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Entry Level Chef Jobs in Reading, MA (NOW HIRING)

Wegmans Food Markets

Lead Cook Trainee

Chestnut Hill, MA · On-site

$23 - $25.25/hr

This is an entry-level structured training program designed to be completed within 6 months with ... What will I do? * Assist the Sous Chef in running the kitchen and managing employees, overseeing ...

Invited Clubs

Cook 1

Ipswich, MA

$17.75 - $22/hr

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 ...

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Entry Level Chef information

See Reading, MA salary details

$10

$25

$47

How much do entry level chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level chef in Reading, MA is $25.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $32.74 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 Reading, MA? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Reading, MA are:
What cities near Reading, MA are hiring for Entry Level Chef jobs? Cities near Reading, MA with the most Entry Level Chef job openings:
Entry Level Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chef job openings in Reading, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,052 per year, or $26 per hour.

Entry Level Kitchen Position, Boston

DIG INN Chefs-In-Training

Boston, MA • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 hours ago

Job description

CHEF-IN-TRAINING

[Restaurant Team Member]

$16 - $18 / hour depending on experience + $2-3/hour in tips + MORE BENEFITS!

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The next generation of chefs are evolving in DIG restaurants.

Our scratch based kitchens are built around people with a true passion for real good food. We teach individuals who are excited to share their enthusiasm for food and transform them into skilled chefs. You will advance and gain the ability to work with food, develop leadership skills, and stay sharp in our fast-pace culinary environment. If you are seeking a community where education, purpose, and taste matter, we encourage you to join our fa(r)m.

YOU WILL:

  • Prep, mix, and cook vegetables, proteins, grains etc using recipes as a guide and taste buds for validation.
  • Gain exposure to different stations within the DIG kitchen including but not limited to garde manger, grill, roast, market line, guest concierge and delivery/packout.
  • Speak to current menu offerings, seasonality, and ingredients with guests - making their day as you provide them with a delicious scratch-made meal (aka: marketbowl).
  • Work to support the team during peak and off peak service, by pitching in wherever and whenever necessary.
  • Multi-task and move in the kitchen for extended periods of time. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • Help to maintain the "A" lettergrade by following Department of Health and DIG food safety standards.
  • Demonstrate professional maturity and strictly uphold DIG's anti-discrimination & anti-harassment policies.
  • Go home feeling fulfilled knowing you are a part of a bigger mission to rebuild the food system.

YOU HAVE:

  • A passion for real, good food and a desire to learn culinary practices and skills.
  • The ability to demonstrate and execute a strong work ethic.
  • The ability to perform physical requirements of the position (frequently lifting up to 25 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds). These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • The ability to perform other physical requirements such as seeing, hearing, speaking, reaching, bending, and moving intermittently during working hours. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • A team-oriented focus. You have a deep appreciation for the people you work with and help to support the restaurant's success.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • A desire to create exceptional employee & guest experiences.
  • An eye for detail and solving challenges.
  • A desire for growth in our brigade.

WORK PERKS:

Aside from the standard job description fare (competitive pay) we also offer:

  • Opportunities for GROWTH in a TEAM environment
  • Competitive Pay & potential to earn tips
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401K programming
  • Parental leave
  • Thanksgiving, Christmas and other Holidays Off
  • Flexible Scheduling: Part Time and Full Time Hours
  • Complimentary DIG lunch everyday
  • Commuter Benefits

ABOUT US: To learn more about our mission and food please visit our website at: https://www.diginn.com/mission

NOTE: DIG believes in the power of a shared table to bring people together as we are committed to building a culturally inclusive team. Female, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and diverse candidates are encouraged to apply

Additional Role Note:

The duties of this position may change from time to time. DIG reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Dig or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

DIG is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, familial status as that term is described under the New York State Human Rights Law, caregiver or partnership status as those terms are defined under the New York City Human Rights Law (if you are employed in New York City) or other protected status or any other characteristic as protected under applicable federal, state and local law ("Protected Status").