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Entry Level Cook Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Cook - Dean's

Indianapolis, IN

$13.50 - $18/hr

Basic cooking skills, including sauteing, broiling, frying, roasting, butchery, garde manger, pantry, and breakfast cookery. * Culinary education or apprenticeship preferred but not mandatory.

Other Key Words: Entry level, Cook, Cafeteria, menu, dishes Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For ...

Cook

Schererville, IN · On-site

$15.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

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Entry Level Cook information

See Indiana salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Indiana is $15.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a first line cook job?

To get a first line cook job, candidates should gain basic culinary skills through culinary school or on-the-job training, and demonstrate reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. Experience in food preparation, knowledge of kitchen safety, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important. Applying to entry-level positions and networking with industry professionals can improve chances of securing a first line cook role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Cook position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cook, you need basic cooking skills, familiarity with food safety standards, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions, often gained through high school education or culinary training programs. Exposure to kitchen equipment like grills, fryers, ovens, and knowledge of food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically expected. Attention to detail, reliability, strong communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications help ensure delicious, safe meals are prepared efficiently while maintaining a positive, productive kitchen environment.

What does a typical workday look like for an Entry Level Cook?

As an Entry Level Cook, your workday often starts with prepping ingredients and setting up your workstation according to the day's menu. Throughout your shift, you'll prepare and cook dishes under the supervision of senior cooks or kitchen managers, assist with cleaning and organization, and restock supplies as needed. The pace can be fast, especially during meal rushes, and you’ll frequently collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure orders are accurate and timely. This hands-on experience helps you build essential culinary skills and fosters a strong understanding of team operations in a professional kitchen.

How do I start working as a cook with no experience?

Entry level cooks can start by gaining basic kitchen skills through online tutorials or cooking classes, and volunteering or working as a dishwasher or prep cook to gain experience. Many employers offer on-the-job training, so demonstrating a willingness to learn and a good work ethic can help you get hired without prior experience.

How to get a cooking job without experience?

Entry level cook positions often do not require prior experience; applicants can improve their chances by demonstrating a willingness to learn, maintaining a positive attitude, and gaining basic skills through cooking classes or volunteering. Highlighting reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic during interviews can also help secure a job in a kitchen environment.

What is an Entry Level Cook job?

An Entry Level Cook is responsible for basic food preparation and assisting in the kitchen under the supervision of senior chefs. Duties may include chopping ingredients, following recipes, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards. This position helps individuals gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen setting. It is a great starting point for those looking to advance in the culinary field.

Where to start as a beginner cook?

Entry level cooks should start by learning basic food preparation skills, such as chopping, measuring, and following recipes. Gaining experience in a professional kitchen environment, understanding food safety, and possibly obtaining a food handler's certification can help build a foundation for advancement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cook jobs in Indiana? For Entry Level Cook jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cook jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cook jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 32% Full Time, 65% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,725 per year, or $15.3 per hour.
Entry Level Cook - Dean's

Entry Level Cook - Dean's

White Lodging

Indianapolis, IN

$13.50 - $18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


White Lodging rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 105 rated hotels


Job description

Description

Position Information

Location: JW Marriott Indianapolis

Summary:

Enjoy advanced scheduling and the flexibility to swap or pick up shifts easily using our app-perfect for achieving better balance while pursuing your passion in the food and beverage industry!


White Lodging develops and operates a portfolio of award-winning, premium-brand hotels, rooftop bars and restaurants in some of the country's best cities to live. We know that the hospitality business, like life, is how you make people feel. That's where you come in. You'll help bring the virtue of hospitality to life while we create an environment that allows you to be your best self and grow.

Responsibilities:

What You'll Do

  • Train as a Culinarian, learning and practicing the full job description and duties of a cook.
  • Utilize company F&B procedures, health department regulations, and federal guidelines.
  • Follow proper food handling and storage procedures.
  • Assist in maintaining food cost and labor cost standards.
  • Check freshness of foods and ingredients; ensure all recipes and portion-use records are followed.
  • Be aware of guest feedback scores and work to positively influence rankings.
  • Foster a climate of cooperation and respect between coworkers.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring

  • Basic knowledge of cooking and preparation equipment.
  • Basic cooking skills, including sauteing, broiling, frying, roasting, butchery, garde manger, pantry, and breakfast cookery.
  • Culinary education or apprenticeship preferred but not mandatory.
  • Ability to stand and move at a fast pace for long periods of time.

Other information:

What You Can Look Forward To

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (starting Day 1)
  • Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • DailyPay option
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Vacation/Paid Time Off (PTO) with rollover
  • Complimentary wellness tools
  • Unlimited referral bonuses
  • Leadership development and tuition reimbursement
  • Discounts on hotel rooms, dining, and other travel/entertainment experiences
  • Multiple hotels in each market = more opportunities for growth

White Lodging is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.


Additional Information: This hotel is owned and operated by an independent franchisee. The franchisee is a separate company and a separate employer from Marriott International, Inc. and its subsidiary companies (collectively, "Marriott"). The franchisee solely controls all aspects of the hotel's employment policies and practices, including hiring, termination, discipline, staffing, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment. If you apply for this position, Marriott will have no involvement in the selection process. Your application information will not be provided to or accessible by Marriott. If you accept a position at this hotel, you will be employed by a franchisee, not Marriott.

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