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School Kitchen Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

School Kitchen Support Staff

Franklin, TN · On-site

$13.80 - $18.70/hr

Join our team as a School Kitchen Support Staff position at The Gardner School of Franklin! We have an exciting opportunity for a School Kitchen Support Staff position working in our State-of-the-Art ...

School Kitchen Support Staff

Franklin, TN · On-site

$13.80 - $18.70/hr

Join our team as a School Kitchen Support Staff position at The Gardner School of Franklin! We have an exciting opportunity for a School Kitchen Support Staff position working in our State-of-the-Art ...

Run the Heart of School Meals ? Become a Kitchen Manager!Are you ready to lead a team, run a kitchen, and feed hundreds of students every day? As a Kitchen Manager, you?ll take ownership of daily ...

Run the Heart of School Meals ? Become a Kitchen Manager!Are you ready to lead a team, run a kitchen, and feed hundreds of students every day? As a Kitchen Manager, you?ll take ownership of daily ...

Kitchen Staff

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * Previous experience in a kitchen or food service environment. * Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices. Preferred Qualifications: * Experience ...

Kitchen Staff

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * Previous experience in a kitchen or food service environment. * Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices. Preferred Qualifications: * Experience ...

Kitchen Staff

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * Previous experience in a kitchen or food service environment. * Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices. Preferred Qualifications: * Experience ...

Kitchen Assistant

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

Across college campuses, K-12 schools, camps, and Greek housing, our teams bring hospitality to ... Kitchen Assistants support the culinary team by preparing and executing food as directed by the ...

New

Kitchen Staff

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * Previous experience in a kitchen or food service environment. * Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices. Preferred Qualifications: * Experience ...

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS Education High School Diploma preferred College or culinary degree preferred Experience Minimum of three years of experience in a large commercial kitchen operation required ...

Kitchen Manager

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

High school diploma or GED required What We Give You None of us succeeds without all of us, and we mean that. * Kitchen Manager Base Salary: $65k-$75k * Bonus: Kitchen Management bonus plan offering ...

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS Education High School Diploma preferred College or culinary degree preferred Experience Minimum of three years of experience in a large commercial kitchen operation required ...

Kitchen Manager

Mount Juliet, TN · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

High school diploma or GED required What We Give You None of us succeeds without all of us, and we mean that. * Kitchen Manager Base Salary: $65k-$75k * Bonus: Kitchen Management bonus plan offering ...

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS Education High School Diploma preferred College or culinary degree preferred Experience Minimum of three years of experience in a large commercial kitchen operation required ...

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS Education High School Diploma preferred College or culinary degree preferred Experience Minimum of three years of experience in a large commercial kitchen operation required ...

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School Kitchen information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do school kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for school kitchen in Tennessee is $13.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $15.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a school kitchen?

A School Kitchen job involves preparing and serving meals to students in a school cafeteria. Responsibilities typically include cooking, food prep, maintaining cleanliness, and adhering to health and safety regulations. Workers may also assist with inventory, dishwashing, and ensuring meals meet nutritional guidelines. This role is important in providing students with healthy and balanced meals during the school day.

What is a typical workday like for someone working in a school kitchen?

A typical day in a school kitchen involves preparing and serving breakfast and lunch to students, ensuring all meals meet dietary guidelines and portion requirements. Team members collaborate closely to organize food prep, maintain cleanliness, and follow strict safety protocols throughout the shift. The work is fast-paced during service times but also requires attention to detail when cleaning and keeping accurate inventory. Outside of meal service, you may help with menu planning or work with staff to implement new nutrition initiatives, making the environment both dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy working with others and supporting student well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the school kitchen position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a School Kitchen, you need a solid understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation standards, often supported by a food handler’s permit or similar certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and compliance with nutrition guidelines are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and time management skills help create an efficient and positive environment. These abilities ensure safe, nutritious meals are served to students in a timely, organized manner while meeting school policies and health regulations.

How to get a job at a school kitchen?

To get a job at a school kitchen, applicants typically need to submit an application to the school district or institution, often including a resume highlighting food service or related experience. Some positions may require food safety certifications such as ServSafe, and a background check is usually necessary. Availability during school hours and the ability to work in a team environment are also important factors.

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

The most popular types of School Kitchen jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to School Kitchen jobs in Tennessee?

For School Kitchen jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching School Kitchen jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for School Kitchen jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for School Kitchen jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most School Kitchen job openings:

Infographic showing various School Kitchen job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,087 per year, or $14 per hour.

School Kitchen Support Staff

The Gardner School

Franklin, TN • On-site

$13.80 - $18.70/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


The Gardner School rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 24 rated private schools and tutoring


Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

We're Hiring! Join our team as a School Kitchen Support Staff position at The Gardner School of Franklin!

We have an exciting opportunity for a School Kitchen Support Staffposition working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Franklin, we believe learning begins with love - for children, for teaching, and for making a difference. Join our passionate, professional team in our state-of-the-art preschool, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated every day.

Perks of Working with Us:

  • Competitive Pay: The pay range for this position is $13.80-$18.70, based on experience and qualifications.
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance + other benefits to fit your unique needs
  • 401k Retirement Plan with Employer match
  • Childcare tuition discount for toddlers and up
  • PTO, plus your birthday and holidays off!
  • Competitive Wages
  • No late nights or weekends

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Confirm weekly menus with school director
  • Adhere to the school's budgetary needs
  • Maintain inventory and complete weekly food and supply orders
  • Prepare and cook meals according to approved menus
  • Ensure food is cooked and served at the correct temperature
  • Maintain a clean, sanitized and organized kitchen area
  • Dishwashing
  • Follow food state and federal safety, sanitation and nutrition guidelines
  • Perform essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Help in classrooms and other areas for short periods of time as needed
  • Regular and reliable attendance
  • Must have dietary allergy knowledge

What You'll Need to be Successful:

  • Strong knowledge of dietary allergies and food safety regulations.
  • Previous experience in food preparation and cooking, including large volume cooking.
  • Proficient in various cooking techniques and methods.
  • Experience with menu planning and meal preparation.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective time management and multitasking abilities.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Physical ability to bend, squat, lift up to 60 pounds, and stand or walk for extended periods.

What You'll Need to Qualify

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Current SafeServe certification, or willingness to obtain
  • Possess a valid driver's license
  • Must enjoy working with young children
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check
  • Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations and guidelines

The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.


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