2

Entry Level Cook Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Cook III-Restaurant

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Prepare ingredients for cooking, including portioning, chopping, and storing food. Wash and peel fresh fruits and vegetables. Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients. Prepare and cook food according to ...

Entry Level Cook III-Restaurant

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Prepare ingredients for cooking, including portioning, chopping, and storing food. Wash and peel fresh fruits and vegetables. Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients. Prepare and cook food according to ...

Cook

Cuyahoga Falls, OH · 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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Mentor, OH · 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 ...

Cook

North Olmsted, OH · 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 ...

Cook

Columbus, OH · 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 ...

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

Lakewood, OH · 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 ...

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

Chillicothe, OH · 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Cook information

See Ohio salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Ohio is $15.24, 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, 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 Ohio? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cook jobs in Ohio? For Entry Level Cook jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cook jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cook jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in Ohio 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 $31,696 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Entry Level Cook: Senior Living Community

Kendal at Oberlin

Oberlin, OH • On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Kendal at Oberlin is a full-service life plan community, which primarily serves older adults in the Quaker tradition. Residents are assured a lifetime of healthcare including short- and long-term nursing services, memory care and assisted living. Equally important, residents enjoy an independent, enriching living experience.
Kendal at Oberlin's Dining Services department is currently seeking detail oriented individual for a full- time: 40hrs/week Entry Level Cook (shifts will vary between 6a-2:30p and 11:30a-8:00p). Reporting to the Executive Chef, the Cook will be responsible for relieving the AM and PM cooks, performing duties on their job descriptions: cooking, maintaining food service sanitation, and assisting in other areas of the department as needed. Additional responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Opening or closing kitchen according to assigned position.
  • Assisting Food Production Manager in training, evaluations, discipline, and schedule adjustment of kitchen personnel on shift.
  • Producing items in quantities according to recipes.
  • Using proper temperatures, garnishes, portion sizes, and served with proper sanitary practices.
  • Tracking daily production on production sheets and maintaining accurate recipe files.
  • Attending kitchen meetings, reviewing production needs for the following two (2) days for needs and reporting shortages.

Qualifications and Experience:
  • Must have experience in large volume cooking.
  • Experience cooking in a healthcare facility or retirement community highly preferred.
  • Must be familiar with production sheets, recipe books, professional recipe books, and be able to operate all food service equipment.
  • Must be able to read and write English and have a strong ability to work well with co-workers and managers.
  • Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds.
  • Servsafe certification within 90 days of hire.

***Hours will vary: morning/nights. Rotating weekends and evening as needed, rotating holidays as needed.***
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.