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Entry Level Line Cook Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Express Employment

Line Cook

Deerwood, MN

$18/hr

Top Job Located in Deerwood, MN Salary: $18.00+/hour Line Cook Deerwood, MN | $18/hour | Seasonal Through November Looking for a Summer Job? Express Employment is hiring NOW! Job Highlights - Hiring ...

Leech Lake Gaming

710 Cook

Walker, MN · On-site

$15 - $18.94/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Entry level Cook position responsible for the timely preparation of all food orders received on the line at assigned location to ensure guest satisfaction. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS ...

Leech Lake Gaming

710 Cook

Walker, MN · On-site

$15 - $18.94/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Entry level Cook position responsible for the timely preparation of all food orders received on the line at assigned location to ensure guest satisfaction. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS ...

Leech Lake Gaming

710 Cook

Walker, MN · On-site

$15/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Entry level Cook position responsible for the timely preparation of all food orders received on the line at assigned location to ensure guest satisfaction. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS ...

Leech Lake Gaming

710 Cook

Walker, MN · On-site

$15/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Entry level Cook position responsible for the timely preparation of all food orders received on the line at assigned location to ensure guest satisfaction. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS ...

Leech Lake Gaming

710 Cook

Walker, MN · On-site

$15/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Entry level Cook position responsible for the timely preparation of all food orders received on the line at assigned location to ensure guest satisfaction. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS ...

Leech Lake Gaming

710 Cook

Walker, MN · On-site

$15/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Entry level Cook position responsible for the timely preparation of all food orders received on the line at assigned location to ensure guest satisfaction. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS ...

Great Wolf Lodge

Fast Food Cook

Bloomington, MN · On-site

$20.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Fast Food Cook is an entry level position that prepares food for guests in accordance with the ... logs, line check sheets and food waste sheets. * Ensure compliance with all food-handling and ...

All JobsLine Cook JobsEntry Level Line Cook JobsEntry Level Line Cook Jobs in Minnesota

Entry Level Line Cook information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$16

$21

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

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level line cook in Minnesota is $16.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $18.61 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 Minnesota?

The most popular types of Line Cook jobs in Minnesota are:

Entry Level Line Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Line Cook job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,850 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Line Cook

Express Employment

Deerwood, MN

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Top Job
Located in Deerwood, MN
Salary: $18.00+/hour
Line Cook
Deerwood, MN | $18/hour | Seasonal Through November
Looking for a Summer Job? Express Employment is hiring NOW!
Job Highlights
- Hiring Immediately!
- Starting wage: $18.00/hour, based on experience + increased wages with a ServSafe Certification!- Location: Deerwood, MN
Express Employment Professionals is looking for Line Cooks with some previous experience for this summer season with the position lasting through November! If you enjoy working in a fast-paced kitchen environment, this a great way to earn solid pay and build skills quickly.
Key Duties:
  • Prep, cook, and plate food according to recipes and presentation standards
  • Portion, peel, cut, wash, and mix ingredients as needed
  • Ensure proper food labeling, rotation, and storage practices
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary workstation
  • Follow all food handling and safety guidelines
  • Communicate effectively and work as part of a team

Requirements:
  • Prior food prep/line cook experience
  • Ability to follow instructions and recipes accurately
  • Physically able to stand for long periods of time and lift up to 40 lbs.
  • ServSafe Certification - preferred but not required
  • Must be available to work weekends
  • Must be able to pass a background check

APPLY NOW WITH EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT!

Complete an online application at ExpressProsMN.com or email your resume with the job title to Jobs.BrainerdGrandRapidsMN@ExpressPros.com.
Questions? Call or Text 218-967-5669!
Download the ExpressJobs App and apply instantly or search for other local job openings!
#3371LI
Express Office: Brainerd/Grand Rapids
102 Northeast 3rd Street
Suite 100
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Express Employment Professionals logo

About Express Employment Professionals

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Express Employment Professionals, based in Oklahoma City, OK, USA, operates in the staffing industry and is renowned for providing robust and reliable staffing solutions. Their official website - expresspros.com - details their variety of services, which include temporary and full-time staffing, human resources services, and professional search. The company was established in 1983 with the aim of helping as many people as possible to find good jobs, and since then, it has grown exponentially, expanding its reach to various domains within the job market.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Oklahoma City, OK, US

Social media

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