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Entry Level Line Cook Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Retail Filling Machine Operator-1

Lynn, MA

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

We honor the craft of artisan cooking using scratch-made stocks, hand-chopped herbs, and only the ... line to meet customer requirements in accordance with Safety, Sanitation, Quality, Quantity and ...

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Entry Level Line Cook information

See Massachusetts salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do entry level line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level line cook in Massachusetts is $18.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges new entry level line cooks face, and how can they overcome them?

New entry-level line cooks often face challenges such as working efficiently under pressure, mastering kitchen equipment quickly, and accurately following recipes in a fast-paced environment. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and actively seek feedback from more experienced cooks. Building good time management skills and being open to learning will help you adapt quickly and become a valuable member of the kitchen team.

How hard is it to become an entry level line cook?

Becoming an entry level line cook typically requires minimal formal education and on-the-job training, with most employers valuing basic cooking skills, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Prior experience or certifications are not usually necessary but can be beneficial. The role often involves working flexible hours and following safety and food handling standards.

How to become an entry level line cook with no experience?

To become an entry level line cook with no experience, focus on gaining basic kitchen skills, such as knife handling and food safety, through online courses or volunteering. Many restaurants hire without experience and provide on-the-job training, so demonstrating a strong work ethic and willingness to learn can improve your chances of getting hired.

What is an entry level line cook?

Entry level line cooks are kitchen staff who assist in the preparation and cooking of food under the supervision of chefs or more experienced cooks. They typically work at specific stations, such as grilling, sautéing, or assembling dishes, and are responsible for following recipes, preparing ingredients, and maintaining cleanliness in their work area. These positions are often the starting point for a culinary career, offering opportunities to learn kitchen techniques and gain practical experience in a professional setting.

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

AspectEntry Level Line CookPrep Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skills
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchen stations during servicePrepping ingredients before service, often in a separate area
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, cafes, hotelsRestaurants, catering, hotels
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Line Cooks and Prep Cooks both require basic culinary skills and work in restaurant kitchens. The main difference is that Line Cooks work during service at specific stations, while Prep Cooks focus on preparing ingredients beforehand. Both roles are essential for smooth kitchen operations and often overlap in skills and environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level line cook?

To thrive as an Entry Level Line Cook, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and hygiene, often supported by a food handler certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and common culinary tools is typically required. Strong teamwork, the ability to follow directions, and time management are vital soft skills in this fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining kitchen efficiency, food safety, and delivering a consistent dining experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Line Cook jobs in Massachusetts? The most popular types of Line Cook jobs in Massachusetts are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Entry Level Line Cook jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Entry Level Line Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Line Cook job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,860 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Retail Filling Machine Operator-1

Kettle Cuisine

Lynn, MA

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Kettle Cuisine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 435 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Delicious Food and Meaningful CareersAt the heart of our company is a deep passion for creating fresh, healthy, and artisan-quality food that brings people together. We honor the craft of artisan cooking using scratch-made stocks, hand-chopped herbs, and only the highest-quality ingredients complemented by cutting-edge technology. This allows us to deliver consistently safe, exceptional products on a large scale.But it?s not just about the food. Our culture is built on principles that shape how we grow, both as individuals and as a team. One of our core values, Honoring Development, guides us to actively seek out, celebrate, and nurture one another?s talents, strengths, and interests. By fostering each other?s growth, we strengthen our relationships and capabilities, driving both personal and professional success.We also believe in Honoring Each Other. We surround ourselves with passionate people who share our love for great food. Through mutual respect and collaboration, we create an environment where employees are empowered to thrive, building trusting, and rewarding relationships with our clients, partners, and one another.If you're looking for a place where your skills, passion, and ideas can flourish, we invite you to explore the opportunities available within our dynamic and supportive team. Job Summary Schedule: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PMTo ensure continuous and efficient operation of the production line to meet customer requirements in accordance with Safety, Sanitation, Quality, Quantity and Cost.  (SSQQC) Kettle Cuisine takes the utmost pride in their products and expects each employee to do the same with their work.  Duties and Responsibilities Adhere to safe working practices at all times Perform daily checks of area for non-compliance and report them to your supervisor Ensure finished product conforms to specifications Manufacture quality products efficiently within time and quantity parameters Follow the company GMP’s Show a positive attitude and a leadership mentality for all employees Ensure clean and tidy production area at all times Report Downtime to maintenance in a timely manner  Communicate and update all relevant parties of any issues or changes (low yields, etc.) Monitor and action all waste Take instructions from supervisors. Any other tasks deemed reasonable and reasonably requested by management Key Responsibilities: Operate all the machines in the high care area with meticulous focus and attention to detail Learn and understand the nuances and intricacies of running the fillers Ensure a good seal on all products filled Be a reliable and hard-working member of the team (teamwork is essential in this area) Report any problems in machine function promptly to supervisor and maintenance Fill each batch with the highest attention to detail and right first time following the paperwork requirements Ensure that the correct film/cup is used for each customer: fresh, frozen, correct size, etc. Ensure that the printed information on the pouch or cup is correct for each batch Ask for supervisor approval if there are any questions Follow HACCP plan – responsible for ensuring Filling and Sealing CCPs are met for all soups Ensure all paperwork is filled out neatly and correctly and signed off Take responsibility for their filler(s) and ensure that each batch is always looked after  Required Skills Ability to work all scheduled shifts, on time Excellent interpersonal skills needed for working in a team environment  Proven record of accomplishment in safe working practices Manufacturing experience preferred (preferably in the food industry) Experience working in temperature-controlled settings Experience with perishable items Experience with Kettle Cuisine ingredients and soups Required attributes Able to interact and communicate with the supervisors and team members Ability to lift 50 lbs. Passion for food and high quality Excellent attention to detail  Numeracy skills Bi-lingual preferred Able to read and write English  Americans with Disabilities Act Kettle Cuisine complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. This means we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship including application for employment, hiring, promotions and/or advancement opportunities, termination, compensation, training and any other conditions or privileges of employment. Core Values Kettle Cuisine takes the utmost pride in its people, products and reputation. Each employee is expected to understand and live our Core Values every day. Honor Food We create and produce the best tasting, safest, all natural recipes that strive for perfection in every batch, from bench to kettle Honor Each Other We seek to develop trusting, respectful and mutually rewarding relationships with all our team members and business partners Honor Development We recognize and nurture each other?s talents, strengths and interests in order to further strengthen and grow our team Honor Innovation We continually strive for creative and sustainable ways to achieve excellence Pay Range for Retail Filling Machine Operator-1 The Retail Filling Machine Operator-1 base pay range $20 USD + shift differential/hourly. The listed salary range represents Kettle Cuisine?s good faith estimate for this position and represents the minimum and maximum for new hire salaries for the Lynn, MA location only. Ranges will be reviewed on a regular basis. An employee?s rate of pay within the range is determined by their qualifications, relevant experience, and demonstrated performance over time. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued salary growth. The Retail Filling Machine Operator-1 position is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package and is eligible for the annual discretionary bonus program up to 5%. Kettle Cuisine and all its legal entities comply with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws. Equal Opportunity Employer Kettle Cuisine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions at Kettle Cuisine are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Kettle Cuisine will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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