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Entry Level Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cook Marriott

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Supervise and train entry-level cooks and kitchen staff. * Ensure food quality and presentation meet the restaurant's standards. * Assist with menu development and recipe modification. * Maintain ...

Entry Level Cook - Jimmy Vs

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/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 ...

Cook ll

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Supervise and train entry-level cooks and kitchen staff. * Ensure food quality and presentation meet the restaurant's standards. * Assist with menu development and recipe modification. * Maintain ...

Cook ll

Montgomery, AL

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Supervise and train entry-level cooks and kitchen staff. * Ensure food quality and presentation meet the restaurant's standards. * Assist with menu development and recipe modification. * Maintain ...

Line Cook

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Cook We are looking for an experienced or entry level cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is ...

Cook Marriott

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Supervise and train entry-level cooks and kitchen staff. * Ensure food quality and presentation meet the restaurant's standards. * Assist with menu development and recipe modification. * Maintain ...

Cook 2- PT

Carmel, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

The Entry Level Cook is a culinary position that requires basic culinary skills or related cooking experience and good communication skills. This is typically a production position that requires ...

Entry Level Cook - Dean's

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Basic cooking skills, including sauteing, broiling, frying, roasting, butchery, garde manger, pantry, and breakfast cookery. * Culinary education or apprenticeship preferred but not mandatory.

Cook II - Champions

Austin, TX · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

WHAT YOU'LL DO An Entry Level Cook is a Culinarian in training position, the full and all job duties will be learned and practiced Utilize company F&B procedures as well as health department ...

Chicken Shack Cook

Macomb, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Our fast-paced Chicken Shack restaurant is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated entry-level cook to join our team. As a cook, you will assist in preparing and cooking a variety of dishes, including ...

710 Cook

Cass Lake, MN · On-site

$15/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Entry level Cook position responsible for the timely preparation of all food orders received on the line at assigned location to ensure guest satisfaction. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS ...

Cook

Longboat Key, FL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Entry-Level Cook to join our fine dining kitchen team. This role is ideal for someone beginning their culinary career who is eager to learn classical ...

Chicken Shack Cook

Utica, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Our fast-paced Chicken Shack restaurant is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated entry-level cook to join our team. As a cook, you will assist in preparing and cooking a variety of dishes, including ...

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Entry Level Cook information

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$8

$16

$22

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:
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.

$14 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Ascent Hospitality has an extensive portfolio of hotels and a strong pipeline of new properties and acquisitions, but we’re not about numbers…we’re about people and that remains our foundation. Our culture expresses a memorable experience for all of our Team Members and guests alike. So we’re constantly looking for individuals who work well together for a unified purpose. For our leadership, we’re looking for accomplished individuals with a passion to serve others, strong communicators who clearly understand the needs of others and trendsetters who excel at challenges and change. If this is what you’re all about, consider joining our Team.
Ascent Hospitality is looking for a uniquely qualified hospitality leader to join our team as Cook ll!
The Cook ll is responsible for preparing appetizing foods for our Guests while meeting standards of the Hotel, Restaurants and Banquet Facilities.
BENEFITS:
  • Competitive Salary!
  • Benefits - Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and other supplemental options!
  • 401k with employer MATCH!
  • Paid PTO!
  • Uniforms Provided for most positions!
  • Team Member Hotel Discount Program!
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include the following. Other duties may be assigned.)
  • Prepare and cook a variety of dishes according to recipes and established standards.
  • Manage and organize workstation to ensure efficiency and cleanliness.
  • Supervise and train entry-level cooks and kitchen staff.
  • Ensure food quality and presentation meet the restaurant’s standards.
  • Assist with menu development and recipe modification.
  • Maintain adherence to food safety and sanitation guidelines.
  • Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering supplies.
  • Collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure smooth operation and timely food delivery.
SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Proficiency in cooking techniques and kitchen procedures.
  • Ability to follow and adapt recipes and instructions.
  • Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
  • Experience in managing and organizing kitchen workstations.
  • Leadership skills to supervise and train entry-level cooks.
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
  • Good communication skills and teamwork orientation.
  • Flexibility to adapt to varying kitchen demands and operational changes.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Stand for long periods during shifts.
  • Lift and carry ingredients or equipment (up to 25 lbs. or more).
  • Bend, stoop, and reach to access ingredients and equipment.
  • Use hands and arms for tasks such as chopping, stirring, and operating kitchen tools.
  • Work in a hot and potentially noisy environment.
  • Adapt to various shifts, including weekends and holidays.
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; a culinary degree or certification is preferred.
  • Several years of experience in a professional kitchen, including experience as an entry-level cook.
  • Proficiency in cooking techniques, kitchen operations, and recipe execution.
  • Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices.
  • Experience in managing and organizing kitchen workstations.
  • Ability to supervise, train, and mentor entry-level cooks and kitchen staff.
  • Good organizational and multitasking skills.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Capability to lift and carry heavy items and work in a fast-paced environment.
EEO Employer