ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Full Time Cooking Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Embark Behavioral Health

Cook

Benton, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

Overview Full-Time Cook Pay Range: $18.50 - $22.00 per hour Schedule: Thursday and Friday 11am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday 8am to 8pm Location: Benton, TN Are you empathetic, patient, and committed to ...

Embark Behavioral Health

Cook

Benton, TN

$18.50 - $22/hr

Overview Full-Time Cook Pay Range: $18.50 - $22.00 per hour Schedule: Thursday and Friday 11am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday 8am to 8pm Location: Benton, TN Are you empathetic, patient, and committed to ...

Embark Behavioral Health

Cook

Benton, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

Overview Full-Time Cook Pay Range: $18.50 - $22.00 per hour Schedule: Thursday and Friday 11am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday 8am to 8pm Location: Benton, TN Are you empathetic, patient, and committed to ...

Opus East Memphis

Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-Time Cook Opus East Memphis | Memphis, TN Schedule: Full-Time, Flexible Shifts * 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM * 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Highly Preferred: 2+ years of hotel, high-volume, or line cook experience.

The Waters of Shelbyville

Cook

Shelbyville, TN

$12 - $16/hr

The Waters of Shelbyville is now hiring Full-Time Cook to join our TEAM!!! A comprehensive benefit package includes: Excellent Pay POSITION SUMMARY: A Cook prepares and assists with food preparation ...

Embark Behavioral Health

Cook

Benton, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

Full-Time Cook Pay Range: $18.50 - $22.00 per hour Schedule: Thursday and Friday 11am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday 8am to 8pm Location: Benton, TN Are you empathetic, patient, and committed to ...

The Waters of Smyrna

Cook

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

) Now Hiring Full Time Cook to join our TEAM!!! A comprehensive benefit package includes: Excellent Pay Bonus to be paid of $200 after 90days of employment! Disability plans POSITION SUMMARY: A Cook ...

Hamblen County School District

Full Time Cook

Morristown, TN · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

QUALIFICATIONS 1. Experience as a substitute in the School Nutrition Program so that with appropriate training employee may serve in the specific role for which employed 2. Physical examination, to ...

Hamblen County School District

Full Time Cook

Morristown, TN · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

QUALIFICATIONS 1. Experience as a substitute in the School Nutrition Program so that with appropriate training employee may serve in the specific role for which employed 2. Physical examination, to ...

Southern Land Company

Line Cook

Franklin, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Position Summary Westhaven Golf Club has full-time cook positions available. Flexible schedules are offered. Cooks should an have understanding of a la carte and banquet production with experience on ...

STI

Food Service Worker/Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

This can involve cooking large quantities of food, ensuring proper portion control, and maintaining ... * Full-Time Cooks need to be on a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, and are ...

Starstruck Farm

Line Cook - Full Time

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

We are currently seeking a dedicated and passionate full-time Line Cook to help prepare meals and ... Proven cooking experience, including experience as a line cook, restaurant cook, or prep cook.

Zaxby's

Cook (Full-Time)

Powell, TN · On-site

$13/hr

... Full-Time Team Members * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance * Short and Long-Term Disability ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Zaxby's

Cook (Full-Time)

Jefferson City, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

... Full-Time Team Members * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance * Short and Long-Term Disability ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Zaxby's

Cook (Full-Time)

Jacksboro, TN · On-site

$13/hr

... Full-Time Team Members * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance * Short and Long-Term Disability ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Zaxby's

Cook (Full-Time)

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$14/hr

... Full-Time Team Members * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance * Short and Long-Term Disability ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsCooking JobsFull Time Cooking JobsFull Time Cooking Jobs in Tennessee

Full Time Cooking information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do full time cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time cooking 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 is a full time cooking job?

Full time cooking jobs refer to positions where individuals work as cooks or chefs for at least 35-40 hours per week, typically in restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. These roles involve preparing meals, managing kitchen operations, following recipes, maintaining food safety standards, and sometimes supervising kitchen staff. Full time cooking jobs often require strong time management, teamwork, and culinary skills, and may involve working early mornings, late evenings, weekends, or holidays depending on the establishment.

How does a full-time cooking role typically balance preparation work with service hours during a busy week?

Full-time cooking positions often require a careful balance between food preparation and active service hours. Prep work, such as chopping ingredients, marinating proteins, and organizing supplies, is usually completed before meal service begins to ensure efficiency when orders come in. During peak hours, cooks must work quickly and collaboratively with other kitchen staff to maintain quality and timing. It's common to rotate between prep and service tasks, depending on the kitchen's schedule and staffing. Effective communication and time management are key to handling the fast-paced environment and ensuring smooth kitchen operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full-time cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full-Time Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and typically formal training or experience in a professional kitchen. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certification in food handling or ServSafe are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to consistently deliver quality dishes, maintain kitchen efficiency, and ensure a safe dining experience.

