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Entry Level Line Cook Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Line Cook information

See Boston, MA salary details

$10

$18

$24

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

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level line cook in Boston, MA is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a cooking job without experience?

Entry level line cook positions often do not require prior experience; applicants can improve their chances by demonstrating a willingness to learn, maintaining a positive attitude, and gaining basic kitchen skills through cooking classes or volunteering. Having a food handler's permit or certification can also be beneficial and shows commitment to food safety standards.

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 an entry level cook?

An entry level line cook is a beginner culinary worker responsible for preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness under supervision. This role typically requires basic cooking skills, knowledge of food safety, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. It often serves as a starting point for a career in the culinary industry.

How to start cooking with no experience?

Entry level line cooks typically start by learning basic food preparation skills, such as knife handling and ingredient measurement, often through on-the-job training or culinary courses. Gaining familiarity with kitchen tools, safety procedures, and following recipes helps build competence and confidence in a professional kitchen environment.

How to get started as a line cook?

To start as a line cook, gain basic culinary skills through cooking classes or self-study, and seek entry-level kitchen positions to gain hands-on experience. Having a good work ethic, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation are essential for success in this role.

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 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 Boston, MA? The most popular types of Line Cook jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Entry Level Line Cook jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Entry Level Line Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Line Cook job openings in Boston, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,657 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Entry Level Kitchen Position, Back Bay

DIG INN Chefs-In-Training

Boston, MA

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

CHEF-IN-TRAINING

[Restaurant Team Member]

$16 - $18 / hour depending on experience + $2-3/hour in tips + MORE BENEFITS!

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The next generation of chefs are evolving in DIG restaurants.

Our scratch based kitchens are built around people with a true passion for real good food. We teach individuals who are excited to share their enthusiasm for food and transform them into skilled chefs. You will advance and gain the ability to work with food, develop leadership skills, and stay sharp in our fast-pace culinary environment. If you are seeking a community where education, purpose, and taste matter, we encourage you to join our fa(r)m.

YOU WILL:

  • Prep, mix, and cook vegetables, proteins, grains etc using recipes as a guide and taste buds for validation.
  • Gain exposure to different stations within the DIG kitchen including but not limited to garde manger, grill, roast, market line, guest concierge and delivery/packout.
  • Speak to current menu offerings, seasonality, and ingredients with guests - making their day as you provide them with a delicious scratch-made meal (aka: marketbowl).
  • Work to support the team during peak and off peak service, by pitching in wherever and whenever necessary.
  • Multi-task and move in the kitchen for extended periods of time. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • Help to maintain the "A" lettergrade by following Department of Health and DIG food safety standards.
  • Demonstrate professional maturity and strictly uphold DIG's anti-discrimination & anti-harassment policies.
  • Go home feeling fulfilled knowing you are a part of a bigger mission to rebuild the food system.

YOU HAVE:

  • A passion for real, good food and a desire to learn culinary practices and skills.
  • The ability to demonstrate and execute a strong work ethic.
  • The ability to perform physical requirements of the position (frequently lifting up to 25 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds). These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • The ability to perform other physical requirements such as seeing, hearing, speaking, reaching, bending, and moving intermittently during working hours. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • A team-oriented focus. You have a deep appreciation for the people you work with and help to support the restaurant's success.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • A desire to create exceptional employee & guest experiences.
  • An eye for detail and solving challenges.
  • A desire for growth in our brigade.

WORK PERKS:

Aside from the standard job description fare (competitive pay) we also offer:

  • Opportunities for GROWTH in a TEAM environment
  • Competitive Pay & potential to earn tips
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401K programming
  • Parental leave
  • Thanksgiving, Christmas and other Holidays Off
  • Flexible Scheduling: Part Time and Full Time Hours
  • Complimentary DIG lunch everyday
  • Commuter Benefits

ABOUT US: To learn more about our mission and food please visit our website at: https://www.diginn.com/mission

NOTE: DIG believes in the power of a shared table to bring people together as we are committed to building a culturally inclusive team. Female, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and diverse candidates are encouraged to apply

Additional Role Note:

The duties of this position may change from time to time. DIG reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Dig or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

DIG is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, familial status as that term is described under the New York State Human Rights Law, caregiver or partnership status as those terms are defined under the New York City Human Rights Law (if you are employed in New York City) or other protected status or any other characteristic as protected under applicable federal, state and local law ("Protected Status").