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Full Time Cooking Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Bristol, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Bristol, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/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 ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Elizabethton, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Bristol, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/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 ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Morristown, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/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 ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/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 ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/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 ...

... 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 ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Morristown, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/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 ...

... 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 ...

Cook

White House, TN · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

) FULL TIME COOK WITH SET SCHEDULE Now looking for a passionate Cook * No late nights! * Free uniforms * Great culinary opportunities Are you passionate about cooking and creating meals that make a ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Elizabethton, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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 (Full-Time)

Zaxby's

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Zaxby's rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 699 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 106 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Starting Pay: $14.00 / hour
As the team at Zaxbys expands, we're saving a seat for you!
To our guests, Zaxbys is more than just a place to eat - it's a place to have fun, spend time with friends, and enjoy great food.
To our team members, Zaxbys is an indescribably great place to work!
Cooks are directly responsible for creating a great guest experience by consistently serving quality food in a timely manner. You will receive and stock inventory, prepare, cook and assemble orders, keep the kitchen clean and organized, and maintain food safety and quality standards by following standard operating procedures.
Why work at Zax?
  • FREE Meals On Shift & 50% Off Meals Off Shift
  • Flexible Schedule
  • Early Access to Pay
  • Opportunities to Advance

Benefits
  • Recognition Program
  • Employee Referral Program
  • 401(k) With Employer Match (additional eligibility requirements)

Additional Benefits for Full-Time Team Members
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • Employer-Paid Life Insurance

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The individual in this position is expected to engage in the following work-related activities:
  • Complete all training requirements including:
  • Zaxbys Back of House Development Plan
  • Hands-on stations training
  • Any additional training required by Zax LLC
  • Provide friendly, enthusiastic service for all guests
  • Maintain awareness of current promotions
  • Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand
  • Assist with guest service and front of house operations
  • Prepare menu items according to company standards and in a safe and sanitary manner
  • Ensure food and beverages are handled according to safety regulations and guidelines
  • Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment
  • Maintain product levels in assigned stations in order to be prepared for immediate needs
  • Prepare and cook food items according to company standards
  • Accurately assemble and package guest orders
  • Maintain a clean and safe working environment
  • Keep work areas clean and organized
  • Maintain equipment and inform management of maintenance needs
  • Assist with inventory and storage management
  • Receive and stock incoming inventory deliveries
  • Hold and store food items following food safety guidelines
  • Inform management when inventory is needed
  • Clean and organize storage areas
  • Other responsibilities
  • Complete all tasks with a sense of urgency, in a timely manner
  • Work safely and follow all safety guidelines and procedures
  • Other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications
The following requirements must be met to qualify for this position.
  • Must be 16 years of age or older
  • Part-time: Available to work 9 to 28 hours per week
  • Full-time: Available to work 32 to 40 hours per week

Capability Requirements
The following capabilities are required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue hardship on the company will be considered.
  • Sit, stand, and walk continuously
  • Occasionally stoop, bend, crouch, or climb, including the use of ladders
  • Frequently lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds, including lifting overhead
  • Continuous use of hands and wrists for grasping and fine manipulation
  • Communicate proficiently through speech, reading, and writing
  • Maintain effective audio-visual perception and judgement to observe and respond to the environment
  • Work in an environment that features hot and cold temperature variations and exposure to food allergens
  • Operate and work safely with restaurant equipment including, but not limited to, knives, fryers, and potentially hazardous equipment

Zax LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment decisions based on any factor protected by federal, state, or local law.

What Zaxby's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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ZAXBY'S logo

About ZAXBY'S

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zaxby's is a rapidly growing, fast casual dining restaurant that has quickly spread throughout the Southeast. Zaxby's was created in 1990 in Statesboro, GA and has grown to over 900 stores. We are one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in the US and a brand leader in our segment.

Industry

Food services and drinking places and religious organizations

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Athens, GA, US

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