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Entry Level Chef Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Chef information

See Alabama salary details

$9

$22

$40

How much do entry level chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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 job?

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.

What is an entry level chef position?

An entry level chef position is a beginner role in a kitchen, often involving basic food preparation, cooking, and cleaning tasks. It typically requires minimal experience and may involve working under the supervision of more experienced chefs, with opportunities to learn culinary skills and gain certifications like food safety training.

How much do beginner chefs make?

Entry-level chefs typically earn between $20,000 and $30,000 annually, depending on location, establishment, and experience. Starting salaries may be lower at smaller or less established restaurants, but with skills and certifications, earnings can increase over time.

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.

Can I get a cooking job with no experience?

Entry level chef positions often do not require prior professional experience and focus on basic cooking skills, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Employers may provide on-the-job training and look for candidates with a positive attitude and basic knowledge of kitchen safety and hygiene. Certifications like food handler permits can also improve chances of employment.

How to get a chef job with no experience?

Entry level chef positions often do not require prior experience and focus on basic cooking skills, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude. Gaining experience through volunteering, completing culinary courses, or working in entry-level food service roles can improve chances of securing a chef job without experience.
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.
Entry Level, Local Truck Driver

Entry Level, Local Truck Driver

Performance Foodservice

Birmingham, AL • On-site

$250/day

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

New


Performance Food Group rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 48 rated food wholesalers


Job description

Job Description:

Position Details:
  • Daily minimum guarantee of $250.00 a day during training period. 
  • Schedule is Monday-Friday with an occasional Saturday. Start and end times vary. Drivers average 10-12/hr days.
  • CDL A is required

We Deliver the Goods:
  • Competitive pay and benefits, including Day 1 Health & Wellness Benefits, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 401K Employer Matching, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off, and much more
  • Growth opportunities performing essential work to support America’s food distribution system
  • Safe and inclusive working environment, including culture of rewards, recognition, and respect
Position Purpose:
This is an entry level driver training role. This driver is responsible for learning to and/or gaining experience in driving a tractor trailer or straight truck intrastate and/or interstate on local, over-the-toad (OTR), shuttle, and/or overnight routes to deliver and unload various food and food related products to customers. All routes are expected to be completed safely in accordance with all Company policies and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. The Driver Trainee communicates and interacts with customers, vendors and co-workers professionally ensuring all services and duties are executed in accordance with preferred work methods and customer service practices. Functions as a team member within the department and organization, as required, and performs any duty assigned to best serve the company.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Attends and successfully completes PFG Entry Level Driver Trainee or Dock to Driver Training Program as required.  All training documentation is completed and maintained per requirements. 
  • Rides-with and assists driver trainer in executing deliveries as required. Follow all instructions and directions provided by driver trainer. 
  • Perform all required safety checks (i.e. pre/post trip) including inspections of tractor/truck and trailer according to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations; inspect tractor/truck and trailer to insure they meet company safety standards and take appropriate action as needed. Report all safety issues and/or repairs required. 
  • Follow all DOT regulations and company safe driving guidelines and policies. Immediately report any and all safety hazards. 
  • Inspect trailer for properly loaded and secured freight. Perform count check of items and check customer invoices of products that have been loaded. Check and complete in an accurate and in legible fashion all required paperwork associated with freight. Move tractor to the loading dock and attach preloaded trailer as needed.  
  • Drive to and deliver customer orders according to predetermined route delivery schedule. 
  • Unload products from the trailer, transport items into designated customer storage areas. Perform damage control checks on items, scanning and contact supervisor about removing orders according to company policy. Verify delivery of items with customer and obtain proper signatures. Collect money (cash or checks) where required. Load customer returns on to trailer and secure trailer doors. 
  • Ensure that tractor, trailer and freight are appropriately locked and/or secured at all times. 
  • Unload damaged goods and customer returns and bring to the driver check-in and complete necessary paperwork. Unload all equipment, materials and remove trash from trailers as required.
  • Complete daily record of hours of service and enter in log in accordance with Federal DOT, state and company requirements.
  • Perform general housekeeping duties in tractor, loading dock area and keep trailers clear and clean as required. At the end of the shift secure all equipment and complete all necessary paperwork. 
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED or Equivalent
• Internal PFG Candidates: 1 year of service in good standing as outlined in the PFG Entry Level Driver Trainee or Dock to Driver Training Program, able to attain CDL Permit and DOT Health Card
• External Entry Level Hire: 0-6 months experience with a CDL
• Valid CDL A
• Must be 21 years of age
• Meet all State licensing and/or certification requirements
(where applicable)
• Clean Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) for past 3 years
• Pass post offer drug test
• Pass road test
• Attains or has valid current DOT Health Card
• Able to hand-lift and utilize two-wheeler, lift gate and/or other equipment to move and/or stack product cases/freight of varying size and weight throughout shift; product generally ranges from approximately 60 to 90 pounds, depending on the location

Company description


Performance Foodservice, PFG’s broadline distributor, maintains a unique relationship with a variety of local customers, including independent restaurants and hotels, healthcare facilities, schools, and quick-service eateries. A team of sales reps, chefs, consultants, and other experts builds close relationships with customers — providing advice on improving operations, menu development, product selection, and operational strategies. The Performance team delivers delicious food but also goes above and beyond to help independent restaurant owners achieve their dreams.

Awards and Accolades

Performance Food Group and/or its subsidiaries (individually or collectively, the "Company") provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. Please click on the following links to review: (1) our EEO Policy; (2) the "EEO is the Law" poster and supplement; and (3) the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.

What Performance Food Group employees say

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Benefits

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