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Entry Level Line Cook Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook and Entry Level Fry-Line Cook Responsibilities: Maintain a clean, sanitized and well-organized work areas. Clean and maintain kitchen equipment. Check the quality of the ingredients. Prep ...

Prep Cook and Entry Level Fry-Line Cook Responsibilities: Maintain a clean, sanitized and well-organized work areas. Clean and maintain kitchen equipment. Check the quality of the ingredients. Prep ...

Entry Level Line Cook information

See Montana salary details

$9

$15

$20

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level line cook in Montana is $15.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

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

What are the most commonly searched types of Line Cook jobs in Montana?

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Line Cook job openings in Montana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,659 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Prep and Entry Level Cook

IHOP

Billings, MT

$16/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


IHOP rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

Are you looking for advancement opportunities?

Are you looking for a clean environment to work in?

Are you looking to make more money?

Then apply with us today!

We are looking for a Prep Cook with a serious desire to learn to be a Fry-Line Cook.

The person we hire will be organized, willing to learn and follow instructions and is a person that pays attention to details. They will keep the prep area tidy and clean, while performing their job duties.

Prep Cook and Entry Level Fry-Line Cook Responsibilities:

Maintain a clean, sanitized and well-organized work areas.

Clean and maintain kitchen equipment.

Check the quality of the ingredients.

Prep food using various culinary techniques according the IHOP standards

Manage food storage, stock, and put away orders according to the IHOP Food Safety Standards

Prep Cook and Entry Level Fry-Line Cook Description:

Must have some prior experience as a Prep Cook.

Must know and follow safe food handling and sanitation procedures.

Must be a team player

Must have organizational skills.

Must be able to multitask and act quickly.

Must be 18 years of age

Benefits:

Competitive Pay

Flexible Hours

Extensive Training

Real Advancement Opportunities

Since 2003, IHOP Billings has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more.
And no matter what menu items they order, there’s one ingredient that’s always constant — a smile! We’ve seen tens of thousands of smiles over the years in our restaurant, and now shared in photos across our social properties. In fact, smiles are so much a part of our culture that we changed our logo to include one.
This is just one of the many fun and exciting changes you can expect from IHOP®. Because we know the shortest distance between two people is a smile. –


What IHOP employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


IHOP logo

About IHOP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The shortest distance between two people is a smile, so our logo changed to include one! Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. No matter what menu items they order, there's one ingredient that's always constant -- a smile.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

2003