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Trainee Chef Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Trainee Chef information

See Minnesota salary details

$25K

$42.6K

$62.2K

How much do trainee chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee chef in Minnesota is $42,634.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,300.00 and $50,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Chef, you need a basic understanding of culinary techniques, food safety, and often a relevant qualification such as a food hygiene certificate or culinary diploma. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and inventory management systems is typically expected. Strong teamwork, willingness to learn, time management, and resilience under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure food quality, maintain kitchen efficiency, and support smooth collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

How do you become a trainee chef?

To become a trainee chef, individuals typically complete relevant culinary education or training programs and gain practical experience through apprenticeships or entry-level kitchen roles. Developing cooking skills, understanding food safety standards, and demonstrating a strong work ethic are important steps in starting a career as a trainee chef.

How do you become a trainee chef with no experience?

To become a trainee chef with no experience, you can apply for entry-level kitchen positions or apprenticeships at restaurants or culinary schools. Gaining basic cooking skills, demonstrating enthusiasm, and being willing to learn can improve your chances; some programs may also require a high school diploma or equivalent. Volunteering or working in food service can provide valuable experience and help you get started in the culinary field.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee chefs during their first few months on the job?

Trainee chefs often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced kitchen environment, mastering basic techniques under pressure, and managing time efficiently during busy service hours. Learning to work harmoniously with a diverse kitchen team and adapting to the kitchen's specific workflow can also be demanding at first. However, with guidance from experienced chefs and a willingness to learn, trainees typically find themselves growing more confident and capable over time.

How much does a trainee chef earn?

A trainee chef typically earns between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on the location, establishment, and level of experience. Salaries may increase as they gain skills and complete certifications such as food safety or culinary courses.

What is the difference between Trainee Chef vs Commis Chef?

AspectTrainee ChefCommis Chef
QualificationsOften no formal qualifications required; on-the-job trainingTypically has basic culinary training or certification
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, entry-level kitchen settingEntry-level position in professional kitchens, assisting senior chefs
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with prep work, learning techniquesPerforming basic cooking tasks, supporting senior staff

Both roles are entry-level culinary positions, with Trainee Chefs focusing on learning and development, often without formal qualifications, while Commis Chefs usually have basic training and perform more defined kitchen tasks. The main difference lies in experience level and responsibilities, but both serve as stepping stones in a culinary career.

What is a trainee chef?

Trainee chefs are entry-level kitchen staff who are learning the fundamentals of food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen operations under the supervision of experienced chefs. Their duties often include assisting with basic food prep, maintaining cleanliness, and gradually taking on more complex cooking tasks as they gain experience. Trainee chefs are usually working towards becoming fully qualified chefs and may be part of an apprenticeship or formal culinary training program. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in a professional kitchen environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Trainee Chef jobs in Minnesota? For Trainee Chef jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Trainee Chef job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,634 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Blue Plate Restaurant Company Inc

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description:

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Leadership - The AKM is expected to lead by example in all areas. Enthusiastic dedication, professionalism and positive leadership have the greatest impact on the team. The AKM must organize, energize, develop and lead a diverse work group with BPRC’s Mission Statement and Core Values as the guiding principles.

  • Running great shifts using great people and creating relationships
  • Hiring great people and not compromising standards
  • Training and upholding people to company standards
  • Communicating to team members clearly and effectively
  • Communicating to Chef, GM and fellow managers clearly and effectively
  • Identifying opportunities and taking swift action to correct behavior
  • Always looking for culinary opportunities and ways to improve

Culinary Focus - The Assistant Kitchen Manager is responsible for adherence to Executive Team expectations and guidelines.

  • Understand and Support Executive Team initiatives. Continuously support and build the culture behind our culinary vision.
  • Work closely with the Kitchen Managers, Executive Chef’s and Culinary Director to keep the menu fresh and relevant through features and seasonal menu changes
  • Hold all team FOH & BOH accountable for adherence to expectations and specifications
  • Conversing and coaching managers and staff on a daily basis about our food and culinary vision.
  • Maintain food quality and sanitary practices for food handling & cleanliness
  • Will uphold all Serv Safe guidelines both FOH & BOH

Hiring, Training & Development of BOH Team Members – The AKM is responsible for the training, development and cohesiveness of all BOH team members. This can be done in the following ways:

  • Interviewing and Hiring using the Blue Plate selection tools
  • Work with trainees and trainers to ensure all aspects of the position are reviewed, demonstrated and validated
  • Continued training through Coaching, Mentoring, Development Plans & Support
  • Giving & soliciting consistent and constructive feedback
  • Measuring and documenting team members successes and opportunities
  • Creating and reviewing goals for key hourly staff and BOH team members

Profitable Financial Operations - The Assistant Kitchen Manager is held accountable to the store being a profitable operation. Key areas to this are:

  • Understanding of Profit & Loss statement and what impacts it
  • Understands the budget and how to impact it
  • Comprehension of financial reporting platform, specifically all inventory functions
  • You will work closely with the Chef to maintaining product levels without over ordering or running out of products
  • Understands costs and how they impact the financial statement.
  • Prime Costs - labor, food, beverage
  • Controllable Costs - i.e. office supplies, marketing, training & education, printing
  • Understands productive scheduling and is held accountable for:
  • Writing schedules to budgeted labor percentage
  • Managing to those numbers daily
  • Reviewing opportunities and taking action to correct shortcomings


Facilities – The AKM is responsible for working with the Chef to maintain the entire facilities of the store. This to ensure cleanliness and consistent operation of the restaurant.

  • Sanitation: Maintain standards of cleanliness through daily cleaning company and employee standards
  • Equipment: Perform thoughtful consistent maintenance checks on all equipment. Possess a base knowledge for the functions of all equipment.
  • Health Department: Follow all safety & sanitation standards
  • Exterior: Maintain eye-appealing exterior. Ensure back dock is cleaned daily, any flowers are watered regularly, all snow removal is timely, all garbage and debris is swept continuously throughout the day
  • Interior: Keeping all employees on task with cleanliness responsibilities throughout their shifts


Requirements:

Qualifications-

  • College degree is preferred. Bachelor of Science degree in hotel/restaurant management is desirable. A combination of practical experience and education will be considered as an alternative.
  • Knowledge of computers (MS Office-experience and Google Platform a plus)
  • Proficient in the following dimensions of restaurant functions: food planning and preparation, purchasing, sanitation, security, company policies and procedures.
  • Must have reliable transportation
  • Must agree to background check
  • Serv Safe Certification recommended.

Working Conditions-

  • Hours may vary if the manager must fill in for his/her coworkers or if emergencies arise. Typical work week = 50 hours including peak sales hours. It is expected for the sous to work the line as needed.
  • Ability to perform all functions at the restaurant level, including delivery when needed.
  • Position requires prolonged standing, bending, stooping, twisting, up and down stairs, lifting products and supplies weighing 40 pounds, and repetitive hand and wrist motion.
  • Work with hot, cold, and hazardous equipment as well as operates phones, computers, fax machines, copiers, and other office equipment.

Abilities-

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.