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Entry Level Cook Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Gustav's

Dishwasher

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$15.74 - $17/hr

Wash and clean tableware, pots, pans and cooking equipment. Keep the dishroom, restaurant, bathrooms, kitchen and equipment clean and organized. This is an entry level position that may lead to ...

Astronics

Production Associate

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

... cooking, and other critical applications. We are looking for Production Associate to join our team on day shift, 7am-3:30pm Monday-Friday. This is an entry level position with opportunity to grow and ...

Astronics

Production Associate

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

... cooking, and other critical applications. We are looking for Production Associate to join our team on day shift, 7am-3:30pm Monday-Friday. This is an entry level position with opportunity to grow and ...

Astronics

Production Associate

Clackamas, OR

$15.75 - $20/hr

... cooking, and other critical applications. We are looking for Production Associate to join our team on day shift, 7am-3:30pm Monday-Friday. This is an entry level position with opportunity to grow and ...

Cafe Yumm!

Restaurant Crew Member

Portland, OR

$22.90/hr

Crew Members are entry level positions, but advancement opportunities are available. All Team ... Experience as a server, cook, cashier, host, or equivalent related experience is preferred. What is ...

Astronics

Production Assembler - Day shift

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

... cooking, and other critical applications. We are looking for Production Assemblers to join our team on day shift, 7am-3:30pm Monday-Friday. This is an entry level position with opportunity to grow ...

Astronics

Production Assembler - Swing Shift

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

... commercial cooking, and other critical applications. We are looking for Production Assemblers to join our team on swing shift 3pm-11:30pm Monday-Friday. This is an entry level position with ...

Baker Commodities Inc

Bulk Grease Driver

Portland, OR · On-site

$34.65/hr

... used cooking oil in accordance with local ordinances and environmental regulations. Visit our ... Ability to complete Entry Level Driver program if less than 2 years commercial vehicle driving ...

Astronics

Production Assembler - Swing Shift

Clackamas, OR

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

... commercial cooking, and other critical applications. We are looking for Production Assemblers to join our team on swing shift 3pm-11:30pm Monday-Friday. This is an entry level position with ...

Astronics

Production Assembler - Day shift

Clackamas, OR

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

... cooking, and other critical applications. We are looking for Production Assemblers to join our team on day shift, 7am-3:30pm Monday-Friday. This is an entry level position with opportunity to grow ...

Baker Commodities Inc

Bulk Grease Driver

Portland, OR

$34.65/hr

... used cooking oil in accordance with local ordinances and environmental regulations. Visit our ... Ability to complete Entry Level Driver program if less than 2 years commercial vehicle driving ...

Cafe Yumm!

Restaurant Crew Member

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$22.79/hr

Crew Members are entry level positions, but advancement opportunities are available. All Team ... Experience as a server, cook, cashier, host, or equivalent related experience is preferred. What is ...

Cafe Yumm!

Restaurant Crew Member

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$22.79/hr

Crew Members are entry level positions, but advancement opportunities are available. All Team ... Experience as a server, cook, cashier, host, or equivalent related experience is preferred. What is ...

Astronics

Production Assembler - Swing Shift

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

... commercial cooking, and other critical applications. We are looking for Production Assemblers to join our team on swing shift 3pm-11:30pm Monday-Friday. This is an entry level position with ...

Astronics

Production Assembler - Day shift

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

... cooking, and other critical applications. We are looking for Production Assemblers to join our team on day shift, 7am-3:30pm Monday-Friday. This is an entry level position with opportunity to grow ...

Banner Solutions

Bulk Grease Driver

Portland, OR · On-site

$34.65/hr

... used cooking oil in accordance with local ordinances and environmental regulations. Visit our ... Ability to complete Entry Level Driver program if less than 2 years commercial vehicle driving ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCook JobsEntry Level Cook JobsEntry Level Cook Jobs in Portland, OR

Entry Level Cook information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Portland, OR is $16.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $18.41 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cook jobs in Portland, OR? For Entry Level Cook jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cook jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cook jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:
Entry Level Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,069 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Dishwasher

Gustav's

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$15.74 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Summary of Position:
Wash and clean tableware, pots, pans and cooking equipment. Keep the dishroom, restaurant, bathrooms, kitchen and equipment clean and organized. This is an entry level position that may lead to promotions to the other roles within the kitchen.
Duties & Responsibilites:
Load, run and unload dish machine.
Keep the dish machine & sinks clean and report any functional or mechanical problems immediately.
Monitor dish machine & sink water temperature to ensure sanitary wash cycle.
Wash and store all tableware and kitchenware.
Properly label, replenish and store chemicals.
Use the proper chemicals for each job while maintain safety for yourself and those around you.
Keep dishroom & storage clean and organized.
Maintain adequate levels of clean tableware for dining room and kitchen.
Bag and haul dishroom trash to dumpster at designed times.
Handle tableware carefully to prevent breakage and loss.
Maintain adequate levels of dish detergents and cleaning supplies.
Clean food preparation and production areas as required
. Assist with basic food preparation according to the checklist and prep sheets.
Be available to fill in as needed to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the restaurant as directed by the restaurant manager or immediate supervisor.
Complete any other tasks or directives issues by your Manager or Superiors in a polite, timely and accurate manner.
Qualifications, Skills and Requirements:
No previous restaurant experience required.
Be able to work in hot, wet, humid and loud environment for long periods of time.
Be physically able to lift, reach, bend and stoop.
Be able to working in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 8 hours).
Be able to safely lift bags, cases and stacks weighing up to 60 pounds up to 30 times per shift.
Compensation: $15.74 - $17.00 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Gustav's is a locally owned German Restaurant that has become an institution in the Portland/Vancouver area over the last 30+ years. Quality been a focus at Gustav's since its inception and we are looking for like-minded professionals to keep that spirit alive!
NW Hospitality Group acquired the legendary Gustav's in July of 2023 with the intention of keeping the restaurant around for years to come! You may know us from our other local establishments, Amaro's Table and Cecilia. Our brand is already known for our impeccable service, delicious food and an amazing beverage program. Amaro's Table has won numerous awards for it's bar program and happy hour including Best of Clark County the last 3 years.
We are a company who invest a lot of time, education and energy in our team members in order to ensure their success. NW Hospitality Group is a great place for those that are looking to further their career goals, in and out of the hospitality industry. We strive to promote from within and move people towards their future successes.

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