What is the difference between Full Time Cooking vs Part Time Cooking?

AspectFull Time CookingPart Time Cooking
Work HoursTypically 35-40 hours per weekFewer hours, usually less than 20 hours per week
CredentialsBasic culinary certifications often preferredSame as full-time, but less emphasis on certifications
Work EnvironmentConsistent kitchen setting, full shiftsFlexible, variable shifts in kitchens
Employment TypeFull-time employment with benefitsPart-time, often without benefits

Full Time Cooking involves working standard, full shifts with consistent hours and often includes benefits. Part Time Cooking offers more flexible hours with fewer benefits, suitable for those balancing other commitments. Both roles require similar skills and certifications but differ mainly in hours and employment benefits.

What companies will pay you to cook?

Many companies in the food service industry, such as restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional kitchens, hire full-time cooks and pay them for preparing meals. These employers typically require culinary skills, relevant certifications, and may offer benefits and regular schedules. Job seekers can find opportunities through restaurant chains, hospitality groups, and food production companies that employ full-time cooking staff.

What jobs can you do if you like full time cooking?

If you enjoy full-time cooking, you can pursue roles such as line cook, sous chef, executive chef, or culinary instructor. These positions typically require culinary skills, experience in food preparation, and sometimes certifications like food safety or culinary degrees. Working in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or opening your own food business are common options.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Full Time Cooking jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Full Time Cooking job openings:

Full Time Cooking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Cooking job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,295 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Cook

Embark Behavioral Health

Benton, TN • On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Embark Behavioral Health rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview

Full-Time Cook 

Pay Range: $18.50 - $22.00 per hour

Schedule:

Thursday and Friday 11am to 7pm

Saturday and Sunday 8am to 8pm

Location: Benton, TN

Are you empathetic, patient, and committed to empowering adolescents on their journey towards sustainable mental wellness? Embark at Benton is seeking a full-time Cook for adolescents (ages 12 - 17) in a residential treatment program. The Cook is responsible for assisting and preparing nutritious and balanced meals for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and events as assigned. As part of the dietary services team, you will ensure that proper health and safety procedures are adhered to while maintaining a focus on budget guidelines.

Embark is a unique organization comprised of an extraordinary family of programs, all dedicated to creating joy and healing generations.We are a leading network of clinical and therapeutic programs (residential treatment centers, young adult transition programs, outpatient centers, addiction treatment facilities, and more) that offer a comprehensive set of services that run the span of acuities, ages and treatments; all focused on cutting-edge interventions where we strive to lead the way in helping take anxiety, depression and suicide from the all-time highs of today to all-time lows. 

Responsibilities
  • Plan a weekly menu and coordinate the preparation and serving of nutritious meals and snacks that accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences as needed. 
  • Ensure compliance with local health and safety regulations, including food handling and sanitation standards. 
  • Conduct regular inspections of kitchen and dining areas to ensure client safety. 
  • Develop and maintain positive, healthy relationships with clients. 
  • Being punctual and maintaining regular attendance. 
  • Maintain professionalism in all aspects of the job. 
  • Driving when required. 
Qualifications
  • Age: 21+ years of age or older
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D required. 
  • Experience cooking and serving in a kitchen, restaurant, or cafeteria setting, with the ability to create weekly menus, maintain food inventory, and manage a budget.
  • Knowledge of basic nutrition; culinary arts training preferred but not required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications, including Food Handler Permit or ServSafe Certification (as deemed necessary by the Program Director), CPR/First Aid, and Crisis Intervention Training.
  • Valid driver's license in good standing.
  • Must successfully pass background, driving record, drug, and TB screenings.
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance - Multiple plan options including PPO and HDHPs with HSA eligibility and company contributions.
  • Paid Parental Leave - Up to 6 weeks fully paid for exempt employees and 4 weeks for non-exempt.
  • Life & Disability Coverage - Company-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability; voluntary life and optional short-term disability available.
  • 401(k) with Company Match - Retirement savings with matching contributions after eligibility period.
  • PTO & Holidays - Competitive PTO accrual plans and paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential support for life's challenges.

Embark is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to enriching the therapeutic and healing experience we offer through the diversity of our employees and community. We actively seek to recruit and support a broadly diverse staff who contribute to our excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, and relevance in a global society.

Embark does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.  #LI-KK1 #LI-Onsite  #EBOTHR 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Embark Behavioral Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply