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Temporary Cook Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cook

Gallatin, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/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.

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.

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

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

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 ...

Line Cook

Nashville, 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Temporary Cook information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$14

$20

How much do temporary cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary cook in Tennessee is $14.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary cook?

Temporary cooks are culinary professionals hired for a limited period to prepare and cook food in a variety of settings, such as restaurants, catering events, hotels, or institutional kitchens. They often fill in during staff shortages, busy seasons, or special events. Temporary cooks may be employed through staffing agencies or directly by employers, and their assignments can range from a single shift to several weeks. They are expected to adapt quickly to different kitchen environments and follow the specific recipes, safety, and hygiene standards of each workplace.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Cook, you need strong food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and experience with various cooking techniques, often supported by a food handler’s certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food storage protocols is typically required. Adaptability, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills for success in fast-paced, changing environments. These competencies ensure efficient service, food quality, and seamless integration into different kitchen teams.

What is the difference between Temporary Cook vs Full-Time Cook?

AspectTemporary CookFull-Time Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredSame as temporary; often requires additional experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentShort-term assignments in various settings like events, catering, or seasonal kitchensLong-term employment in restaurants, hotels, or institutional kitchens
Employment DurationTemporary, project-based, or seasonalPermanent, ongoing employment
Employer UsageEvent companies, catering services, temp agenciesRestaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools

Temporary Cooks typically work on short-term or seasonal projects, often through agencies or for specific events, while Full-Time Cooks are employed permanently in a consistent work environment. Both roles require similar credentials and certifications, but their employment terms and work settings differ significantly.

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

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Cook jobs in Tennessee?

For Temporary Cook jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Cook jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Cook jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Temporary Cook jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Temporary Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Temporary Cook job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $30,260 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Grill Cook / Line Cook

Knoxville, TN

$17 - $19/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 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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