship, apprenticeship, or training program. It provides hands-on experience in kitchens, allowing interns to develop skills under the supervision of professional chefs. These programs typically last several months and may lead to full-time employment opportunities.

What is a Culinary Internship job?

A Culinary Internship is a hands-on learning experience that allows aspiring chefs to gain practical kitchen skills in a professional setting. Interns work under the supervision of experienced chefs, assisting with food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen operations. This opportunity helps develop culinary expertise, improve time management, and understand restaurant workflows. Internships can take place in restaurants, hotels, or catering companies and often serve as a stepping stone to a full-time culinary career.

More about Culinary Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Culinary Internship jobs? Cities with the most Culinary Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs? The most popular types of Culinary jobs are:
What states have the most Culinary Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Culinary Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Culinary Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,995 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Culinary Intern, Restaurant Associates / Boston, MA

Compass Group

New York, NY

$21/hr

Internship

Posted 21 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,058 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

291st of 428 rated business services


Job description

  • We have an opening for a Culinary Intern position.
  • Location: Rotational around Boston, MA
  • Schedule: To be discussed further upon interview.
  • Pay Rate: $21.00 per hour. 

We Make Applying Easy!  Want to apply to this job via text messaging?  Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1534302

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg

 

This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com. 

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice AwardsBest Places to work This is R/A !

Are you passionate about food and ready to take the next step toward a career in the culinary or hospitality industry? Join our Culinary Internship program and gain hands-on experience working alongside professional chefs and food service leaders in a fast-paced, real-world environment. As a Culinary Intern, you’ll be immersed in the day-to-day operations of contract food service, developing practical skills and industry insight that will set the stage for your future success.

What You’ll Learn & Do:

 

  • Support daily culinary operations including food preparation, service, and kitchen organization
  • Execute menu items following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines
  • Uphold food safety, sanitation, and uniform standards
  • Assist with receiving, storage, inventory, and purchasing
  • Contribute to guest service excellence, innovation, and problem-solving
  • Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently
  • Participate in associate learning and development activities
  • Gain exposure to the business side of food service, including financials and quality assurance

Learning Objectives:

 

  • Develop awareness, understanding, and practical skills to work effectively in diverse, inclusive hospitality environments
  • Gain hands-on experience across a variety of functions within culinary arts and food service operations through observation, mentorship, and active participation

Minimum Qualifications:

 

  • Genuine interest in culinary arts and the hospitality industry
  • Enrolled in a culinary program or relevant coursework (preferred, not required)
  • Basic communication and teamwork skills
  • Willingness to learn in a fast-paced, hands-on environment

Ideal Candidates Will Have an Interest in One or More of the Following:

 

  • Culinary, Baking, or Pastry Arts
  • Farm-to-Fork practices and sustainability in food service
  • Reducing the carbon “foodprint”
  • Food safety and quality assurance

This is more than an internship, it’s an opportunity to launch your culinary career with real-world experience and meaningful mentorship.

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
 

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 


What Compass Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom