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Culinary Professional Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

JOB OVERVIEW As a Restaurant Culinary Manager, you will be responsible for the daily operations of ... It is vital that you combine strong organizational and prioritization skills with professional ...

JOB OVERVIEW As a Restaurant Culinary Manager, you will be responsible for the daily operations of ... It is vital that you combine strong organizational and prioritization skills with professional ...

Culinary Specialist

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$34K - $46K/yr

Promoting a positive yet professional atmosphere in the galley Qualifications * Possess a valid ... Have previous culinary or dietary work experience * Be able to lift and carry items up to 40 pounds

Culinary Specialist

Paducah, KY

$34K - $46K/yr

Promoting a positive yet professional atmosphere in the galley Qualifications * Possess a valid ... Have previous culinary or dietary work experience * Be able to lift and carry items up to 40 pounds

Culinary Specialist

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$34K - $46K/yr

Promoting a positive yet professional atmosphere in the galley Qualifications * Possess a valid ... Have previous culinary or dietary work experience * Be able to lift and carry items up to 40 pounds

Entry Level Cook - Zombie Taco

Louisville, KY ยท On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or anyone passionate about food and beverage who wants hands-on training in a professional hotel kitchen in ...

Chef

Ashland, KY ยท On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Essential Duties and Responsibilities : * Provides frontline culinary resources and support. * Assists with ...

Chef

Ashland, KY ยท On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Essential Duties and Responsibilities : * Provides frontline culinary resources and support. * Assists with ...

Chef

Ashland, KY ยท On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Essential Duties and Responsibilities : * Provides frontline culinary resources and support. * Assists with ...

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Culinary Professional information

See Kentucky salary details

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How much do culinary professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary professional in Kentucky is $15.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $16.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary professional?

A culinary professional is an individual trained in the art and science of preparing, cooking, and presenting food. This can include chefs, cooks, bakers, and others working in restaurants, hotels, catering, or other food service establishments. Culinary professionals are skilled in a variety of cooking techniques, food safety, kitchen management, and menu planning. They often work in fast-paced environments, requiring creativity, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. Many pursue formal education at culinary schools, while others gain experience through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

What are some common challenges culinary professionals face in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary professionals often navigate challenges such as time management, maintaining consistency under pressure, and adapting to last-minute menu changes. Working in a bustling kitchen requires effective communication with team members and the ability to multitask without compromising food quality or safety standards. Additionally, long hours and physically demanding tasks are common, so resilience and a passion for the craft are essential for success and growth in this field.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Professional, you need a solid foundation in cooking techniques, food safety, and menu planning, typically supported by a culinary arts degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are commonly required. Creativity, teamwork, and attention to detail are vital soft skills that distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies ensure consistently high food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and exceptional dining experiences for guests.

What is the difference between Culinary Professional vs Chef?

AspectCulinary ProfessionalChef
CredentialsOften includes culinary certifications, food safety, and hospitality trainingTypically requires culinary school, apprenticeships, and culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, food service, hospitality industryProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotels, culinary establishments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly for food service roles in hospitality and cateringSpecific to kitchen leadership and culinary arts

The term "Culinary Professional" encompasses a wide range of food service roles, including cooks, food prep staff, and kitchen assistants, often with various certifications. A "Chef" is a specialized culinary professional who typically has formal culinary training and leads kitchen operations. While all chefs are culinary professionals, not all culinary professionals are chefs. The main difference lies in the scope of responsibilities and level of specialization.

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

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Culinary Professional jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Culinary Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Professional job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,571 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Regional Director of Culinary Experience

Triple Crown Senior Living

Louisville, KY โ€ข On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Regional Director of Culinary Experience

Reports to: President

Schedule: Fuil time-  Requires travel

Supervisory Responsibility: Provides oversight and support for Community Culinary Directors

Location: Louisville, Ky

Triple Crown Senior Living (TCSL) is a Management Company for multiple assisted living facilities in the region. The Regional Director of Culinary Experience is responsible for maintaining and monitoring company standards, procedures and policies related to Triple Crown Senior Living’s culinary service program. The Regional Director of Culinary Experience provides dining support, develops menus, recipes and production details specifically for Triple Crown Senior Living culinary programs.This position will also provide training and guidance for Executive Directors, Culinary Directors, Sous Chefs, Cooks, and Culinary Associates in all aspects of the culinary service programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Provide support and oversight of the culinary service departments within Triple Crown Senior Living Communities to ensure high standards of Culinary excellence
  • Support the Culinary Directors to ensure all policies and procedures are being followed
  • Create and implement standards company-wide in regards to Culinary service: budget,
  • menus, cost per day per resident (or other metrics), ordering procedures/guidelines, service
  • delivery, cleanliness, department structure and other related standards.
  • On a regular and reoccurring basis, review special events and Programming, systems,
  • nutritional and regulatory compliance, sanitation, menus, inventory, equipment and Capital
  • purchasing relating to the Culinary program
  • Partner with Executive Directors to evaluate Culinary Directors and culinary program
  • standards
  • Assist in the hiring, Coaching, and counseling of Culinary Directors (as well as Sous Chefs,
  • Cooks and other Associates in the Culinary department) for Triple Crown Senior Living.
  • Conduct culinary quality assessments and service quality assessments -via both formally
  • Planned and informal non-planned inspections
  • Assist in ensuring that recruitment, hiring, Coaching, and counseling of Associates is being
  • done effectively and consistently within the Culinary department
  • Work with Culinary Directors to ensure implemented and practiced
  • Develop and oversee company culinary training based on company standards including but
  • not limited to service delivery, menus, nutrition, and regulatory compliance
  • Perform any other responsibilities/duties as assigned or may be assigned by the President for Triple Crown Senior Living Communities to assure the objectives of the culinary service department are fulfilled

Education/Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in related field preferred
  • Must hold Certified Dietary Manager certification (CDM) or obtain within first 60 days of employment
  • ServSafe Certification
  • Minimum five (5) years culinary management and/or supervisory experience, preferred in healthcare, senior living, hospitality, or other relevant industry
  • Multi-unit experience within the culinary service industry a plus.
  • Demonstrate passion for leading and developing associates and promoting excellent service delivery to seniors
  • Must possess sound judgment, problem solving, and decision-making abilities
  • Training, education, or experience with nutrition for the geriatric population
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills to a wide range of audiences including
  • associates,, residents, family members, government agencies, general public, etc.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
  • Must have good organizational and time management skills
  • Excellent computer skills
  • Special Working Conditions
  • Able to work flexible hours (evenings and weekends) and be available to respond during off duty
  • hours to community issues and emergencies
  • Coping skills to personally handle and lead through stressful situations
  • Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb as well as manipulate (lift, carry, move) up to 50 pounds.
  • High level of comfort and confidence around the elderly
  • Multi state travel required

What We Offer:

  • We offer On-Demand Pay so you can access wages you’ve already earned between paydays. Perfect for unexpected expenses!
  • Competitive salary
  • 401(k) retirement plan (available to both full-time and part-time employees)
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • A supportive, inclusive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact
  • Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and voluntary benefits for eligible full-time employees
  • The opportunity to be part of a growing, vibrant company