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Entry Level Cook Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

Bowdoin College

Cook

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$21.35/hr

Posting Details Posting Details Title Cook Posting Number S01573JP Department Dining Service - Thorne Hall Job Summary Entry level cooking position supporting cooks and chefs. Provides daily food ...

Bowdoin College

Cook III

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$21.35/hr

Posting Details Posting Details Title Cook III Posting Number S01539JP Department Dining Service - Smith Union Job Summary Entry level cooking position supporting cooks and chefs. Provides daily food ...

Boyne Resorts

Level 1 Cook

Newry, ME

$18.50/hr

Overview As a Level 1 Cook you can earn up to $18.50/hr and will work with the kitchen supervisor ... This position is entry-level, and training is available Compensation & Benefits * Wages range from ...

Boyne Resorts

Level 1 Cook

Newry, ME · On-site

$18.50/hr

Overview As a Level 1 Cook you can earn up to $18.50/hr and will work with the kitchen supervisor ... This position is entry-level, and training is available Compensation & Benefits * Wages range from ...

Senior Lifestyle

Cook

Gorham, ME

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Experience in production cooking and/or preparing therapeutic diets is preferred. * You need to be ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Senior Lifestyle

Cook

Auburn, ME

$15 - $20.25/hr

Experience in production cooking and/or preparing therapeutic diets is preferred. * You need to be ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Senior Lifestyle

Cook

York, ME

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Experience in production cooking and/or preparing therapeutic diets is preferred. * You need to be ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Clover Healthcare

Cook

Auburn, ME · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Experience in production cooking and/or preparing therapeutic diets is preferred. * You need to be ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Senior Lifestyle

Cook

Gorham, ME · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Experience in production cooking and/or preparing therapeutic diets is preferred. * You need to be ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Senior Lifestyle

Cook

York, ME · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Experience in production cooking and/or preparing therapeutic diets is preferred. * You need to be ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Sentry Hill at York Harbor

Cook

York, ME

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Experience in production cooking and/or preparing therapeutic diets is preferred. * You need to be ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Senior Lifestyle

Cook

Auburn, ME · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Experience in production cooking and/or preparing therapeutic diets is preferred. * You need to be ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

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All JobsCook JobsEntry Level Cook JobsEntry Level Cook Jobs in Maine

Entry Level Cook information

See Maine salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Maine is $15.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $17.45 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 Maine? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Maine are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cook jobs in Maine? For Entry Level Cook jobs in Maine, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cook jobs in Maine look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cook jobs in Maine are:
Entry Level Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in Maine as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,280 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Cook

Cook

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME • On-site

$21.35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Title
Cook
Posting Number
S01573JP
Department
Dining Service - Thorne Hall
Job Summary
Entry level cooking position supporting cooks and chefs. Provides daily food preparation and work environment sanitation. Under supervision of the Lead Cook, prepare daily menu items to recipe specifications.
This position has a regular work schedule of Tuesday - Friday from 6:30AM to 2:30PM and Saturday from 7:00AM to 3:00PM with Sunday's and Monday's off.
This position will start mid-August
  • Hourly rate for this position is $21.35/per hour

BENEFITS AND PERKS
  • A variety of health insurance plans (Medical - effective date of hire, Vision, Dental)
  • Generous Retirement Plan - 10.12% annual compensation contribution (Eligible after 1 year of service and age 26), no match or vesting required!
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off: 10 days of vacation (1st year), 15 days (2nd year), 12 days of personal/sick time (PTO accruals based on hours worked).
  • Paid Holidays and Special Days Off: https://www.bowdoin.edu/hr/our-workplace/college-holidays-and-special-days-off.html
  • Paid Parental Leave (Available after one year of service)
  • Access to many of the College's facilities including the gym and pool (Including household members)

Education/Skills Requirements
High School Diploma or G.E.D. required. One to three years in kitchen production preferred. Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced team-oriented environment is required.
Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents
Demonstrated understanding of basic cooking techniques and their application in quick-service and/or institutional settings. Serve Safe Certification preferred. Certification may be obtained after hiring.
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in this posting to be considered for hire.
Standard Work Days and Hours
  • This is an onsite, full-time, academic year-round position, working 40 hours per week for 38 weeks per year (0.73 FTE). The role includes occasional overtime, weekends, holidays, and weather emergencies, as well as coverage during major college events such as Parents Weekend, Commencement, and Reunions.
  • An academic year-round employee works from August through May and is not scheduled to work during winter, spring, or summer breaks.
  • This position has a regular work schedule of Tuesday - Friday from 6:30AM to 2:30PM and Saturday from 7:00AM to 3:00PM with Sunday's and Monday's off.

We regret that Bowdoin College is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
Employment at Bowdoin College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks including but not limited to: criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job-related), and/or credit history (when job related).
#bcindeed
About Bowdoin
Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home to talented students, faculty and staff-with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and gender identities, among other factors.
We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College's multifaceted diversity. We value a community in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed.
Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin's reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine.
Bowdoin's campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, the College is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five miles from Portland and 120 miles from Boston.
Shift
First Shift
Employment Category
Full Time Academic Year
FTE
0.73
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Pay Type
Hourly
Background Check Package Requirements
Support Staff
Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Bowdoin vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job?
No
Is a pre-placement physical required for this position?
Yes
Posting Date
07/24/2026
Applications Accepted Until
Open Until Filled
No
Type of Posting
Internal/External
Special Instructions to Applicants
If selected as a finalist, you will be required to submit information for three references, including name, email address, phone number and how you know the reference.
EEO Information
Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses.

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