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Entry Level Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

White Lodging

Entry Level Cook - Acre 41

Austin, TX · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or anyone passionate about food and beverage who wants hands-on training in a professional hotel kitchen. No ...

White Lodging

Entry Level Cook - Zombie Taco

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or anyone passionate about food and beverage who wants hands-on training in a professional hotel kitchen. No ...

Grand Hyatt Washington

Cook 1 - Entry Level

Washington, DC · On-site

$22.69 - $25.47/hr

This entry-level Cook position requires good communication and basic culinary skills. The desired candidate will have some professional cooking experience, knowledge of cooking ingredients, and ...

CRYSTAL FINISHING SYSTEMS

CTI Cook

Mosinee, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Entry-Level Cook - Fuel the Future of Sports Performance! Join the Team at Crystal Training Institute (CTI) Do you enjoy cooking, working with people, and being part of an energetic environment?

Hyatt

Entry level Cook - Sixes & Eights

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.33/hr

The Entry Level Cook is a culinary position that requires basic culinary skills or related cooking experience and good communication skills. This position will work within one of our 3 outlets. Hyatt ...

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Entry Level Cook information

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How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 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.

More about Entry Level Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs? The most popular types of Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cook jobs are:
Entry Level Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.
Cook 1 - Entry Level | Full-time

Cook 1 - Entry Level | Full-time

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Austin, TX • On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Hyatt Hotels rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 254 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 106 rated hotels

Job description

Turn your passion for food and cooking into a Culinary Career with Hyatt Hotels! Learn from our team of experienced Chefs and gain hands-on experience, working in a fast-paced and exciting environment that offers growth and development opportunities.
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa is looking for an Entry-Level Cook 1 to join our Culinary team and prepare delicious dishes for our guests. The Entry Level Cook 1 requires basic culinary skills or related cooking experience and good communication skills. This is typically a production position that requires total supervision and training.
Benefits | We care for people so they can be their best Our colleagues enjoy:
  • Career Growth and Advancement - Hyatt believes strongly in promoting from within. We offer training, skills development & career mobility, providing opportunities for advancement at every level
  • Affordable Benefits after 30 days - Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family. Full-time colleagues are eligible for medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, STD
  • Healthcare FSA - saves you money for medical expenses
  • Free Hyatt Room Nights - at Hyatt Hotels around the world for full-time & part-time colleagues
  • Discounted Room Nights - for you, your friends and your family!
  • Free Parking - convenient and cost-free parking for all our associates
  • Paid Time Off - Take the time you need to recharge and stay healthy
  • Financial Perks - 401(k) w/ company match & discounted employee stock purchase plan
  • Employee Assistance - 24/7 emotional support, legal guidance, personal & financial resources
  • Employee meals - in our cafeteria for full-time, part-time and on-call colleagues
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Further your education with our support.
  • Discounts at various retailers - at Headspace, Apple, AT&T, Verizon and More!
  • Colleague Recognition Programs - Be celebrated for your hard work and dedication.

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
  • Previous cooking experience is preferred
  • Requires good communication skills.
  • A true desire to satisfy the needs of others in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • Capable of performing repetitious duties.
  • Open availability including weekends and holidays
  • Must exhibit a positive attitude and have a passion for teamwork.

What Hyatt Hotels employees say

Pay

Benefits

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About Hyatt

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Hyatt, we believe in the power of belonging and creating a culture of care, where our colleagues become family. Since 1957, our colleagues and our guests have been at the heart of our business and helped Hyatt become one of the best, and fastest-growing hospitality brands in the world. Our transformative growth and the addition of new hotels, brands, and business lines can open the door for exciting career and growth opportunities for our colleagues. As we continue to grow, we never lose sight of what's most important: People. We turn trips into journeys, encounters into experiences, and jobs into careers.

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1957

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