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Entry Level Kitchen information

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How much do entry level kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level kitchen in the United States is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.59 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.
More about Entry Level Kitchen jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Kitchen jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Kitchen job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Kitchen jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Kitchen jobs include:
Entry Level Kitchen jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Kitchen job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 50% Full Time, and 48% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,047 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Entry Level Kitchen Position, Chelsea

DIG INN Chefs-In-Training

New York, NY

$17 - $18/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

CHEF-IN-TRAINING

[Restaurant Team Member]

$17- $18 / hour depending on experience + $2-3/hour in tips + MORE BENEFITS!

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The next generation of chefs are evolving in DIG restaurants.

Our scratch based kitchens are built around people with a true passion for real good food.  We teach individuals who are excited to share their enthusiasm for food and transform them into skilled chefs. You will advance and gain the ability to work with food, develop leadership skills, and stay sharp in our fast-pace culinary environment. If you are seeking a community where education, purpose, and taste matter, we encourage you to join our fa(r)m.

YOU WILL: 

  • Prep, mix, and cook vegetables, proteins, grains etc using recipes as a guide and taste buds for validation. 
  • Gain exposure to different stations within the DIG kitchen including but not limited to garde manger, grill, roast, market line, guest concierge and delivery/packout.
  • Speak to current menu offerings, seasonality, and ingredients with guests - making their day as you provide them with a delicious scratch-made meal (aka: marketbowl).
  • Work to support the team during peak and off peak service, by pitching in wherever and whenever necessary.
  • Multi-task and move in the kitchen for extended periods of time. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • Help to maintain the "A" lettergrade by following Department of Health and DIG food safety standards. 
  • Demonstrate professional maturity and strictly uphold DIG's anti-discrimination & anti-harassment policies. 
  • Go home feeling fulfilled knowing you are a part of a bigger mission to rebuild the food system.

YOU HAVE: 

  • A passion for real, good food and a desire to learn culinary practices and skills. 
  • The ability to demonstrate and execute a strong work ethic.
  • The ability to perform physical requirements of the position (frequently lifting up to 25 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds). These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • The ability to perform other physical requirements such as seeing, hearing, speaking, reaching, bending, and moving intermittently during working hours. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • A team-oriented focus. You have a deep appreciation for the people you work with and help to support the restaurant's success. 
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • A desire to create exceptional employee & guest experiences.
  • An eye for detail and solving challenges. 
  • A desire for growth in our brigade.

WORK PERKS: 

Aside from the standard job description fare (competitive pay) we also offer:

  • Opportunities for GROWTH in a TEAM environment
  • Competitive Pay & potential to earn tips
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401K programming
  • Parental leave
  • Thanksgiving, Christmas and other Holidays Off
  • Flexible Scheduling: Part Time and Full Time Hours
  • Complimentary DIG lunch everyday
  • Commuter Benefits

ABOUT US:  To learn more about our mission and food please visit our website at: https://www.diginn.com/mission

NOTE:  DIG believes in the power of a shared table to bring people together as we are committed to building a culturally inclusive team. Female, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and diverse candidates are encouraged to apply

Additional Role Note: 

The duties of this position may change from time to time. DIG  reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Dig or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

DIG  is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, familial status as that term is described under the New York State Human Rights Law, caregiver or partnership status as those terms are defined under the New York City Human Rights Law (if you are employed in New York City) or other protected status or any other characteristic as protected under applicable federal, state and local law ("Protected Status").

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