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Culinary Professional Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Assistant (25 hrs/week)

Republic, MO

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Job Summary The Culinary Assistant, under the direct supervision of the Culinary Lead, assists in ... Excellent people skills and professionalism. * Skill in completing multiple tasks at once.

Intentional growth and development to help you reach your professional goals. * Scholarship opportunities. * 401k Retirement Planning with a 4% match (eligible after 1 year of employment with 1000 ...

Intentional growth and development to help you reach your professional goals. * Scholarship opportunities. * 401k Retirement Planning with a 4% match (eligible after 1 year of employment with 1000 ...

As a player on our team, they will receive on-the-job training, professional development, and networking opportunities to build their professional brand. Upon successful completion of the program ...

Dishwasher

Republic, MO

$12.50 - $16/hr

Collaborating with our culinary team to ensure seamless meal service Responsibilities: * Wash and ... Opportunities for growth and professional development Requirements: * No prior experience necessary!

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Quail Springs Culinary (QSC) includes 5 ... Proven experience in food preparation and cooking within a professional kitchen environment.

Line Cook / Kitchen Team

Springfield, MO · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Previous Cook / Kitchen / Professional Culinary experience strongly preferred * Must be eligible to work in the US If you have a commitment to creating the best quality food for our guests and the ...

Line Cook / Kitchen Team

Nixa, MO · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Previous Cook / Kitchen / Professional Culinary experience strongly preferred * Must be eligible to work in the US If you have a commitment to creating the best quality food for our guests and the ...

Line Cook / Kitchen Team

Nixa, MO

$14 - $17.50/hr

Previous Cook / Kitchen / Professional Culinary experience strongly preferred * Must be eligible to work in the US If you have a commitment to creating the best quality food for our guests and the ...

Line Cook / Kitchen Team

Nixa, MO · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Previous Cook / Kitchen / Professional Culinary experience strongly preferred * Must be eligible to work in the US If you have a commitment to creating the best quality food for our guests and the ...

Line Cook / Kitchen Team

Nixa, MO · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Previous Cook / Kitchen / Professional Culinary experience strongly preferred * Must be eligible to work in the US If you have a commitment to creating the best quality food for our guests and the ...

Line Cook / Kitchen Team

Springfield, MO

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Previous Cook / Kitchen / Professional Culinary experience strongly preferred * Must be eligible to work in the US If you have a commitment to creating the best quality food for our guests and the ...

Line Cook / Kitchen Team

Springfield, MO

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

Previous Cook / Kitchen / Professional Culinary experience strongly preferred * Must be eligible to work in the US If you have a commitment to creating the best quality food for our guests and the ...

Line Cook / Kitchen Team

Springfield, MO · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Previous Cook / Kitchen / Professional Culinary experience strongly preferred * Must be eligible to work in the US If you have a commitment to creating the best quality food for our guests and the ...

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Culinary Professional information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$9

$16

$25

How much do culinary professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary professional in Springfield, MO is $16.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Springfield, MO?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Culinary Professional jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Culinary Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Professional job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,456 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Culinary Services Assistant

Sonida Senior Living

Springfield, MO • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Sonida Senior Living rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 242 rated social care providers


Job description

Find your joy here, at The Waterford at Ironbridge, a Sonida Senior Living community! We offer a comprehensive benefit package to include competitive wage/salary, health and dental insurance, 401k with company match & much more!

The Waterford at Ironbridge, a premier retirement community in Springfield, MO, provides quality care to residents in an Independent Living community.

What we offer you:

  • Flexible scheduling**
    • Company support for educational and learning opportunities
      • Paid referral programs for Team Member and Resident referrals
    • Medical, dental, vision, and life/disability insurances*
    • 401k retirement savings offering a discretionary match determined each year based on company performance
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Dependent Care and FSA saving accounts
    • PTO available day one
    • Paid Training

    *Benefit eligibility dependent on employment status

    **Eligibility based on location

    Culinary Service Assistant Responsibilities include:

    • Serves residents and guests seated in the dining room in a professional manner following established procedures.
    • Assists in drink and food preparation for the residents and performs assigned tasks in clean up, washing the dishes and setting up and taking down the dining areas.
    • Preparing and serving snacks to include replenishing stock items in the common area refreshment centers for the residents.
    • Maintains procedures to meet safety and sanitation standards in order to assure compliance with governmental regulations.
    • Adheres to the regular schedule of work activities and assignments to assure effective food service.

    Qualifications:

    • One to two years’ experience in a similar position preferred.
    • Twelve (12) plus years of education, Highschool Diploma or GED preferred

    What Sonida Senior Living employees say

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