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Entry Level Cook Jobs in Markham, ON (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Cook information

See Markham, ON salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Markham, ON is $13.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.39 and $15.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 cafes, 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 getting hired.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Markham, ON?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Markham, ON are:

What cities near Markham, ON are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs?

Cities near Markham, ON with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:

Sous Chef (Full-time) - Ajax

Great Canadian Entertainment

Ajax, ON • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

After opening and under the general direction of the Executive Sous Chef, this position will be responsible for leading, supervising and coordinating activities of a workstation or restaurant, engaged in preparing and cooking food products for various outlets per instruction from their direct supervisor.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage, monitor, develop and train Kitchen personnel to ensure production of high-quality food;
  • Ensure adequate staffing levels;
  • Responsible for performance appraisals and identify development opportunities for team members;
  • Identify areas of improvement to ensure attention to detail is achieved by the team and ensure a consistent Guest dining experience is provided;
  • Liaise with Che de Partie to determine daily menu requirements and discuss daily working processes of the team;
  • Monitor and manage costs and resources and inform the Executive Chef and/or Executive Sous Chef of any issues immediately;
  • Ensure regular and update Food Safety logs are completed accordingly; Conduct regular inspections in the kitchen area to ensure production area is clean and sanitized;
  • Effectively resolve all Guest complaints and feedback regarding food production and work collaboratively with Restaurant Managers to ensure smooth guest experience.
  • Attend and undertake Open Galley events such as cooking demonstrations when required;
  • Meets with the Executive Sous Chef and Management regularly, to review the requirements of the day's meals and time frames for restaurant service. 
  • Supervises the assigned workstation function. Assigns duties and responsibilities to employees. Including Time & Attendance policy for the workstation or restaurant. 
  • Observes and evaluates employees and work procedures to ensure quality standards and service is met. 
  • Trains and monitors entry level cooks and Chefs for proper service; Conducts on-the-job training and leadership with assigned team members to ensure that all employees are up to date with public health standards of preparing, holding, storing, re-heating and serving food
  • Conducts an inventory of the items in the workstation storage. Determines the day's food requirements and prepares daily requisitions for approval of the Executive Sous Chef; 
  • Knows and operates and trains team members on all equipment according to proper procedures.  Reports all out of order equipment directly to his/her supervisor. Conducts documented training of Cooks in operating, cleaning and maintaining machinery and tools according to the company's Workplace Safety program.     
  • Works with all kitchen personnel in a cooperative, productive and effective manner. 
  • Performs related duties as required. This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by his/her supervisor or management.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Qualification Requirements:

  • Red Seal or equivalent recognized hotel / culinary diploma / qualification 
  • Post-Secondary education in Culinary Management or 4 to 6 years' experience cooking and preparing food in a 4 or 5-star hotel, restaurant or high-volume food service facility. Written references from former employers are preferred.
  • Ability to read, interpret and demonstrate the preparation of recipes for all basic meat, fish, sauce and side dishes according to International standards.  The demonstration includes advanced cooking methods such as braise, saute, broil and grill and the use of a variety of knifes to slice, dice, chop, julienne, etc.
  • Ability to butcher meat, chicken, fish, and shellfish.
  • Extensive knowledge of food handling procedures regarding to public health standards. 
  • Ability to learn and utilize knowledge of policies and practices involved in the human resources function.  Ability to supervise an international team of entry-level cooks and chefs in a positive and productive manner by motivating, developing and managing employees as they work. 
  • Awareness of budgets and food wastage gained within a corporate environment
  • Technical skills: Competent in the use of most MS Office Software
  • Effectively use the supply and inventory management system
  • Good command of written and spoken English

Internal Candidates:

  • Successful completion of both theoretical and practical company sponsored Leadership Courses

  • At least 2 years' experience across a minimum of four of the following stations: Roast/fish, Soup/Sauce, Vegetable, Pantry, Pastry, Butcher, Bakery, Tournant, Room service, Buffet, Food Hall, Alternative dinning, Banqueting and special functions.

Other key skills:

  • Keeps up to date on emerging culinary techniques and recipes 
  • Socially confident and adopts a professional manner, comfortable making conversation with Guests

  • Supports and encourages the team in helping to build a positive and open culture

  • Experience of / or ability to manage a team 

  • Passionate about delivering a great service to guests and looks to continually improve

  • Creates a positive working environment building a culture of openness and trust

  • Calm under pressure, taking a logical approach to problem solving and involving and communicating to relevant stakeholders throughout

  • Able to work under pressure and to deadlines

  • Adaptable and flexible in the face of change or unanticipated events

  • Loyal to the brand and compliant with company policies and procedures

Work Environment Considerations

  • Fast paced with multiple priorities, deadlines and deliverables; exposure to some conflict, distress and noise;

  • This role requires a flexible schedule that adapts to the business needs of a 24 hour operation; will have non-traditional work hours including evening and weekend shifts.

Additional Information

Minimum Rate (CAD $) | Minimum Salary (CAD $): 62000
Job Rate (CAD $) | Midpoint Salary (CAD $): 83500
Maximum Rate (CAD $) | Maximum Salary (CAD $): 105500
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Great Canadian Entertainment is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we welcome all qualified applicants to apply to join our team of unique contributors. We accommodate people with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process and applicants are encouraged to advise Human Resources in advance if an accommodation is required. We thank all applicants for their interest and will contact those qualified to continue in the recruitment process.

Artificial intelligence may be used to select applicants in our processes. All hiring decisions are made by humans.