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Entry Level Kitchen Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Senior Lifestyle

Cook

Gorham, ME

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Ensure that all food meets safety guidelines and that all kitchen areas meet sanitation guidelines ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Senior Lifestyle

Cook

York, ME · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Ensure that all food meets safety guidelines and that all kitchen areas meet sanitation guidelines ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Clover Healthcare

Cook

Auburn, ME

$15 - $20.25/hr

Ensure that all food meets safety guidelines and that all kitchen areas meet sanitation guidelines ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Senior Lifestyle

Cook

Gorham, ME · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Ensure that all food meets safety guidelines and that all kitchen areas meet sanitation guidelines ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Senior Lifestyle

Cook

York, ME

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Ensure that all food meets safety guidelines and that all kitchen areas meet sanitation guidelines ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Senior Lifestyle

Cook

York, ME · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Ensure that all food meets safety guidelines and that all kitchen areas meet sanitation guidelines ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Senior Lifestyle

Cook

York, ME · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Ensure that all food meets safety guidelines and that all kitchen areas meet sanitation guidelines ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Senior Lifestyle

Cook

Auburn, ME

$15 - $20.25/hr

Ensure that all food meets safety guidelines and that all kitchen areas meet sanitation guidelines ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Sentry Hill at York Harbor

Cook

York, ME

Ensure that all food meets safety guidelines and that all kitchen areas meet sanitation guidelines ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Senior Lifestyle

Cook

Auburn, ME · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Ensure that all food meets safety guidelines and that all kitchen areas meet sanitation guidelines ... You have basic computer skills. Entry level proficiency with Excel and Word is required. * You ...

Bowdoin College

Dishwasher - Evening Shift

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$19/hr

Occasionally assists with other kitchen and catering duties Compensation: * The pay rate for this ... Ability to multi-task Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents * Entry-level position; no prior ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsEntry Level Kitchen JobsEntry Level Kitchen Jobs in Maine

Entry Level Kitchen information

See Maine salary details

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$19

How much do entry level kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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 an entry level kitchen job?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level kitchen worker?

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 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.

Can I work in an entry level kitchen with no experience?

Entry level kitchen positions often do not require prior experience and are suitable for beginners. Employers typically look for a willingness to learn, good work ethic, and the ability to follow instructions; basic skills like knife handling and food safety knowledge can be learned on the job. Certifications such as a food handler's permit may be required or preferred.

How to start working in an entry level kitchen with no experience?

To start working in an entry level kitchen with no experience, apply for positions such as dishwasher, prep cook, or entry-level cook, which often require minimal skills. Gaining basic kitchen knowledge, such as food safety and sanitation, and demonstrating a willingness to learn can improve your chances. Some employers may also offer on-the-job training or require a food handler's permit.

What is the easiest job in an entry level kitchen?

The easiest job in an entry-level kitchen is often a dishwasher or dish pit worker, as it requires minimal skills and involves basic cleaning tasks. These roles typically do not require prior experience and may have flexible schedules, making them accessible for beginners.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,028 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Sous Chef

Migis Hotel Group

Westbrook, ME • On-site

$1.0K - $1.5K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Migis Hotel Group is seeking the right candidate to become Sous Chef at a boutique hotel property in Southern Maine. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of an independent, Maine based, hotel management company, Migis Hotel Group. Sous Chef is one of our entry level to management, seasonal, positions with the potential for growth and opportunity. As with most kitchens, during day to day operations problems may arise, our ideal candidate would be able to keep a level-head and work towards solutions in a productive way. Our Sous Chef is encouraged to be creative and present new ideas to the property. This position is a working chef position that gives hands on experience with managing staff, inventories, and operating a kitchen.
Location: Southern Maine
Hours: Full-time
Compensation: $1000 to $1500 per week, depending on experience.
Seasonal Position: Now through end of October
Start date: ASAP
Benefits: Housing available at below market rate. Discounted stays and food & beverage at affiliated properties
Experience: Management experience preferred, at least 3 years culinary experience required.
Job Summary
The Sous Chef works directly with our Executive Chef to help support our Culinary Team as much as possible. Daily responsibilities range from creating menu items, recipes, daily specials, and maintaining standards of quality, timing, and cleanliness. Sous Chefs tend to be some of our biggest coaches on property, this position is ideal for a Chef that prides themselves in training, teaching/mentoring, and supporting their line level staff. Reliability, ability to mentor, and strong communication skills. The ability to work the line while balancing mentoring team members during their shift.
Typically, most shifts last from 8 to 10 hours, starting from 8 AM to 5PM and 12 PM to 10 PM. Sous Chefs help open, close, or operate the line on any given day.
Our preferred candidate will strive to preserve the groundwork already laid and to always look to maintain a relevant connection to an exciting world of food and beverage. Our leadership team is excited to welcome a new member to our work family, so we are seeking committed applicants who are looking to grow in a supportive and challenging environment.
This is a salaried position, a complete job description can be provided upon request.
  • Bring out the highest levels of skill and creativity in the kitchen staff in order to promote the highest levels of quality and creativity in the cuisine
  • Lead with a proactive leadership style, not reactive, through continuous coaching and counseling sessions
  • Elevate the quality and creativity of the cuisine being produced with consideration to cost, quality standards, product and execution, guest appeal and value perception
  • Develop and execute effective training procedures for the kitchen staff to promote greater consistency and increased productivity
  • Ensure that prep for every meal is done efficiently and accurately, is consistent with business demands
  • Manage the preparation of menu items consistent with the recipes and standards provided by the chef
  • In the absence of the EC, hold twice-daily line-ups (menu meetings with the front of house. Work closely with the front of the house to improve their menu knowledge and ability to give constructive viewpoints and feedback to guests to elevate service standards
  • Assist the EC to ensure the training, motivating, and evaluating of kitchen staff is done efficiently, effectively, and legally
  • Maintain consistent communication with the EC and the General Manager to ensure awareness of business levels, scheduled groups and activities, and guests special needs and requests
  • Maintain standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and safety as required by MEMIC, OSHA, and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services
  • Assist the EC in performing general maintenance and upkeep of all kitchen equipment
  • Protect the assets of the property and Migis Hotel Group

Job Qualifications:
  • Minimum 3 years as a cook in a similar property. A work history that includes working in seasonal operations and of multiple seasons in same operation a plus
  • Thorough knowledge of hotel food and beverage operations and preparation techniques, and a clear understanding of the mission of an American plan food service operation as communicated by the Owner and the General Manager
  • Strong mathematical abilities in order to determine and track inventory, and to understand controls and menu costing
  • Ability to communicate in English, both orally and written, with guest and employees, with high levels of patience, tact and diplomacy
  • Must have strong leadership skills, earning the respect of peers and staff, not demanding it
  • Must be able to multi-task and anticipate the needs of the operation and the guests
  • Must be able to manage complex situations, recognize the need for change and navigate through it
  • Must be able to work under pressure and deal with stressful situations
  • Must be a team player, able to build and maintain strong working relationships with all other members of the management team
  • Must be able to change activity frequently and work with constant interruptions

Apply