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Entry Level Line Cook Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Five Guys

Part Time Team Member (Days)

Springfield, MO · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

You move quickly or the line falls behind. When it's slow, you clean, prep, and restock. There is ... cook burger fries restaurant food service flexible schedule teen student no experience entry level ...

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Entry Level Line Cook information

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

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level line cook in Missouri is $16.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I be a restaurant cook if I have no job experience?

Entry level line cook positions typically do not require prior professional experience, as employers often provide on-the-job training. Having basic cooking skills, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are important for starting in this role.

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.

Can I get a cooking job with no experience?

Entry level line cook positions often do not require prior experience, as employers may provide on-the-job training. Basic skills such as the ability to follow instructions, work efficiently, and maintain cleanliness are important. Certifications like a food handler's permit can also improve chances of hiring.

How to become a 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. Apply to restaurants that offer on-the-job training and demonstrate a strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn during interviews.

What are entry level line cooks?

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.

Are line cooks entry-level?

Line cooks are often considered entry-level positions in the culinary industry, suitable for individuals with basic cooking skills and a willingness to learn. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and some require minimal prior experience, making it accessible for beginners. Advancement typically involves gaining experience and developing specialized skills or certifications.

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

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 Missouri? The most popular types of Line Cook jobs in Missouri are:
Entry Level Line Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Line Cook job openings in Missouri as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,376 per year, or $16 per hour.
Entry Level Production - 2nd Shift

Entry Level Production - 2nd Shift

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Macon, MO • On-site

$20.27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Conagra Brands rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 133 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 401 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Shift: 2:00 PM-10:00 PM
Hourly Rate: $20.27 an hour + $0.50 shift differential
Conagra Brands in Macon, MO, a local supplier of Banquet products, is looking for qualified individuals to fill entry level openings in the production department. You will report to the Production Manager.
Conagra Brands offers many benefits including:
  • Great compensation packages starting at $20.27 per hour
  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage available
  • Up to 10 paid Holidays per year
  • Eligible vacation after 30 pay checks
  • 401K after 1 year of service
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Company Store

What Impact Will You Have On Our Business?
  • You will add ingredients and raw materials onto the production line to allow machinery to dispense and cook our products
  • Once items have been produced, you will help stack products to prepare for shipping
  • You will help to set-up and take down aspects of the production line to support different products being produced
  • Cleanliness is important at our facilities. You will help with equipment sanitation and maintain a clean work area
  • You will follow quality assurance and good manufacturing practices
  • Production workers will be trained to support multiple roles on the production line.

Do You Have What It Takes?
  • Overtime may be needed to ensure production demands are fulfilled
  • Flexibility to work varying shifts and workdays
  • This is a physical position. You will be asked to do things like lifting boxes up to 50 pounds, climbing stairs, using your hands in a freezer environment
  • This is a manufacturing environment with large machinery and moving parts that can be noisy. Safety is important to us, we provide personal protective equipment
  • Background screen/post offer drug screen

Anticipated Close Date: July 27, 2026
Location: Macon, Missouri
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
  • Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance
  • Wealth: Great pay, 401(k)/pension eligibility, financial wellness programs and stock purchase plan
  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups and team collaboration
  • Balance: Paid-time off and volunteer opportunities

Our Company
At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions - within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.
Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

What Conagra Brands employees say

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About Conagra Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) is an approximately $11 billion company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. We're transforming the way we operate to fulfill what consumers and customers want, in a smart, simple way. We're modernizing our iconic food brands, leveraging fresh opportunities and adapting to a changing landscape - all with a culture that's ready to capture growth and drive shareholder value.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1919

Social media

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