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Temp Cook Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

TN-Big Orange Grill

Grill Cook / Line Cook

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Grill Cook / Line Cook -- Big Orange Grill $17.00 - $19.00 per hour | Part-time & Full-time | ... Hit temps, timing, and portion standards on every ticket * Keep your station clean, stocked, and ...

Appalachia Service Project Inc

Cook

Johnson City, TN · On-site

This is a temporary position with variable weekly hours, hiring immediately. Our Johnson City ... Each cook will be paid hourly, and will work no more than 66 hours per week collectively (maximum ...

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Germantown, TN · On-site

$15.34 - $19.18/hr

Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program ... cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Franklin, TN · On-site

$16.15 - $20.19/hr

Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program ... cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.15 - $20.19/hr

Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program ... cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Jackson, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program ... cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Columbia, TN · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program ... cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.

Frothy Monkey

Lead Line Cook - The Nations

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Fill out time and temp logs for cooling food * Monitor dishwashers to ensure proper cleaning and testing procedures * FIFO * Proper thawing and cooking temps * Proper handwashing * Cleaning/stocking

Frothy Monkey

Lead Line Cook - The Nations

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Fill out time and temp logs for cooling food * Monitor dishwashers to ensure proper cleaning and testing procedures * FIFO * Proper thawing and cooking temps * Proper handwashing * Cleaning/stocking

Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill

Line Cook

Germantown, TN

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

LINE COOK Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill is an upscale steakhouse, specializing in hand-cut ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill

Line Cook

Nashville, TN

$15.25 - $19/hr

LINE COOK Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill is an upscale steakhouse, specializing in hand-cut ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Franklin, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

LINE COOK Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill is an upscale steakhouse, specializing in hand-cut ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J Alexander's

Line Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Germantown, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

LINE COOK Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill is an upscale steakhouse, specializing in hand-cut ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J Alexander's

Line Cook

Germantown, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

LINE COOK Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill is an upscale steakhouse, specializing in hand-cut ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J. Alexander's Restaurants

Line Cook

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

J Alexander's

Line Cook

Franklin, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

LINE COOK J. Alexander's Restaurant is a contemporary American restaurant, known for its daily ... proper food temps and following company specifications while maintaining a clean station and ...

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Temp Cook information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do temp cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for temp cook in Tennessee is $14.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.31 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temp cook?

Temp cooks are culinary professionals who work on a temporary basis, often filling in for permanent staff at restaurants, catering companies, hotels, or other food service establishments. They may be hired through staffing agencies or directly by businesses to cover short-term needs such as staff shortages, special events, or busy seasons. Temp cooks are expected to quickly adapt to different kitchens, follow recipes and safety standards, and maintain high food quality. Their work can vary from basic food prep to full meal preparation, depending on the assignment. This role offers flexibility and exposure to different culinary environments.

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

To thrive as a Temp Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and prior kitchen experience, often supported by a food handler certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and basic inventory management are commonly required. Strong time management, adaptability, and effective communication help temp cooks excel in varied, fast-paced environments. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and seamless integration into different teams and settings.

What are some common challenges temp cooks face when adapting to new kitchens and teams?

Temp Cooks often work in unfamiliar kitchens with varying equipment, menus, and workflows, which can make it challenging to quickly integrate and perform efficiently. They must be able to learn new procedures rapidly, adapt to different team dynamics, and maintain high standards under time constraints. Strong communication skills and flexibility are essential, as Temp Cooks regularly collaborate with permanent staff and must uphold consistency in food quality despite changing environments.

What is the difference between Temp Cook vs Part-Time Cook?

AspectTemp CookPart-Time Cook
CredentialsFood Handler’s Permit, basic culinary skillsFood Handler’s Permit, basic culinary skills
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, varied locationsConsistent schedule, same location
Employment TypeShort-term, project-basedRegular, scheduled hours
Industry UsageEvent catering, seasonal workRestaurants, cafes, catering

Temp Cooks typically work on short-term assignments at various locations, often for events or seasonal needs, requiring similar credentials as part-time cooks. Part-Time Cooks have a regular schedule at a specific establishment, providing consistent service. Both roles require basic culinary skills and food safety certifications, but differ mainly in employment duration and work setting.

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

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Tennessee are:

Temp Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temp Cook job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $29,659 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Grill Cook / Line Cook

TN-Big Orange Grill

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Grill Cook / Line Cook — Big Orange Grill
$17.00 – $19.00 per hour | Part-time & Full-time | University of Tennessee Campus, Knoxville

Big Orange Grill serves the UT campus at real volume, and our kitchen is hiring. You'll work grill and fry stations, cook to ticket, and hold the line together when the rush hits. If you want a kitchen where you'll actually get faster and better, this is one.

Positions available: Line Cook, Grill Cook, Fry Cook, Prep Cook, Dishwasher

What the job looks like:

  • Run grill, fry, or prep stations through a full service
  • Hit temps, timing, and portion standards on every ticket
  • Keep your station clean, stocked, and organized
  • Follow all food safety and sanitation standards

What you bring:

  • Dependability — you show up on time and ready
  • Composure when tickets stack up
  • The ability to stand, move, and lift throughout your shift
  • Kitchen experience is a plus, not a requirement. We train.

What we offer:

  • $17.00 to $19.00 per hour, based on experience
  • Scheduling built around your class schedule
  • An on-campus location — no commute, no parking pass, no car needed
  • Cross-training across stations and genuine promotion from within

Athenian Hospitality Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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