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Entry Level Chef Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Career pathing opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals * Opportunity to be ...

Entry Level Chef information

See Alabama salary details

$9

$22

$40

How much do entry level chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level chef in Alabama is $22.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level chef?

An Entry Level Chef, often called a Commis Chef, is a beginner role in a professional kitchen. They assist senior chefs with food preparation, basic cooking tasks, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Responsibilities may include chopping ingredients, plating dishes, and learning cooking techniques. This role is a stepping stone for gaining hands-on experience and advancing in the culinary industry. Many Entry Level Chefs work in restaurants, hotels, or catering services while developing their skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Chef, you need basic culinary skills, a strong understanding of food safety, and often a high school diploma or culinary certification. Experience with kitchen tools, food preparation equipment, and safe handling procedures is typically required. Attention to detail, the ability to work well under pressure, and strong teamwork are vital soft skills that help you succeed. These skills ensure you can prepare dishes efficiently, contribute positively to kitchen operations, and maintain high standards of cleanliness and cooperation.

How much do entry level chefs earn?

Entry level chefs typically earn between $20,000 and $30,000 annually, depending on location, establishment, and experience. Starting salaries may be lower in smaller or less upscale venues and can increase with skills, certifications, and experience in the kitchen environment.

How to get an entry level chef job with no experience?

To secure an entry-level chef position with no experience, focus on gaining basic culinary skills through cooking classes or volunteering in food service settings. Building a strong work ethic, demonstrating a willingness to learn, and obtaining relevant certifications like food safety can improve your chances; some employers also value a positive attitude and reliability over experience.

What are the typical career growth opportunities for an entry level chef?

As an Entry Level Chef, you typically start by assisting with food preparation and basic cooking tasks, but there are many opportunities for advancement. With experience and continued training, you can progress to more senior kitchen roles such as Line Cook, Sous Chef, or even Head Chef over time. Many kitchens and restaurants offer on-the-job training, mentorship, and sometimes tuition assistance for further culinary education. Demonstrating strong work ethic, creativity, and a willingness to learn can significantly enhance your advancement prospects within the culinary field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chef jobs in Alabama? For Entry Level Chef jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chef jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chef jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Entry Level Chef jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Entry Level Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chef job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,430 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Are you an experienced Sales Professional, Restaurant Manager, Culinary Manager or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Syscos World Class Sales Team and explore all the benefits and perks.

Why you should join our Sales Team:

  • Competitive base salary, bonus, plus promotional incentive opportunities

  • Car allowance (mileage reimbursement for candidates in CA) and cell phone provided

  • Career pathing opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals

  • Opportunity to be part of a purpose driven organization that supports communities and associates

  • Specialized sales training

  • Individual as well as team-based selling

  • Opportunity to learn different ethnic segments

  • Monthly and annual sales rewards and recognition

  • Robust benefits package including an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, & 401(k) with automatic matching

JOB SUMMARY
This is an outside sales position responsible for promoting the company's products and services and for building relationships with new and existing accounts. The main focus is to help Sysco customers succeed while achieving sales and profit goals established by the company. This position may require working some non-traditional hours (evening, weekends, and holidays) to successfully meet customers' needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop new business, penetrate existing accounts, and minimize lost business to achieve profitable sales growth and special objectives within assigned territory.

  • Seek and qualify prospects following company account stratification goals.

  • Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

  • Evaluate market trends and recommend products to customers, based on business needs and goals.

  • Be informed of market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales; share information with customers as part of value-added services provided.

  • Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, and product use.

  • Provide product information and practical training to customer personnel.

  • Drive personal vehicle to customer accounts, conventions, company meetings, etc.

  • Communicate and collect accounts receivable as necessary, working with the credit department and client; collect all balances due based on approved credit terms.

  • Manage deliveries to the routing schedule published by the transportation department; troubleshoot any problems that occur during the order process (for example, out of stock items, special order items, low inventory, etc.).

  • Participate in company functions, promotions, customer visits, and customer events.

  • Attend and participate in general sales and district meetings.

  • Engage in ongoing training sessions.

  • Assist with the training of new employees as requested.

  • Review and analyze daily and weekly reports such as special-order requests, customer bid files, and sales/gross profit margin data.

  • Perform administrative duties, such as preparing sales budgets and reports, maintaining sales records, processing credits, and pick-up requests, preparing sales quotes and menu suggestions, and filing reports.

  • Other duties may be assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education/Experience

Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, Hospitality, Culinary Arts or related discipline ORHSD/GED and 3 years Restaurant Management, B2B or outside sales experience, orequivalent relatable experience including completion of the Sysco Sales Internship.

Preferred Qualifications

Bi-Lingual

Restaurant Management, Foodservice Outside Sales, Chef Experience preferred

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

Valid driver's license with a "clean" driving record (including no multiple DUIs within the last 2 years)

Current automobile insurance with the following limits of liability: Bodily injury - $100,000 each person and $300,000 each accident; property damage - $100,000 is required


Requirement

  • Submit to pre-employment testing (Drug Screen, Background Check).

  • Must sign Sysco Protective Covenants Agreement.

  • Reside or willing to relocate to the geographical vicinity of territory.


Professional Skills

  • Basic PC skills and proficiency with MS Office.

  • Ability to read, write, speak English.


Competencies

  • Building Trust

  • Building Customer Loyalty

  • Follow-up

  • Sales Ability / Persuasiveness

  • Managing Work

  • Adaptability

  • Communication

Required
    Preferred
      Job Industries
      • Sales & Marketing