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Entry Level Cook Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Cook - Repeal

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or anyone passionate about food and beverage who wants hands-on training in a professional hotel kitchen. No ...

Entry Level Cook - Repeal

Louisville, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or anyone passionate about food and beverage who wants hands-on training in a professional hotel kitchen. No ...

Entry Level Cook - Corner

Louisville, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or anyone passionate about food and beverage who wants hands-on training in a professional hotel kitchen. No ...

Entry Level Cook - Repeal

Louisville, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or anyone passionate about food and beverage who wants hands-on training in a professional hotel kitchen. No ...

Entry Level Cook - Zombie Taco

Louisville, KY · On-site

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or anyone passionate about food and beverage who wants hands-on training in a professional hotel kitchen in ...

Entry Level Cook - Zombie Taco

Louisville, KY · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or anyone passionate about food and beverage who wants hands-on training in a professional hotel kitchen in ...

Entry Level Cook - Repeal

Louisville, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AM Prep Cook for Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse Enjoy advanced scheduling and the flexibility to swap or pick up shifts easily using our app-perfect for achieving better balance while pursuing your ...

Entry Level Cook - Porch Kitchen + Bar

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or anyone passionate about food and beverage who wants hands-on training in a professional hotel kitchen. No ...

Lead Line Cook - Repeal

Louisville, KY · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mentor and collaborate with Entry Level Cooks, Line Cooks, culinary apprentices, and stewards while managing daily food preparation and production in the food outlet * Follow company F&B procedures ...

New

Lead Line Cook - Repeal

Louisville, KY · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mentor and collaborate with Entry Level Cooks, Line Cooks, culinary apprentices, and stewards while managing daily food preparation and production in the food outlet * Follow company F&B procedures ...

Cook - Morning Shift

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Cook - Morning Shift

Lexington, KY

$14/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Cook information

See Kentucky salary details

$7

$13

$19

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Kentucky is $13.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $15.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level cook?

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 an entry level cook do?

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.

What is an entry level cook?

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.

How do I start working as an entry level cook with no experience?

To start as an entry level cook with no experience, focus on gaining basic kitchen skills, such as knife handling and food safety, through online courses or volunteering. Apply for entry-level positions at restaurants or cafeterias, emphasizing your willingness to learn and work in a team; some employers may provide on-the-job training. Obtaining a food handler's permit can also improve your chances of employment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cook jobs in Kentucky?

For Entry Level Cook jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cook jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cook jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $28,957 per year, or $13.9 per hour.

Entry Level Cook - Repeal

White Lodging Services Corp

Louisville, KY • On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


White Lodging rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 108 rated hotels


Job description

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!
Launch your culinary career with White Lodging - a hospitality company operating premium hotels, rooftop bars, and restaurants across top U.S. cities. This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or anyone passionate about food and beverage who wants hands-on training in a professional hotel kitchen. No prior restaurant experience required.
Responsibilities:
What You'll Do
  • Train as a Culinarian - learning and practicing the full duties of a professional cook in a structured program
  • Follow company F&B procedures, health department regulations, and federal food safety guidelines
  • Practice proper food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures
  • Assist in maintaining food cost and labor cost standards
  • Check ingredient freshness; follow all recipes and portion-use records
  • Monitor guest feedback scores and work to positively influence rankings
  • Foster a climate of cooperation and respect among coworkers

What You'll Bring
  • Basic knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment and cooking techniques
  • Foundational skills in sautéing, broiling, frying, roasting, butchery, garde manger, pantry, and breakfast cookery
  • Culinary degree or apprenticeship preferred - not required; we will train the right candidate
  • Ability to stand and move at a fast pace for long periods

Other information:
What You Can Look Forward To
  • DailyPay - get paid when you need it
  • Advanced scheduling with easy shift swapping via our app
  • Unlimited employee referral bonuses
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off (PTO) with rollover
  • Complimentary wellness tools
  • Leadership development & tuition reimbursement
  • Discounts on hotel rooms, dining, and travel
  • Growth opportunities across multiple hotel properties in your market
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Full-time associates also receive:
    • Medical, dental, and vision insurance - starting day 1
    • Life and disability insurance
    • Paid parental leave

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

What White Lodging employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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