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Entry Level Military Cook Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Production Associate

Clackamas, OR

$15.75 - $20/hr

... government, and military markets throughout the world. Our highly engineered interior and ... This is an entry level position with opportunity to grow and learn. What kinds of things will you ...

Cafe Associate

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

  • Retirement

This is an entry-level position for someone who wants to learn and gain valuable experience. If you ... The position is expected to clean and maintain the cooking and serving areas. With a can-do spirit ...

Cafe Associate

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

  • Retirement

This is an entry-level position for someone who wants to learn and gain valuable experience. If you ... The position is expected to clean and maintain the cooking and serving areas. With a can-do spirit ...

Cafe Associate

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

  • Retirement

This is an entry-level position for someone who wants to learn and gain valuable experience. If you ... The position is expected to clean and maintain the cooking and serving areas. With a can-do spirit ...

Cafe Associate

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

  • Retirement

This is an entry-level position for someone who wants to learn and gain valuable experience. If you ... The position is expected to clean and maintain the cooking and serving areas. With a can-do spirit ...

Production Assembler - Swing Shift

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

... government, and military markets throughout the world. Our highly engineered interior and ... This is an entry level position with opportunity to grow and learn. What kinds of things will you ...

Production Assembler - Day shift

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

... government, and military markets throughout the world. Our highly engineered interior and ... This is an entry level position with opportunity to grow and learn. What kinds of things will you ...

... government, and military markets throughout the world. Our highly engineered interior and ... This is an entry level position with opportunity to grow and learn. What kinds of things will you ...

Production Assembler - Day shift

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

... government, and military markets throughout the world. Our highly engineered interior and ... This is an entry level position with opportunity to grow and learn. What kinds of things will you ...

... government, and military markets throughout the world. Our highly engineered interior and ... This is an entry level position with opportunity to grow and learn. What kinds of things will you ...

Production Assembler - Swing Shift

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

... government, and military markets throughout the world. Our highly engineered interior and ... This is an entry level position with opportunity to grow and learn. What kinds of things will you ...

Entry Level Military Cook information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$16

$23

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

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level military cook in Portland, OR is $17.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to become an entry level military cook?

Becoming an entry-level military cook typically requires meeting basic enlistment requirements, completing basic training, and passing a food service or culinary skills assessment. Candidates often need to obtain relevant certifications or experience in food preparation and handling, and must adapt to the military environment and schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level military cook?

To thrive as an Entry Level Military Cook, you need basic culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by initial military training. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and adherence to sanitation regulations is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, nutritious, and timely meal preparation to support the health and morale of military personnel.

What is the difference between Entry Level Military Cook vs Entry Level Commercial Kitchen Worker?

AspectEntry Level Military CookEntry Level Commercial Kitchen Worker
Required CredentialsBasic food service training, possibly military certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent, food safety training
Work EnvironmentMilitary base, disciplined, structuredRestaurants, cafeterias, fast-food outlets
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary institutions, governmentPrivate restaurants, catering, hospitality
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding military food service rolesEntry-level kitchen jobs in civilian settings

The main difference between an Entry Level Military Cook and an Entry Level Commercial Kitchen Worker lies in their work environment and employer. Military cooks serve in structured military settings with specific certifications, while civilian kitchen workers typically operate in restaurants or catering services with standard food safety training. Both roles involve food preparation but differ in discipline, environment, and industry context.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level military cooks, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level military cooks often face challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced environment, working long or irregular hours, and preparing meals for large groups with strict dietary and nutritional standards. Teamwork and communication are essential, as cooks must coordinate with both kitchen staff and supply personnel to ensure smooth operations. Developing time management skills and staying organized can help new cooks succeed, and on-the-job training provides valuable support for learning military food service procedures.

How much do entry level military cooks get paid?

Entry-level military cooks typically earn a salary comparable to other enlisted personnel, which can range from approximately $20,000 to $30,000 annually depending on rank, experience, and location. They may also receive additional benefits such as housing, healthcare, and allowances for food and uniforms.

What does an entry level military cook do?

An Entry Level Military Cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals to service members in military dining facilities. Their duties include following recipes, ensuring food safety standards, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They often work as part of a team to provide nutritious meals under various conditions, including field environments. Training is provided to help them learn basic cooking techniques, food handling procedures, and how to operate kitchen equipment. This role is essential for maintaining the health and morale of military personnel.
Infographic showing various Entry Level Military Cook job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,357 per year, or $17 per hour.

$15.75 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Astronics rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Astronics-PECO, located in picturesque Clackamas, Oregon near the foothills of Mt. Hood, designs, certifies, manufactures, and sells a wide range of products to commercial, government, and military markets throughout the world. Our highly engineered interior and structural aerospace products are supplied to the largest aircraft manufacturers and are installed in aircraft around the globe, and our military products are used in critical national defense applications.

The Max-Viz enhanced visions systems (EVS) are designed and certified for use as an improvement to safety by a vast array of airplanes, helicopters, and unmanned-aerial-vehicles in the commercial, government, and military marketplace. PECO-Controls are well established temperature control devices designed for applications where high quality is a must, such as the hospitality industry, commercial cooking, and other critical applications. We are looking for Production Associate to join our team on day shift, 7am-3:30pmMonday-Friday.

This is an entry level position with opportunity to grow and learn. What kinds of things will you be doing. Reading and interpreting blueprints, drawings, and/or production procedures to form a complete unit Performing set-ups required on production equipment and machinery Fitting and installing heli-coils, pins, bearings, screws, washers, and other parts Hand cleaning, sanding to remove burrs, trimming, tapping, straightening, and bonding using a variety of machinery to alter shape Degreasing parts using a washer Loading and unloading parts in vibratory, trims die casting products, using arbor presses, crank punch presses Operate micrometers, dial and digital calipers, dial indicators, veneer and thread gages, go/no-go pins,hand held sanders, grinders, drills, and taps Visually inspect surfaces for flaws and smoothness, make adjustments accordingly Wrap, pack, and label product for final shipment How do you know you are a good fit.

You have a high school diploma or equivalent, not required You may have experience working in power tool and equipment operation Ability and willingness to obtain a forklift license You are comfortable working with hand tools You feel confident you can lift up to 30lbs during your workday, some roles less You can read and interpret directions provided to youverbally, via diagram or as a schedule You can perform basic math such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division You are not afraid to use a computer to enter, access or retrieve information Willing to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and background check Employment Eligibility Requirements: This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employees authorization to access such items under applicable law

The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary. An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a pre-employment background anddrug screening (including cannabis). Applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug and background screenings will not be considered for employment.

Accommodation Requests: Astronics PECOis committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail Peco.humanresources@astronics.com or call: 503-387-6045. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis

Astronics-PECO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status. .


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