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Lead Line Cook Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Adele's Nashville

Lead Line Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We're currently looking for a Lead Line Cook to join our team! From wood-fired favorites to fresh, vibrant flavors, Adele's offers an unforgettable dining experience, and we're excited to welcome ...

DIMENSION MASTER

LEAD LINE COOK

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

The Role As a Lead Line Cook, you support the culinary team by preparing menu items according to recipes and quality standards while helping guide other line cooks during busy service periods. You ...

New

Dimension Hospitality

LEAD LINE COOK

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

The Role As a Lead Line Cook, you support the culinary team by preparing menu items according to recipes and quality standards while helping guide other line cooks during busy service periods. You ...

New

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Chattanooga, TN

$15.75 - $20/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Clarksville, TN

$15 - $19.25/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

SongTeller Hotel

Lead Line Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Herschend is seeking an accomplished and motivated Lead Line Cook to work along the team and support operations for our newest hospitality venture, Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel, located in the ...

HM Alpha Hotels

Lead Line Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$23/hr

Division Grand Hyatt Nashville Description The Lead Line Cook applies advanced culinary expertise in à la carte cooking while serving as the leader on the production line. This role ensures high ...

PNH Properties LLC

Lead Line Cook

Nashville, TN

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Herschend is seeking an accomplished and motivated Lead Line Cook to work along the team and support operations for our newest hospitality venture, Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel, located in the ...

Fairlane Hotel

Line Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Executive Director of Food and Beverage, Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef, Senior Food and Beverage Manager, Lead Line Cook Manages: N/A Status: Full-Time, Hourly / Non-Exempt Schedule: On ...

HM Alpha Hotels & Resorts

Lead Line Cook

Nashville, TN

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

We want sharp cooks, strong leaders, and people who take pride in the line. If you work clean, move fast, respect standards, don't take short cuts, and want to cook with a team that gives a damn ...

HM Alpha Hotels

Lead Line Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

We want sharp cooks, strong leaders, and people who take pride in the line. If you work clean, move fast, respect standards, don't take short cuts, and want to cook with a team that gives a damn-keep ...

Tee Line, LLC

Line Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Tee Line, LLC in Nashville, TN is seeking a talented Line Cook to join our team. We are a fast-paced, high-energy restaurant known for our delicious food and great customer service. If you have a ...

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All JobsLead Line Cook JobsLead Line Cook Jobs in Tennessee

Lead Line Cook information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do lead line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead line cook in Tennessee is $17.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are lead line cooks?

Lead line cooks are experienced culinary professionals responsible for overseeing a particular section or station in the kitchen, ensuring that food is prepared correctly and on time. They supervise other line cooks, help with kitchen organization, and maintain high standards for food quality and safety. Lead line cooks often collaborate with the head chef and sous chef, assist with menu planning, and may train new kitchen staff. Their leadership is crucial to a kitchen's smooth and efficient operation.

What are some common challenges Lead Line Cooks face when managing a busy kitchen shift?

Lead Line Cooks often juggle multiple tasks during peak hours, from overseeing food preparation and plating to coordinating with kitchen staff and communicating with front-of-house teams. Common challenges include maintaining consistency and quality under pressure, managing inventory shortages, and quickly resolving unexpected issues, such as equipment malfunctions or staff absences. Effective time management, clear communication, and adaptability are essential to ensure smooth operations and uphold high culinary standards during busy shifts.

What is the difference between Lead Line Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectLead Line CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesOversees station, mentors staff, ensures qualityPrepares dishes, follows recipes, maintains station
CredentialsExperience, culinary skills, leadershipBasic culinary training, experience preferred
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchen, supervisory roleKitchen station, food prep

The Lead Line Cook typically has more experience and takes on supervisory duties, overseeing other cooks and ensuring quality standards. The Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes according to recipes and maintaining station efficiency. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Lead Line Cook also demonstrates leadership and organizational abilities.

