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Food Handler Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Hermitage, TN · On-site

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Antioch, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $23.25/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Kingston Springs, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $23.25/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Madison, TN · On-site

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $23.25/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Antioch, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $23.25/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Antioch, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $23.25/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Antioch, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $23.25/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $23.25/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

Thorntons

Food Service Manager

Gallatin, TN · On-site

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

Required Qualifications • Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township Preferred Qualifications • Education ~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. • Experience ...

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All JobsFood Handler JobsFood Handler Jobs in Tennessee

Food Handler information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do food handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for food handler in Tennessee is $16.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Handler, you need basic food safety knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and often a food handler’s permit or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, safe food storage systems, and compliance with local health regulations is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure food is prepared safely, prevent contamination, and support a healthy, efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Food Handler vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood HandlerFood Service Worker
CertificationsTypically requires a food safety certificationMay or may not require certification, depending on role
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, food processing facilitiesRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Job ResponsibilitiesHandling, preparing, and serving food while following safety protocolsAssisting with food service, customer service, and basic food prep

Food handlers focus on food safety and proper handling, often requiring certification, while food service workers perform broader roles including customer service and basic food prep. Both roles are common in food service environments but differ mainly in responsibilities and certification requirements.

What are food handlers?

Food handlers are individuals who work in environments where they prepare, serve, or handle food, such as restaurants, cafeterias, and food processing facilities. Their responsibilities include following food safety procedures, maintaining cleanliness, and preventing contamination to ensure food is safe for consumption. Food handlers may work as cooks, servers, kitchen staff, or in roles that involve direct contact with food or food preparation surfaces. Many regions require food handlers to complete specific training or obtain a certification to ensure they understand proper hygiene and safety practices.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Food handlers typically do not earn $4,000 a week; high-paying jobs that do often require specialized skills, experience, or certifications. Roles such as sales managers, real estate brokers, or certain skilled trades can reach this income level without a college degree, but they usually involve commission, entrepreneurship, or extensive experience. Most jobs paying this amount without a degree are in sales, entrepreneurship, or specialized trades rather than food handling.

What do you need to be a food handler in Texas?

To work as a food handler in Texas, you must complete a state-approved food handler training course and obtain a food handler card or certificate. The training covers safe food handling practices, hygiene, and sanitation requirements, and is often required by local health departments for food service employees.

What are the duties of a food handler?

A food handler is responsible for preparing, serving, and storing food safely to prevent contamination. They must follow proper hygiene practices, such as handwashing and wearing gloves, and adhere to food safety regulations. Certification in food safety is often required, and maintaining a clean work environment is essential.

What Is a Food Handler?

A food handler is anyone who handles food in a restaurant or other organization that serves food, such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. This position includes the kitchen staff who stores ingredients, the chefs who prepare and cook the meals, and servers who bring the food to customers. Some states require food handlers to complete a food handler’s certificate program and obtain a food handler’s card before being allowed to work in the restaurant industry.

What job pays you to eat food?

A food tester or taste tester is a job that involves sampling food products to evaluate flavor, texture, and quality. These roles often require good taste sensitivity, attention to detail, and sometimes food safety certifications. It is a specialized position within the food industry that pays individuals to taste and assess food items before they reach consumers.

What are some common challenges food handlers face in maintaining food safety standards, and how can they overcome them?

Food handlers often encounter challenges such as keeping up with strict hygiene protocols during busy periods, preventing cross-contamination, and consistently monitoring food temperatures. Overcoming these challenges requires diligent handwashing, proper use of gloves, thorough cleaning of surfaces, and regular training on updated food safety guidelines. Effective communication within the team and using checklists or digital systems can also help ensure standards are met even during high-pressure times.
More about Food Handler jobs
What are popular job titles related to Food Handler jobs in Tennessee? For Food Handler jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Handler jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Food Handler jobs in Tennessee are:
Food Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Handler job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,921 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Food Service Manager

Food Service Manager

Thorntons

Murfreesboro, TN • On-site

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description:
The primary role of a Food Service Manager is to provide quality food and beverage products for our guests as
well as maintain proper rotation, inventory, and cleanliness within the food and beverage areas. The Food Service
Manager will also be responsible to achieve sales, unit, and profit goals for the food and beverage categories.
Essential Job Functions (RESPONSIBLE TO)
• Prepare food and dispensed beverage products for daily service prior to rush periods as outlined on store
PAR.
• Follow approved product sampling procedures to sample products as directed.
• Ensure food safety and sanitation compliance at all times
• Expertly manages food operation including shrink, gross profit, quality and supplies by maintaining excellent
food standards
• Accurately counts, stocks, orders inventory, and provides data to support store profitability; proactively
identifying ways to grow the business; very organized and able to follow established processes and
standards.
• Operate various pieces of foodservice and beverage equipment.
• Maintain clean and appealing workspace and service areas, empty trash receptacles as needed.
• Inspect and maintain equipment to cleanliness and operations standards.
• Implement and train program rollouts, product changes and product quality specifications (food service
standards).
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
Requirements:
Required Qualifications
• Food Handler Certifications - as required per state, city or township
Preferred Qualifications
• Education
~ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
• Experience
~ Prior work experience in food service environment with supervisory duties.
• Knowledge/Skills
~ Ability to read and understand reports, records, and other business documents.
~ Working knowledge of product costs and profits to ensure maximum profitability.
~ Able to use product waste logs or similar company designed programs to establish and manage proper
par levels.
~ Proven ability to manage product inventory (rotation, ordering, and on hand)
~ Ability to set priorities, organize work and exercise sound judgment.
~ Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment with frequent interruptions.
~ Food Handler Certification
~ Excellent guest service skills.
• Equipment/Special Expertise
~ Basic food and beverage heating/cooling/preparation kitchen equipment & tools
• Other Considerations
~ Must be available for early morning and late afternoon shifts.
* Thorntons LLC is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process please contact applicationaccommodations@mythorntons.com 9 am - 5 pm EST M-F.
Some of our benefits include weekly pay, free dispensed beverage during your shift, a free meal per shift, medical, dental, vison, 401k (matching company contribution), vacation, sick leave, life insurance. For a full list of benefits and eligibility please visit https://www.exploreyourbenefits.com/retail.html.
Additional Info:
* Thorntons LLC is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process please contact applicationaccommodations@mythorntons.com 9 am - 5 pm EST M-F.

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