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Entry Level Culinary Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

White Lodging

Dishwasher - 8Eleven Bistro

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

$11.75 - $15/hr

... culinary team, and creating a safe and efficient work environment that enables great dining experiences. No experience? No problem. If you're looking for an entry-level kitchen job, a dishwasher job ...

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All JobsCulinary JobsEntry Level Culinary JobsEntry Level Culinary Jobs in Indiana

Entry Level Culinary information

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$8

$18

$32

How much do entry level culinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level culinary in Indiana is $18.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level culinary professionals in a commercial kitchen?

Entry-level culinary professionals often find the fast-paced environment of a commercial kitchen challenging, especially during peak service hours when multitasking is essential. Adapting to strict hygiene standards, learning efficient prep techniques, and communicating effectively with the kitchen team are also common hurdles. However, with time and practice, many newcomers quickly develop the stamina, organizational skills, and teamwork necessary to thrive and advance in the culinary industry.

What are entry level culinary jobs?

Entry level culinary jobs are positions in the food industry that require little to no prior professional kitchen experience. These roles often include responsibilities such as food preparation, assisting chefs, maintaining cleanliness, and following recipes. Common job titles include prep cook, line cook, dishwasher, or kitchen assistant. Entry level culinary jobs are a great way to learn basic kitchen skills, gain hands-on experience, and start a career in the culinary field. Advancement is possible with experience, training, and dedication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Culinary professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Culinary professional, a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation is essential, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary coursework. Familiarity with commercial kitchen tools, knives, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining a safe, efficient kitchen and delivering high-quality dishes to customers.

What is the difference between Entry Level Culinary vs Entry Level Cook?

AspectEntry Level CulinaryEntry Level Cook
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary school preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training beneficial
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesKitchen settings in restaurants, cafes, hotels
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesPrimarily used in restaurant kitchens and food establishments
Search & Comparison IntentPeople exploring entry-level culinary roles and career pathsIndividuals seeking basic cooking positions in food service

Entry Level Culinary and Entry Level Cook roles often overlap, with both requiring similar credentials and work environments. The term 'Entry Level Culinary' may encompass a broader range of food service positions, including prep cooks and kitchen assistants, while 'Entry Level Cook' specifically refers to basic cooking roles. Both are ideal starting points for those interested in a culinary career in hospitality settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Culinary jobs in Indiana? For Entry Level Culinary jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Culinary jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Culinary jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Entry Level Culinary jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Entry Level Culinary job openings:
Entry Level Culinary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Culinary job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,510 per year, or $18 per hour.
Temporary | Culinary Service Associate & Cook Positions (Holy Cross College - Siegfried Dining Hall)

Temporary | Culinary Service Associate & Cook Positions (Holy Cross College - Siegfried Dining Hall)

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN • On-site

$17.50/hr

Temporary

Posted 7 days ago

University Of Notre Dame rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

301st of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Company Description
The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person-mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University's mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!
Job Description
The University of Notre Dame's Operations, Events, and Safety (UOES) division is currently hiring temporary/on-call Service Associates and Cooks within the Siegfried Dining Hall at Holy Cross College. UOES oversees the University's event management, hospitality, and customer service functions, while also supporting student life, academic initiatives, research activities, and annual milestone celebrations.
Join Campus Dining at Holy Cross College as a temporary team member in a fast-paced, vibrant food service environment. This is a great opportunity for individuals seeking flexible, short-term employment with the opportunity to build customer service and hospitality skills. No prior experience necessary.
Culinary Service Associate:
  • Refill buffet lines and maintain food stations
  • Prepare specialty drinks and restock snack/beverage items
  • Keep the dining space clean, organized, and welcoming
  • Greet guests, provide excellent customer service, and process transactions

Cook:
  • Perform basic food preparation including washing, cutting, portioning, and assembling ingredients
  • Assist with simple cooking tasks under direction of the Sous Chef
  • Support station setup, replenishment, and service needs
  • Assist team members during production and service
  • Support stocking, receiving, and organization of products
  • Follow direction and contribute to overall kitchen workflow
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas and equipment
  • Follow proper food handling, labeling, storage, and rotation procedures
  • Maintain compliance with sanitation and safety standards
  • Learn and apply basic culinary techniques and kitchen procedures
  • Build foundational skills in preparation, organization, and execution
  • Demonstrate willingness to grow within ND Dining

Why Work With Us?
  • Free meals during your shift
  • Flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend shifts
  • Develop transferable skills in customer service, communication, and teamwork
  • Supportive team environment with on-the-job training

Qualifications
  • Entry-level kitchen or foodservice experience preferred
  • Ability to follow instructions and work in a team environment
  • Willingness to learn culinary fundamentals and kitchen operations
  • Basic understanding of sanitation and safety practices

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior food preparation or kitchen experience
  • Interest in culinary development and advancement
  • Interest in pursuing formal culinary training or certification

Additional Information
Pay Rate: $17.50/hr
The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.

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