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Culinary Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Din Tai Fung, a globally acclaimed culinary icon renowned for the art of Xiao Long Bao, is on a ... A Dumpling Prep (Trainee) is tasked with preparing, putting together, folding, and steaming ...

Pharmacy Technician Trainee

Sterling, VA · On-site

$21 - $21.50/hr

Wegmans Culinary Explore the many culinary career opportunities available at Wegmans, from Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what makes ...

Wegmans Culinary Explore the many culinary career opportunities available at Wegmans, from Prep Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what makes ...

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Culinary Trainee information

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How much do culinary trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary trainee in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary trainee?

Culinary trainees are individuals who are in the process of learning the skills and knowledge required to work in professional kitchens. They typically work under the supervision of experienced chefs, assisting with food preparation, cooking, and maintaining kitchen hygiene. Culinary trainees may be part of an apprenticeship program, formal culinary school, or on-the-job training in restaurants or hotels. Their role is to gain hands-on experience and develop a strong foundation in culinary techniques and kitchen operations.

What are the typical responsibilities and learning experiences of a culinary trainee?

As a Culinary Trainee, you can expect to be involved in a variety of foundational kitchen tasks, such as ingredient preparation, assisting with plating, and maintaining cleanliness standards. You’ll likely rotate through different stations to gain exposure to various cooking techniques and menu items. Trainees often work closely under the supervision of experienced chefs, receiving hands-on training, feedback, and guidance. This period is also a great opportunity to build teamwork skills and learn how a professional kitchen operates, including time management and communication. Being proactive and eager to learn will help you make the most of this formative stage in your culinary career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a culinary trainee?

To thrive as a Culinary Trainee, you need a basic understanding of food safety, kitchen operations, and foundational cooking techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary coursework. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food preparation tools, and adherence to sanitation protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn help individuals stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining kitchen efficiency, ensuring food quality, and supporting career growth in the culinary industry.

What is the difference between Culinary Trainee vs Line Cook?

AspectCulinary TraineeLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training or certificationExperience often preferred, culinary skills required
Work EnvironmentTraining kitchens, learning-focusedFast-paced kitchen stations
Employer UsageEntry-level training programs, culinary schoolsEstablished restaurants, hotels

The Culinary Trainee role is designed for beginners gaining foundational skills, often in a structured training program. In contrast, a Line Cook is an experienced kitchen worker responsible for preparing specific dishes in a busy restaurant. While both roles work in culinary environments, trainees focus on learning, whereas line cooks focus on executing dishes efficiently.

How to become a culinary trainee?

To become a culinary trainee, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstrate an interest in cooking. Some programs require basic cooking skills, a willingness to learn, and may include on-the-job training or apprenticeships in a professional kitchen environment.

What cities are hiring for Culinary Trainee jobs?

Cities with the most Culinary Trainee 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 Trainee jobs?

States with the most job openings for Culinary Trainee jobs include:

Infographic showing various Culinary Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,990 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Dumpling Prep (Trainee)

Din Tai Fung North America

Seattle, WA • On-site

$22.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

LOCATION: 4025 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, USA

SHIFT STARTING TIMES: 

Shift: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during training

Please Note: Shift times may vary based on the position

BENEFITS AND PERKS:

  • Competitive Pay & Benefits
  • Employer Contribution for individuals and eligible dependents' medical insurance
  • Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance 
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Commuter Spending Accounts
  • 401(k) Plan with company match 
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Discounts through BenefitHub
  • Employee Meal Discounts 
  • Opportunities for growth; we love promoting within!

COMPENSATION: $22.75/hour

 The base salary or hourly wage range for this role will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors. Range is not inclusive of potential bonus or benefits. Your recruiter can share more information about the salary range and other factors during the hiring process.

About Us:

Din Tai Fung, a globally acclaimed culinary icon renowned for the art of Xiao Long Bao, is on a mission to create first-class dining experiences through its unwavering commitment to excellence in food, service and ambiance. Originally founded as a cooking oil retail business in Taiwan in 1958 by Bing-Yi Yang and his wife, Pen-Mei Lai, Din Tai Fung was reborn into a humble dumpling and noodle shop in 1972. Today, the Michelin-recognized restaurant brand continues to be family-owned and passed down through generations, with more than 170 locations in 13 countries worldwide.

Since its founding, Din Tai Fung has become synonymous with quality and consistency and known for its warm hospitality and delicacies with authentic flavors. Entering the North America market in 2000, the restaurant brand opened its first U.S. location in Arcadia, California and has 16 locations to-date, offering an upscale yet inviting cultural dining experience. With each restaurant, each interaction, and each bite, DTF aims to bring people together to inspire appreciation of culture.

About the Role:

A Dumpling Prep (Trainee) is tasked with preparing, putting together, folding, and steaming dumplings for guests. They operate in a show kitchen, requiring them to uphold a tidy and professional look. 

Training Expectations:

Your journey at Din Tai Fung will begin as a Dumpling Trainee. Our hands-on dumpling training program is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to ensure you have the tools for success. Upon completion of the program, graduates will transition into the Dumpling Prep role, accompanied by a competitive hourly wage increase. You can learn more about this program during your interview process.

Job Responsibilities & Tasks:

  • Prepares, measures, and cuts dough
  • Rolls dumpling/bun skins
  • Stuffs, closes, and arranges dumplings/buns in a steamer
  • Adds meat and allergen identifiers
  • Steams dumplings/buns
  • Maintains a clean working space and dumpling room
  • Labels all items in accordance with regulations and procedures
  • Attends monthly staff and dumpling meetings

Supporting Functions:

  • Keeps all kitchen areas clean and sanitized 
  • Organizes items within the walk-in coolers and freezers
  • Lifts/moves boxes, bags, chairs, and tables (up to 50 pounds) 
  • Assists with regular deep cleaning of the kitchen
  • Maintains confidentiality regarding all propriety information, including but not limited to recipes and Standard Operating Procedures ("SOP's")

Job Requirements:

  • We are searching for friendly, energetic, highly motivated people who will thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
  • Dumpling experience is not required
  • Experience in prep, specifically with dough (pastry, pizza, etc.) is a plus
  • Open Availability 
  • Eager to learn, enjoys to be challenged 
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time

NOTE: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor.

Applicant must be 18 years of age or older and able to provide documentation to work in the United States legally


Equal Opportunity Employer:
Din Tai Fung North America is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state/provincial, and local laws.
U.S. Employment Eligibility:
In the United States, Din Tai Fung North America participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization for all new hires. To learn more, please visit: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees.


Employment Type: FULL_TIME