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Entry Level Cook Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

White Lodging Careers

Entry Level Cook - Corner

Louisville, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

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 ...

White Lodging

Entry Level Cook - Corner

Louisville, KY

$13.50 - $18/hr

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 ...

White Lodging

Entry Level Cook - Zombie Taco

Louisville, KY · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

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 ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Morning Shift

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14/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 ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Morning Shift

Lexington, KY

$14/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 ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Closing Shift

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14/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 ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Closing Shift

Nicholasville, KY

$14/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 ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Closing Shift

Nicholasville, KY · On-site

$14/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 ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Closing Shift

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14/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 ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Closing Shift

Lexington, KY

$14/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 ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Morning Shift

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14/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 ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Closing Shift

Nicholasville, KY · On-site

$14/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 ...

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Entry Level Cook information

See Kentucky salary details

$7

$13

$19

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 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.

How to get a first line cook job?

To get a first line cook job, gain basic cooking skills through culinary classes or on-the-job training, and obtain relevant certifications such as food safety. Build a strong work ethic, demonstrate reliability, and prepare a resume highlighting any kitchen experience or related skills to increase your chances of employment in a restaurant environment.

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.

Is cook 1 entry level?

Yes, a Cook 1 position is typically considered entry-level in the culinary industry. It usually requires basic cooking skills, such as food preparation and following recipes, and often serves as a starting point for a culinary career. Advancement may require gaining experience and developing additional skills like knife techniques or kitchen safety certifications.

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 to learn kitchen operations. Applying for entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training and demonstrating a willingness to learn can help you gain experience and develop necessary skills such as food safety and knife handling.

How much does a beginner cook make?

Entry-level cooks typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on location, establishment, and experience. Starting salaries may increase with additional skills, certifications, and experience in the 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.

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:
Entry Level Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% 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 - Corner

Entry Level Cook - Corner

White Lodging Services Corporation

Louisville, KY

$13.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

White Lodging rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 107 rated hotels

Job description

Description

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.

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


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. #KY200


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