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Entry Level Sous Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chef - Entry Level

Sevierville, TN · On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

Position Summary The Sous Chef is responsible for preparing, following daily menu, and serving regular and special diets to residents and employees. Will utilize the USDA Dietary Handbook in all ...

$54K - $73K/yr

JOB SUMMARY Entry level management position that focuses on successfully accomplishing the daily objectives in the kitchen. Assists in leading staff while personally assisting in all areas of the ...

Job Title : Entry-Level Sushi Chef Assistant [Little or No Experience Required - Will Train] Job ... We Offer:** - Paid training and mentorship from our Executive Chef and Sous Chef. - Opportunities ...

This position supports the Sous Chef/ Chef de Cuisine in the kitchen's operation and is capable of ... • Entry Level Computer Skills related to Microsoft Office • Ensuring the proper amount for ...

Chef

Rockville, MD · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

... on, entry-level management position focused on executing high-volume service, leading shifts, and maintaining kitchen standards. This role is ideal for someone looking to grow into a Sous Chef ...

Chef

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

... on, entry-level management position focused on executing high-volume service, leading shifts, and maintaining kitchen standards. This role is ideal for someone looking to grow into a Sous Chef ...

Chef

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

... on, entry-level management position focused on executing high-volume service, leading shifts, and maintaining kitchen standards. This role is ideal for someone looking to grow into a Sous Chef ...

Minimum 4 years of leadership experience in a professional kitchen (Executive Chef or Sous Chef ... entry level careers. Apex is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and ...

Minimum 4 years of leadership experience in a professional kitchen (Executive Chef or Sous Chef ... entry level careers. Apex is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and ...

Chef Instructor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Minimum 4 years of leadership experience in a professional kitchen (Executive Chef or Sous Chef ... entry level careers. Apex is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and ...

Chef Instructor

New York, NY · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Minimum 4 years of leadership experience in a professional kitchen (Executive Chef or Sous Chef ... entry level careers. Apex is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and ...

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Entry Level Sous Chef information

See salary details

$30.5K

$59K

$77.5K

How much do entry level sous chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level sous chef in the United States is $58,998.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $67,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Sous Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Sous Chef, you need a solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant restaurant experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) is typically required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and the ability to work calmly under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high food quality, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

Can you be a sous chef with no experience?

Becoming an entry-level sous chef typically requires some culinary training or kitchen experience, as the role involves supervising kitchen staff and managing food preparation. While prior experience is often preferred, individuals with strong cooking skills, a good work ethic, and relevant certifications like food safety may qualify for such positions, especially in smaller or less formal establishments.

What is the most entry level chef position?

The most entry-level chef position is typically a line cook or prep cook, responsible for basic food preparation and assisting more experienced chefs. These roles often require minimal experience, focus on learning kitchen skills, and may lead to higher positions like sous chef with experience and training.

How much experience do you need to become a sous chef?

Entry level sous chefs typically need 2 to 5 years of experience working in professional kitchens, often starting as line cooks or prep cooks. Developing skills in food preparation, kitchen management, and teamwork is essential before advancing to a sous chef role.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level sous chefs when transitioning into a management role?

Entry level sous chefs often encounter challenges such as balancing hands-on cooking duties with new leadership responsibilities, managing time effectively during busy shifts, and communicating clearly with both kitchen staff and front-of-house teams. Learning to delegate tasks, handle inventory, and maintain quality standards under pressure are also typical hurdles. However, these challenges provide valuable learning experiences that help build confidence and prepare for more advanced culinary leadership roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Sous Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectEntry Level Sous ChefLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma, culinary certification preferredHigh school diploma, culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentKitchen, restaurant, culinary teamKitchen, restaurant, station-specific
ResponsibilitiesAssist head chef, oversee kitchen operations, supervise staffPrepare dishes, follow recipes, maintain station
Experience LevelEntry-level, some culinary experienceEntry-level, often beginner cooks

While both roles work in restaurant kitchens, an Entry Level Sous Chef typically has more responsibilities, including supervising staff and assisting with kitchen management, whereas a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes at a specific station. The Entry Level Sous Chef often requires some culinary experience and certification, making it a step above a basic Line Cook position.

What is an entry level sous chef?

An entry level sous chef is an assistant to the head chef in a kitchen, typically responsible for helping manage kitchen staff, overseeing food preparation, and ensuring quality standards are met. While they may have less experience than senior sous chefs, entry level sous chefs often handle day-to-day kitchen operations, assist with inventory, and help train junior staff. This role is a key stepping stone for chefs aspiring to advance to higher leadership positions in the culinary field.

Can you work as a chef with no experience?

Entry level sous chefs can sometimes start with little or no professional experience if they have basic cooking skills, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Many employers offer on-the-job training and look for candidates with a passion for cooking and the ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Certifications like food safety training can also improve chances of employment without prior experience.
More about Entry Level Sous Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Sous Chef jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Sous Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sous Chef jobs? The most popular types of Sous Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Sous Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Sous Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Sous Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Sous Chef jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sous Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 33% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 48% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,998 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Lead Line Cook - Dean's Steakhouse

$17 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


White Lodging rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 105 rated hotels


Job description

Description

Pastry Lead Line Cook - Dean's Steakhouse

Summary:

Who We Are

White Lodging is hiring a Pastry 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

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

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (starting Day 1)
  • Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • DailyPay option
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Vacation/Paid Time Off (PTO) with rollover
  • Complimentary wellness tools
  • Unlimited referral bonuses
  • Leadership development and tuition reimbursement
  • Discounts on hotel rooms, dining, and other travel/entertainment experiences
  • Multiple hotels in each market = more opportunities for growth

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


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