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Entry Level Chef Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Koch Industries

Production Associate - $21.24/hr.

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$21.24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

These entry-level hourly positions will support production by learning to safely operate corrugated ... Hiring Philosophy All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes ...

Invited

Cook 1

Hendersonville, TN

$15 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

Invited

Cook 1

Franklin, TN · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

Invited Clubs

Cook 1

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

Invited Clubs

Cook 1

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

ClubCorp

Cook 1

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

ClubCorp

Cook 1

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

Invited Clubs

Cook 1

Franklin, TN

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

Invited

Cook 1

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

ClubCorp

Cook 1

Franklin, TN · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level position requires a willingness to learn and adapt while performing foundational ... Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ...

Sysco Corporation

Sales Consultant

Memphis, TN · On-site

  • Retirement

... 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 ...

Sysco

Sales Consultant

Knoxville, TN

  • Retirement

... 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 ...

Sysco

Sales Consultant

Knoxville, TN

  • Retirement

... 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 ...

Sysco Corporation

Sales Consultant

Knoxville, TN · On-site

  • Retirement

... 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 ...

Sysco

Sales Consultant

Memphis, TN

  • Retirement

... 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 ...

Sysco

Sales Consultant

Knoxville, TN · On-site

  • Retirement

... 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 ...

Sysco

Sales Consultant

Memphis, TN · On-site

  • Retirement

... 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 ...

Sysco Corporation

Sales Consultant

Memphis, TN · On-site

  • Retirement

... 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 ...

Sysco Corporation

Sales Consultant

Knoxville, TN · On-site

  • Retirement

... 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 ...

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Entry Level Chef information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$22

$40

How much do entry level chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level chef in Tennessee is $22.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 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 Tennessee?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chef jobs in Tennessee?

For Entry Level Chef jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chef jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chef jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Entry Level Chef jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Entry Level Chef job openings:

Entry Level Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chef job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,493 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Production Associate - $21.24/hr.

Koch Industries

Cleveland, TN • On-site

$21.24/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description

Your Job
Georgia-Pacific is now hiring Production Associates to join our Corrugated facility in Cleveland, TN!
Salary:
  • $21.24/hr. with a shift differential of $0.90/hr. for 2nd and 3rd shifts.

Shift:
  • Only candidates who are flexible to be assigned to work any shift will be considered.
  • Candidates must be flexible to work weekends (Saturdays & Sundays) and overtime (12-hour shift).
  • Orientation and training will take place on 1st shift (7am - 3pm) and you will be assigned your permanent shift on either 2nd or 3rd during orientation.
  • Cleveland operates on a point based attendance program.

Shift Hours:
  • Monday - Friday 2nd shift: 3pm - 11pm; weekends and overtime.
  • Monday - Friday 3rd shift: 11pm - 7am; weekends and overtime.

Must be available and flexible to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed
Our Team
At Georgia-Pacific, we don't believe a job is just simply a job. We see each role as a career and a way to advance your skills to not only better your life, but the community as well. These entry-level hourly positions will support production by learning to safely operate corrugated production equipment while maintaining a strict adherence to safety rules and regulations. Our Production Floaters work in a hot, humid, and noisy environment and work any shift including holidays, weekends and overtime as needed. If you are committed to safety and have a willingness to grow and advance, you may be GP's next Production Associate!
Georgia-Pacific is one of the nation's leading corrugated box manufacturers. To learn more about the GP Corrugated Business, check out these videos/links:
Georgia-Pacific: How Corrugated Boxes are Made
www.gppackaging.com
What You Will Do
  • Adhere to all plant environmental guidelines, policies, and procedures
  • Help to meet and exceed production, waste, and quality goals.
  • Troubleshoot and make minor machine adjustments.
  • Maintain cleanliness in designated work area throughout shift.
  • Handle or assist with all aspects of the machine's daily production including setting-up, operating, maintaining production quality, and performing daily maintenance.
  • Perform tasks such as lifting, walking, climbing, stooping, standing, pushing, and/or pulling for at least 8 hours a day, in a hot, humid, cold, and noisy industrial environment.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • One (1) year of experience in a manufacturing, agricultural, warehouse OR military environment OR completion of post high school education in manufacturing/industrial.

What will Put You Ahead
  • Experience working in a corrugated box plant.
  • Experience using a computer, tablet, or smart device.

Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company and a leading manufacturer of bath tissue, paper towels, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, building products and much more, Georgia-Pacific works to meet evolving needs of customers worldwide with quality products. In addition to the products we make, we operate one of the largest recycling businesses. Our more than 30,000 employees in over 150 locations are empowered to innovate every day - to make everyday products even better.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, all offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please visit the following website for additional information: http://www.kochcareers.com/doc/Everify.pdf

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