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Culinary Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Supervisor Location: MUSIC CITY CENTER - 93197001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Culinary Supervisor Location: MUSIC CITY CENTER - 93197001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Culinary Supervisor Location: MUSIC CITY CENTER - 93197001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Culinary Specialist

Loretto, TN · On-site

$31K - $42K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Germantown, TN

$31K - $42K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Camden, TN · On-site

$30K - $41K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Carthage, TN · On-site

$32K - $43K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Moscow, TN

$31K - $42K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Winchester, TN · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Livingston, TN · On-site

$28K - $37K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Gatlinburg, TN · On-site

$33K - $44K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Ripley, TN

$30K - $41K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Riceville, TN

$28K - $37K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

TN · On-site

$29K - $39K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Bluff City, TN · On-site

$28K - $37K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Pulaski, TN · On-site

$34K - $46K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Mooresburg, TN

$31K - $41K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component : Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Jonesborough, TN · On-site

$28K - $38K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

Culinary Specialist

Selmer, TN · On-site

$27K - $36K/yr

Culinary Specialist Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories ...

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Culinary information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$17

$30

How much do culinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary in Tennessee is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary professional?

A culinary professional is someone who works in the food service industry, typically preparing, cooking, and presenting food. This can include roles such as chefs, cooks, pastry chefs, and kitchen assistants. Culinary professionals work in various settings like restaurants, hotels, bakeries, and catering companies. They are skilled in food safety, recipe development, and often specialize in different cuisines or techniques. Training can include formal education at culinary schools or hands-on experience in kitchens.

Are Jobs in the Culinary Industry In Demand?

Anytime the economy is up, jobs in culinary industries are in higher demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts culinary jobs to grow by 10% by 2026, which is faster than the average career. There is a high rate of turnover in lower level culinary jobs like line and prep cooks, so those jobs almost always have a high demand, especially in areas where the restaurant and tourism industries are big. However, the same person usually holds head cook and chef jobs for quite some time, so they can be more difficult to attain.

What are the most common challenges faced by culinary professionals in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary professionals often encounter challenges such as managing time efficiently during busy service periods, maintaining high-quality standards under pressure, and coordinating effectively with team members. Adapting quickly to last-minute menu changes or special dietary requests is also common. Successful chefs and kitchen staff rely on strong communication skills and a collaborative attitude to overcome these hurdles and ensure smooth kitchen operations.

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

Thriving in a culinary career requires strong cooking techniques, knowledge of food safety, and often a culinary degree or certification such as ServSafe. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and inventory software is also valuable. Creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and resilience under pressure set standout culinary professionals apart. These skills and qualities ensure consistent food quality, operational efficiency, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What is the difference between Culinary vs Chef?

AspectCulinaryChef
CredentialsOften no formal certification required; culinary training or courses commonFormal culinary education or apprenticeship typically required
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, food service, culinary schoolsRestaurants, hotels, private kitchens, culinary competitions
Industry UsageBroad term for food preparation skills and knowledgeSpecific role as a professional responsible for kitchen operations
Search & Comparison IntentPeople exploring culinary skills or careers in food serviceIndividuals seeking chef roles or culinary leadership positions

While 'Culinary' refers broadly to the skills, knowledge, and industry related to food preparation, a 'Chef' is a specific professional role within that industry, often with formal training and leadership responsibilities. Understanding this difference helps job seekers and employers clarify roles and expectations in the food service industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary jobs in Tennessee? For Culinary jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Culinary jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Culinary job openings:
Infographic showing various Culinary job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,778 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

$26/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Culinary Supervisor


Location: MUSIC CITY CENTER - 93197001

Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Employment Type: Full-time

Pay Range: $26.00 per hour - $26.00 per hour


Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way.


What You’ll Do:


As a Culinary Supervisor at Sodexo, you will provide hands-on supervision of daily food production and kitchen operations to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance with culinary, food safety, and sanitation standards. This position serves as the primary working supervisor above Senior Cooks and supports Sous Chefs and Executive Chefs in executing production plans and service requirements.


This role coordinates culinary staff, monitors production schedules, enforces standardized recipes and portion controls, and maintains safe and efficient kitchen operations. The Culinary Supervisor actively participates in food preparation while directing workflow and reinforcing operational standards. Responsibilities may vary by account based on kitchen structure, service model, and event volume.


Responsibilities include:

  • Support onboarding and on-the-job training of culinary team members.
  • Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push, and pull, and frequently lift and move up to 35 pounds; occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
  • Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity
  • Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements.


What You Bring:

  • High School diploma, GED, or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Minimum of 2–4 years of culinary experience required.
  • Prior lead cook or kitchen leadership experience preferred.
  • Experience in high-volume, multi-outlet, or event-based culinary operations preferred.
  • Working knowledge of batch cooking and just-in-time production methods preferred.
  • Ability to read and execute production sheets, prep lists, and event orders.
  • Food handler or food safety certification required where applicable.
  • ServSafe Manager or equivalent certification required where applicable.


Link to full Job description


What We Offer:

Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life’s important moments.

Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career

Full array of benefits that support you and your family’s wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more.

In addition to Sodexo’s standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free “shift” meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking.


Link to benefits summary


Overall, Sodexo strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo’s benefit offerings during the interview process.


Who we are:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.


Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace culture and belonging as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form.