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Entry Level Line Cook Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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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 May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level line cook in Tennessee is $15.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $17.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Line Cook jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Line Cook jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Entry Level Line Cook jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Entry Level Line Cook job openings:
Entry Level Line Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Line Cook job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,295 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
BOH - Short Order Line, Prep Cook, Dishwasher - Fast Pace & Great $

BOH - Short Order Line, Prep Cook, Dishwasher - Fast Pace & Great $

Flat Tire Diner LLC

Old Hickory, TN • On-site

$16 - $24/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Flat Tire Diner is a brand new full service scratch restaurant with bakery, locally owned and operated in Old Hickory/Hermitage TN, experiencing continued growth due to our beloved neighbors, families and friends (aka our customers). Just check out our reviews!

Our FOH and BOH staff literally earn top dollar and enjoy flexible FT/PT schedules, discounted meals on and off shift, casual uniforms provided, cross-training and promotion from within opportunities. We are open 7:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday thru Sunday.

We are seeking talented fun high-energy BOH Staff : Entry Level Line / Prep Cooks & Dishwashers to become part of our team asap!

  • LINE COOK Basic Responsibilities: providing great customer service by making customers orders according to chef standards and POS instructions, complying with food handling and storage requirements, stocking stations from shift start to end, preparing and cooking food items according to specified recipes and quality standards, correcting or recooking items as needed, maintaining station tidiness and sanitation, completing all side-work, and performing other restaurant duties as assigned.
  • PREP COOK Basic Responsibilities: providing great customer service by ensuring prepped food items are stocked in adequate quantities, preparing all food items according to chef instructions and food safety standards, completing tasks on the prep list in the order needed, preparing any foods requested by the line cooks asap, ensuring all prepped items are date labeled and rotated, disposing of unsatisfactory foods immediately, maintaining the prep area in sanitary and tidy condition as tasks are completed, completing all side-work, and performing other restaurant duties as assigned.
  • DISHWASHER Basic Responsibilities: providing great customer service by ensuring all cooking and serving items are properly washed and sanitized for repeated reuse, utilizing the 3-compartment sinks and automatic dish machine according to instructions and safety requirements, ensuring the dish area is maintained in tidy and safe condition, properly disposing of trash throughout the shift, assisting the prep cook as needed, completing all side-work, and performing other restaurant duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Willingness to learn & follow chef/lead instructions - previous experience in food service required
  • Teamwork and customer service to build rapport with guests and co-workers
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and self-directed work environment
  • Reliable transportation and attendance necessary
  • 16 years and older

Company Description

Flat Tire Diner is literally a scratch kitchen & bakery - locally owned & operated.
We are open Tuesday thru Sunday 7am to 3pm.
To see our awesome dining room, food and read our guests reviews, please check us out at flattirediner@gmail.com & Google https://g.page/flattirediner, Facebook @flattirediner & Yelp.