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Entry Level Line Cook Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

White Lodging Careers

Lead Line Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Mentor and collaborate with Entry Level Cooks, Line Cooks, culinary apprentices, and stewards while managing daily food preparation and production in the food outlet * Follow company F&B procedures ...

White Lodging Services Corp

Lead Line Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Mentor and collaborate with Entry Level Cooks, Line Cooks, culinary apprentices, and stewards while managing daily food preparation and production in the food outlet * Follow company F&B procedures ...

Stratas Foods

Mixer Operator - 2nd Shift

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Mixer I is the entry-level mixer position. Employees in this role are responsible for learning ... Operation of CIP skids in addition to breakdown and cleaning of line components. * Knowledge of ...

Stratas Foods

Mixer Operator - 1st Shift

Nashville, TN

$16 - $19.25/hr

Mixer I is the entry-level mixer position. Employees in this role are responsible for learning ... Operation of CIP skids in addition to breakdown and cleaning of line components. * Knowledge of ...

Stratas Foods

Mixer Operator - 2nd Shift

Nashville, TN

$16 - $19.25/hr

Mixer I is the entry-level mixer position. Employees in this role are responsible for learning ... Operation of CIP skids in addition to breakdown and cleaning of line components. * Knowledge of ...

Stratas Foods

Mixer Operator - 1st Shift

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Mixer I is the entry-level mixer position. Employees in this role are responsible for learning ... Operation of CIP skids in addition to breakdown and cleaning of line components. * Knowledge of ...

Stratas Foods

Mixer Operator - 2nd Shift

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Mixer I is the entry-level mixer position. Employees in this role are responsible for learning ... Operation of CIP skids in addition to breakdown and cleaning of line components. * Knowledge of ...

Stratas Foods

Mixer Operator - 1st Shift

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Mixer I is the entry-level mixer position. Employees in this role are responsible for learning ... Operation of CIP skids in addition to breakdown and cleaning of line components. * Knowledge of ...

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

Entry Level Line Cook information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$15

$20

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

As of Aug 6, 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 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Line Cook jobs in Tennessee are:
Entry Level Line Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Line Cook job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,295 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Lead Line Cook

White Lodging Careers

Nashville, TN • On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Description
Summary:
Who We Are
White Lodging is hiring a Lead Line Cook to join our culinary team! This is a kitchen leadership role designed for an experienced line cook who is ready to take the next step toward becoming a Sous Chef. You'll step into a Sous Chef in training capacity, leading daily back-of-house (BOH) operations, mentoring junior kitchen staff, and keeping production running smoothly across a fast-paced hotel kitchen environment.
If you're a senior line cook or lead cook looking for a clear path to culinary management, this role offers the hands-on leadership experience you need - backed by one of the country's top hospitality companies operating premium hotels, restaurants, and rooftop bars across the U.S.
Responsibilities:
What You'll Do
  • Serve as a Sous Chef in training - stepping into full kitchen management responsibilities and overseeing all BOH operations in the Sous Chef's absence
  • Mentor and collaborate with Entry Level Cooks, Line Cooks, culinary apprentices, and stewards while managing daily food preparation and production in the food outlet
  • Follow company F&B procedures, health department regulations, and federal food safety guidelines
  • Assist in maintaining food cost and labor cost standards to meet financial targets
  • Check ingredient freshness; enforce all recipe standards and portion-use records across the team
  • Monitor guest feedback scores and proactively influence food quality and service consistency
  • Foster a culture of cooperation, respect, and professional kitchen standards among all coworkers
  • Perform other duties as assigned
  • PM Shift

What You'll Bring
  • Solid working knowledge of all commercial kitchen equipment and culinary preparation techniques
  • Demonstrated proficiency in sautéing, broiling, frying, roasting, butchery, garde manger, pantry, and breakfast cookery
  • Experience leading or mentoring kitchen staff - prior lead cook or senior cook experience strongly preferred
  • Culinary degree, culinary school training, or apprenticeship preferred - not required
  • Ability to stand and move at a fast pace for extended periods in a high-volume kitchen

Other information:
What You Can Look Forward To
  • DailyPay - get paid when you need it
  • Advanced scheduling with easy shift swapping via our app
  • Unlimited employee referral bonuses
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off (PTO) with rollover
  • Complimentary wellness tools
  • Leadership development & tuition reimbursement
  • Discounts on hotel rooms, dining, and travel
  • Growth opportunities across multiple hotel properties in your market
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Full-time associates also receive:
    • Medical, dental, and vision insurance - starting day 1
    • Life and disability insurance
    • Paid parental leave

White Lodging is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.

Apply