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

Astronics Corporation

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 ...

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Entry Level Cook information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$16

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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.
Production Assembler - Swing Shift

Production Assembler - Swing Shift

Astronics Corporation

Clackamas, OR • On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Astronics rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 142 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Astronics Subsidiary
Location
Description
Astronics-PECO, located in picturesque Clackamas, Oregon near the foothills of Mt. Hood, designs, certifies, manufactures, and sells a wide range of products to commercial, government, and military markets throughout the world. Our highly engineered interior and structural aerospace products are supplied to the largest aircraft manufacturers and are installed in aircraft around the globe, and our military products are used in critical national defense applications. The Max-Viz enhanced visions systems (EVS) are designed and certified for use as an improvement to safety by a vast array of airplanes, helicopters, and unmanned-aerial-vehicles in the commercial, government, and military marketplace. PECO-Controls are well established temperature control devices designed for applications where high quality is a must, such as the hospitality industry, 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 opportunity to grow and learn.
What kinds of things will you be doing?
  • Reading and interpreting blueprints, drawings, and/or production procedures to form a complete unit
  • Positioning, aligning and leveling parts to be assembled in machine locating tools, or loading parts in automatic work positioner installed on machine
  • Fit parts together and secure them with screws, bolts, clamps, rivets, or solder using hand tools, portable power tools, or flame solder
  • Operating drill presses, punch presses, riveting machines, robotic equipment, pressure testers, sanders, sand blasters and more
  • Calibrating parts to specifications
  • Sealing joints and seams using adhesives
  • Processing parts before and after paint operations by cleaning, masking, unmasking, and applying touch up paint
  • Examining the final products for defects and making adjustments as needed, rework product to replace, realign parts, or adjust units to ensure conformance to specifications
  • Using a computer to track work in MRP
  • Working safely by using equipment and materials properly
  • Applying quality standards to workmanship after attending the quality manual standards training

How do you know you are a good fit?
  • You have a high school diploma or equivalent, not required
  • You may have experience working in small to medium part assembly, not required
  • You are comfortable working with hand tools
  • You feel confident you can lift up to 30lbs during your workday, some roles less
  • You can read and interpret directions provided to you verbally, via diagram or as a schedule
  • You can perform basic math such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
  • You are not afraid to use a computer to enter, access or retrieve information
  • Willing to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and background check

Employment Eligibility Requirements:
  • This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee's authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.
  • An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a pre-employment background and drug screening (including cannabis). Applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug and background screenings will not be considered for employment.

Accommodation Requests:
Astronics PECO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail Peco.humanresources@astronics.com or call: 503-387-6045. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
Position Requirements
See above
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
About the Organization
Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world's aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company's strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets.
For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit www.Astronics.com.
EOE Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
This position is currently accepting applications.

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