Where do line cooks get paid the most?

Line cooks tend to earn higher wages in regions with a high cost of living and a strong hospitality industry, such as major metropolitan areas or affluent regions. Factors like experience, skill level, and the type of establishment also influence pay rates, with upscale restaurants and hotels often offering higher compensation.

How to become a lead cook?

To become a lead line cook, gain several years of experience working in a professional kitchen, develop strong cooking skills, and demonstrate leadership and reliability. Many employers prefer candidates with culinary certifications or formal training, and advancing often involves taking on supervisory responsibilities and improving efficiency and teamwork skills.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying jobs for cooks are often executive chef or head chef positions in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private clubs, where salaries can exceed $80,000 annually. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or restaurant owners also tend to offer higher compensation, especially with extensive experience and advanced culinary skills.

What are the duties of a lead line cook?

A lead line cook oversees kitchen station operations, ensures food quality and presentation, trains and supervises other cooks, and maintains safety and sanitation standards. They coordinate with the kitchen team to ensure timely service and may assist with menu preparation and inventory management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Line Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Line Cook, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in high-volume kitchens, usually supported by a culinary degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Leadership, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, maintain food quality and safety, and foster a positive work environment.
What are popular job titles related to Lead Line Cook jobs in TN? For Lead Line Cook jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lead Line Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Line Cook job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,285 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Lead Line Cook

Adele's Nashville

Nashville, TN • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Adele’s, located in the heart of the Gulch, is a Nashville favorite known for its seasonal, farm-to-table dishes and warm hospitality. We’re currently looking for a Lead Line Cook to join our team! From wood-fired favorites to fresh, vibrant flavors, Adele’s offers an unforgettable dining experience, and we’re excited to welcome someone who shares our passion for great food and service.


$20-$25/hour DOE


Lead Line Cook Key Responsibilities:

  • Prepare all food items on the menu, ensuring consistency, quality, and accuracy of recipes.
  • Oversee and maintain kitchen sanitation in accordance with health department guidelines.
  • Set up, organize, and maintain assigned kitchen workstations, ensuring team efficiency and readiness.
  • Plan and direct food production to align with service hours, ensuring excellence in quality, temperature, and appearance of dishes.
  • Assist in training and mentoring kitchen staff to uphold standards of consistency and quality.
  • Monitor and manage appropriate use of facility supplies and equipment to minimize loss, waste, and fraud.
  • Ensure safe food handling procedures are followed at all times.
  • Properly store food items, marking the date and item for accuracy and safety.
  • Report necessary equipment repair and maintenance needs to management promptly.
  • Lead efforts to keep the kitchen and workstations neat and clean, including cleaning and maintaining equipment used in food preparation.
  • Collaborate with management to implement and uphold kitchen procedures and standards.
  • Take initiative in addressing kitchen challenges and fostering a positive, productive work environment.
  • Perform other back-of-house duties as assigned by management.


Line Cook Qualifications:

  • Minimum 3 years experience as a line cook in a full-service restaurant.
  • Preferred 1 year experience as a lead line cook, Kitchen Manager, or Sous Chef.
  • Knowledge of modern cooking techniques required.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with the ability to prioritize responsibilities
  • Ability to handle stressful situations, while maintaining a calm and welcoming demeanor.
  • Ability to perform culinary duties, handling guest requests efficiently and to the guests satisfaction.
  • Ability to produce high volumes of work while maintaining quality per Sadie's standards.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays.
  • Must be able to lift / carry items up to 40 lbs. and push / pull items up to 75 lbs.
  • Must be able to walk/stand for extended periods of time, with frequent bending, twisting, squatting and reaching overhead.
  • Must be able to utilize culinary tools (knives, commercial equipment, etc) and taste/smell.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and treats all applicants for employment equally based upon job-related qualifications and without regard to race, sex, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin, disability, religion, political activity, or any other characteristic protected by law.