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Entry Level Chef Jobs in West Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Chef information

See West Virginia salary details

$7

$19

$34

How much do entry level chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level chef in West Virginia is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $23.99 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 West Virginia? The most popular types of Chef jobs in West Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chef jobs in West Virginia? For Entry Level Chef jobs in West Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chef jobs in West Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chef jobs in West Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chef job openings in West Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,657 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Sous Chef at Blackwater Smokehouse

The Smokehouse at Blackwater Falls

Davis, WV • On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

The Smokehouse at Blackwater Falls is seeking candidates for an Sous Chef position directly responsible for strategy, direction and assisting oversight of all back of the house operations, and food served in all food outlets. Responsible for assisting all kitchen functions.

Benefits Offered

  • Medical and Dental Insurance
  • PTO after 1 year
  • Competitive Pay
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Hotel Room Discounts
  • Ongoing Training and Career Development

Required Education and Experience:

  • Previously demonstrated experience in food preparation and production in a full service kitchen. (Both Dining Room and Banquet production)
  • Must be available to work days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays

Required Work Skills and Knowledge:

  • Ability to train kitchen positions in all areas of operation, from  cuisine preparation/presentation to prep work to entry level kitchen positions.
  • Proven written and verbal communication skills particularly in regards to training and coaching employees.
  • Proven interpersonal skills with ability to communicate with management, front of house personnel and guests.
  • Ability to use computerized food ordering system, and experience with Word and Excel software.
  • Ability to quickly assess productivity levels of the cook line, dish area and pantry personnel during any given meal period.
  • Ability to recognize safety hazards, and correct them immediately.
  • Physical ability to stand for long periods of time.*
  • Ability to frequently bend/stoop, squat, reach above shoulder level and balance. Must be able to occasionally crouch, push/pull and lift up to 50 lbs.*
  • Physical ability to lift thirty pounds of food product and carry it a minimum of twenty-five feet.*
  • Must be able to work days, nights, holidays, weekends and other shifts as necessary.*

*Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Responsible for ensuring the quality, safety and consistency of all food preparation throughout the lodge; ensures proper food quality, food cost and balance of menu items is maintained.
  • Comply with all company financial goals including but not limited to food cost and labor percentage on a monthly and yearly basis.
  • Verify schedule prior to distribution and ensure labor percentages are on target on a daily basis.
  • Manage the food purchasing process, monthly inventory and high value inventory control.
  • Comply with established practices of purchasing from Company preferred vendors.
  • Maintain accurate recipes.
  • Hold staff accountable for following and maintaining correct ingredients and portion sizes.
  • Develop property dining room and banquet menus including appropriate prices in order to meet food cost.
  • Develop new menus items and specials to include cost sheets for each item.
  • Ensure proper training and staff development is being achieved and employees are working to their full potential.
  • Oversee daily operations of the Kitchen and assist with other areas in Food and Beverage as necessary.
  • Conduct monthly department meetings and administers the Company established monthly training topic to all Kitchen employees.
  • Ensure employees in the Kitchen are trained to properly prepare food according to established guidelines, and maintain Kitchen area using established sanitation guidelines.
  • Ensure all kitchen employees are following all standards set forth through Food Handlers or ServSafe Manager courses.
  • Maintain a good working relationship with the County Health Department inspector.
  • Develop and establish production methods to ensure consistency in food production to meet menu specifications
  • Communicate with management and all employees to accomplish company and Food and Beverage goals, solve problems, and build a strong team.
  • Stay current in the culinary field to include food trends in order to anticipate guest’s requests.
  • Prepare and oversees the preparation of special meals for VIP guests.
  • Process timekeeping for kitchen staff to ensure accuracy and keep records of attendance.

About Us: At Regency Hotel Management, hospitality is who we are—and what we do best. Since 1965, we've been leaders in driving maximum profit while creating asset value for clients. Our team of hotel management experts provides thoughtful, hands-on guidance inspired by years of professional experience. Our teams across our multiple locations are always growing, and we're looking for motivated individuals to join us!

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.