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Entry Level Kitchen Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

Boyne Resorts

Level 1 Cook

Newry, ME

$18.50/hr

Overview As a Level 1 Cook you can earn up to $18.50/hr and will work with the kitchen supervisor ... This position is entry-level, and training is available Compensation & Benefits * Wages range from ...

Charter Foods Inc

Maintenance Tech

Bangor, ME

$20 - $27/hr

... : Entry Level-3 years Minimum Education : Technical School Graduate or Degree HVAC/R, Kitchen Equipment, Ice Machines, and Basic Maintenance Skills, Basic computer skills Skills-Applications

Charter Foods

Maintenance Tech

Portland, ME · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

... : Entry Level-3 years Minimum Education : Technical School Graduate or Degree HVAC/R, Kitchen Equipment, Ice Machines, and Basic Maintenance Skills, Basic computer skills Skills-Applications

Charter Foods

Maintenance Tech

Bangor, ME · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

... : Entry Level-3 years Minimum Education : Technical School Graduate or Degree HVAC/R, Kitchen Equipment, Ice Machines, and Basic Maintenance Skills, Basic computer skills Skills-Applications

Boyne Resorts

Level 1 Cook

Newry, ME · On-site

$18.50/hr

Overview As a Level 1 Cook you can earn up to $18.50/hr and will work with the kitchen supervisor ... This position is entry-level, and training is available Compensation & Benefits * Wages range from ...

Boyne Resorts

Level 1 Cook

Newry, ME

$18.50/hr

Overview As a Level 1 Cook you can earn up to $18.50/hr and will work with the kitchen supervisor ... This position is entry-level, and training is available Compensation & Benefits * Wages range from ...

Migis Hotel Group

Sous Chef

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$1.0K - $1.5K/wk

Sous Chef is one of our entry level to management, seasonal, positions with the potential for ... Bring out the highest levels of skill and creativity in the kitchen staff in order to promote the ...

Migis Hotel Group

Sous Chef

Westbrook, ME

$1.0K - $1.5K/wk

Sous Chef is one of our entry level to management, seasonal, positions with the potential for ... Bring out the highest levels of skill and creativity in the kitchen staff in order to promote the ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsEntry Level Kitchen JobsEntry Level Kitchen Jobs in Maine

Entry Level Kitchen information

See Maine salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do entry level kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level kitchen in Maine is $14.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $16.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Kitchen vs Line Cook?

AspectEntry Level KitchenLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary trainingSimilar credentials; some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchen, assisting with prep and basic tasksCooking on the line, preparing dishes during service
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in restaurants, hotels, cateringMid-level position in kitchens, often requiring some experience

Entry Level Kitchen roles focus on basic kitchen tasks and prep work, serving as an introduction to culinary work. Line Cooks are more experienced, responsible for cooking dishes during service. Both roles share similar credentials and work environments, but Line Cooks typically require more skills and experience.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Kitchen Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety guidelines, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, sanitation procedures, and sometimes a food handler’s certification are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, maintain food safety standards, and support a positive working environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level kitchen staff and how can they be overcome?

Entry level kitchen staff often face challenges such as working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and learning to follow strict food safety protocols. It's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and be open to feedback from more experienced colleagues. Consistent practice, asking questions when unsure, and being adaptable can help new team members quickly build confidence and improve their performance.

What are entry level kitchen jobs?

Entry level kitchen jobs are positions in restaurant or food service kitchens that require little to no previous experience. Common roles include dishwasher, prep cook, or kitchen assistant. These jobs involve basic tasks such as washing dishes, prepping ingredients, cleaning, and assisting chefs or cooks. Entry level kitchen jobs are a great way to learn fundamental kitchen skills, gain experience in the food industry, and advance to higher positions over time.
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Maine? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Maine are:
What cities in Maine are hiring for Entry Level Kitchen jobs? Cities in Maine with the most Entry Level Kitchen job openings:
Entry Level Kitchen jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Kitchen job openings in Maine as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,028 per year, or $14.9 per hour.
Kitchen Assistant - High School Student (part-time)

Kitchen Assistant - High School Student (part-time)

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME • On-site

$16.80/hr

Part-time, Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Title
Kitchen Assistant - High School Student (part-time)
Posting Number
C00432JP
Department
Dining Service - Thorne Hall
Job Summary
Located in Brunswick, Maine, Bowdoin College boasts a student population of almost 2000. Our Dining Services Department makes everything from scratch and are consistently rated in the top 10 for college dining! We have our own butcher shop, bakeshop, and organic garden that all supply food to our two dining halls and three retail locations.
Under supervision of dining supervisors and regular staff, we are seeking a Kitchen Assistant/Dining Hall Assistant to join our team. This is a part-time, entry-level role that supports food production and service operations at Bowdoin College's Dining Halls. Responsibilities include:
  • Assisting with ingredient preparation for use in recipes for both hot and cold food production, being mindful of cross contamination of foods
  • Assisting with servery set-up, service, and replenishment
  • Following appropriate food prepping, handling and storage procedures; Preparing food as a display or egg cook; Serving food while adhering to portion control and serving procedures
  • Assisting in dishwashing tasks including scraping dirty dishes, loading and unloading pot and dish machine, and stacking clean dishware
  • Assisting in sanitation duties including cleaning preparation station and hot line, holding and dispensing equipment, sweeping and mopping kitchen, dining room and service area, and wiping walls, tables and chairs
  • Greeting and assisting dining service patrons
  • Providing coverage for the front and back of the house, filling in as needed

The hourly rate for this position is $16.80 per hour.
Shift differentials (2nd shift - 10% shift differential, 3rd shift - 15% shift differential, plus an additional $1.00/hour during weekend working hours).
Education/Skills Requirements
  • 9th grade education or higher is required; must be at least 16 years of age
  • Current ServSafe certification or complete the online food safety course upon hire
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Strong commitment to dependability and punctuality
  • Ability to understand and practice recycling and sustainability practices
  • Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to follow written and verbal direction
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Working knowledge of good personal hygiene practices

Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents
  • Entry level position, no prior work experience required
  • At least one year of experience inbasic food production and/or ingredient preparation techniques and basic knife skills (i.e. chopping, dicing, slicing) highly preferred

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in this posting to be considered for hire.
Standard Work Days and Hours
  • This is an onsite, part-time, non-benefit eligible position working less than 20 hours/ week
  • There is opportunity for flexible scheduling with shifts available in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
  • Scheduling accommodations are available based on the candidate's availability

Employment at Bowdoin College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks including but not limited to: criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job-related), and/or credit history (when job related).
We regret that Bowdoin College is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
About Bowdoin
Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home to talented students, faculty and staff-with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and gender identities, among other factors.
We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College's multifaceted diversity. We value a community in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed.
Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin's reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine.
Bowdoin's campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, the College is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five miles from Portland and 120 miles from Boston.
Shift
N/A
Employment Category
Casual
Benefits Eligible
No
Pay Type
Hourly
Background Check Package Requirements
Support Staff
Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Bowdoin vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job?
No
Is a pre-placement physical required for this position?
Yes
Posting Date
07/24/2026
Applications Accepted Until
Open Until Filled
No
Type of Posting
Internal/External
Special Instructions to Applicants
If selected as a finalist, you will be required to submit information for three references, including name, email address, phone number and how you know the reference.
EEO Information
Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses.

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