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Culinary Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Specialist

Providence, RI · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and enjoy a hot ...

Culinary Specialist

Bluemont, VA · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

The Culinary Specialist and Horticultural Specialist of Boulder Crest Foundation is responsible to the Executive Director for the overall care and upkeep of the central kitchen as well as performing ...

Culinary Specialist

Providence, RI · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and ...

Culinary Specialist

Bangor, ME · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and ...

Culinary Specialist

Boston, MA · On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART-TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and ...

Culinary Specialist

Lowell, MA · On-site

$34K - $46K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and enjoy a hot ...

Culinary Specialist

Brockton, MA · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and ...

Culinary Specialist

Manchester, NH · On-site

$34K - $45K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART-TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and ...

Culinary Specialist

Manchester, NH · On-site

$34K - $45K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and ...

Culinary Specialist

Lowell, MA · On-site

$34K - $46K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and ...

The culinary specialist is a key role in the team based selling model and as such will be an ambassador for Sysco brand, innovation and Category Management (CatMan) products and will leverage all ...

The culinary specialist is a key role in the team based selling model and as such will be an ambassador for Sysco brand, innovation and Category Management (CatMan) products and will leverage all ...

Culinary Specialist

Jay, OK · On-site

$56K - $65K/yr

The job of the School Nutrition Culinary Specialist was established for the purpose of assisting and supporting the School Nutrition Director in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the ...

Culinary Specialist

Denver, CO · On-site

$85K - $128K/yr

The culinary specialist is a key role in the team based selling model and as such will be an ambassador for Sysco brand, innovation and Category Management (CatMan) products and will leverage all ...

Culinary Specialist

Columbia, TN · On-site

$31K - $42K/yr

The job of the School Nutrition Culinary Specialist was established for the purpose of assisting and supporting the School Nutrition Director in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the ...

Culinary Specialist - Army

Bangor, ME · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and ...

Culinary Specialist - Army

Boston, MA · On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and enjoy a hot ...

Culinary Specialist - Army

Brockton, MA · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and enjoy a hot ...

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Showing results 1-20

Culinary Specialist information

See salary details

$20K

$44.4K

$83.5K

How much do culinary specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary specialist in the United States is $44,378.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $47,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary specialist?

A culinary specialist works in the United States military to operate and manage dining facilities, often in the Navy or Coast Guard. As a culinary specialist, you provide catering and hospitality services for a range of people, from fellow crew members to admirals, executives, and the President. Job duties include cooking and cleaning, preparing menus, ordering food items, sanitizing materials, and operating kitchen facilities and dining areas. Often working in close quarters with a team, you need customer service skills and cooking experience. You must join a branch of the military for this career. Qualifications include attending culinary school, and additional training is provided on-the-job.

What are some common challenges faced by culinary specialists working in high-volume kitchens, and how can they be addressed?

Culinary Specialists often face challenges such as maintaining consistency in food quality, managing time effectively during peak service periods, and coordinating with team members under pressure. To address these challenges, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, communicate clearly with your team, and stay adaptable to changing priorities. Many successful Culinary Specialists also rely on standardized recipes and pre-service preparation to ensure efficiency and consistency throughout busy shifts.

What is the difference between Culinary Specialist vs Chef?

AspectCulinary SpecialistChef
CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary trainingFormal culinary education, culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, corporate cafeterias, food service companiesRestaurants, hotels, culinary establishments
Industry UsageFood service industry, healthcare, corporate diningHospitality, restaurant industry, culinary arts

Both Culinary Specialists and Chefs require culinary training and certifications. Culinary Specialists often work in healthcare or corporate settings focusing on food safety and nutrition, while Chefs typically work in restaurants or hotels creating menus and managing kitchen staff. The roles overlap in culinary skills but differ mainly in work environment and scope of responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Specialist, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with formal culinary training preferred. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications such as ServSafe are commonly required. Creativity, teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high food quality, and a safe, collaborative work environment.
What cities are hiring for Culinary Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Culinary Specialist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Specialist jobs? The most popular types of Culinary Specialist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Culinary Specialist jobs? The top employers for Culinary Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Culinary Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Culinary Specialist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Specialist jobs? For Culinary Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Culinary Specialist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,378 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Culinary Specialist

U.S. Army

Providence, RI • On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 2 days ago


United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 488 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

CULINARY SPECIALIST
Overview:
As a Culinary Specialist, you’ll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and enjoy a hot meal in between training or mission deployments. You’ll be responsible for preparing and servicing meals both in the field and at home stations, as well as ordering, and inspecting food supplies, and keeping the kitchen safe and sanitary.
 
Job Duties:
  • Bake, fry, braise, boil, simmer, steam, and sauté as prescribed by Army recipes.
  • Operate, maintain, and clean field kitchen equipment.
  • Perform preventive maintenance on garrison and field kitchen equipment.
 
Requirements:
  • Be between the ages of 17– 40.
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
  • Possess a High School Diploma or GED.
  • Submit to background and medical screening
  • Receive a passing score on the ASVAB
 
Training:
Job training for a Culinary Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and eight weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field, including practice in food preparation.
Advanced Individual Training: 8 weeks at Fort Gregg-Adams, VA

Helpful Skills: 
  • Interest in cooking, home economics, health, mathematics, accounting, and chemistry.
 
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS:
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a future with civilian cafes, restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, hospitals, manufacturing plants, schools and other organizations that have their own dining facilities. Depending on your specialty, you'll be able to pursue a career as a cook, chef, meat cutter, butcher, or baker. 
Key Healthcare Benefits:
TRICARE Health Plan: As a member of the U.S. Army, you and your family can be covered under the TRICARE Health
Plan – a top-tier healthcare program that provides medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage. 
 
No-Cost Healthcare
Active-duty members receive medical and dental care at no cost. Your family can also receive healthcare services at military or civilian facilities through TRICARE at little or no cost. 
 
Comprehensive Dental Care:
Receive annual dental check-ups, cleanings, and necessary treatments. 
 
Vision Coverage
Coverage includes routine eye examinations and potential discounts on eyewear or corrective surgery. 
 
Health & Wellness Programs:
Engage in preventive health programs, counseling services, fitness resources, and more to ensure you remain in the best of health. 
 
Maternity and Paternity Benefits:
Expectant mothers receive comprehensive prenatal, labor, and postnatal care. New parents are also entitled to maternity and paternity leave. 
 
Long-term Care
Access to resources and programs that assist with long-term health needs or disabilities. 
 
Mental Health Services:
Prioritizing the mental well-being of our service members, the U.S. Army offers counseling, therapy, and other mental health resources. 
 
Specialized Medical Training:
Depending on your role, you may receive specialized medical training, ensuring that you're equipped with the skills to treat and manage a variety of health situations. 
 
Why the U.S. Army
 
Professional Growth
Engage in continued learning, training, and career advancement opportunities. 
 
Diverse Opportunities:
From combat medic specialists to medical officers, choose a role that fits your passion and expertise. 
 
Community:
Join a tight-knit community that prioritizes camaraderie, service, and mutual support.

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About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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