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Assistant Chef Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Portland, OR · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Develops standards, processes, and tools to assist in delivering consistent culinary products at ... Qualifications Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication ...

Executive Chef

Portland, OR

$75K - $104K/yr

Develops standards, processes, and tools to assist in delivering consistent culinary products at ... Qualifications Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication ...

Executive Chef

Portland, OR · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Develops standards, processes, and tools to assist in delivering consistent culinary products at ... Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess ...

Journeyman Millwright

Camas, WA · On-site

$44.71 - $46.43/hr

Adhere to all plant safety and environmental guidelines, policies, and procedures * Assist crew ... Hiring Philosophy All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes ...

Dispatcher

Portland, OR · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand ... before they become issues. * Assist drivers with directions, roadside assistance, accident ...

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand ... before they become issues. * Assist drivers with directions, roadside assistance, accident ...

Lead Line Cook

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related items that are produced in the galley in accordance with the menu matrix as well as any special requests ...

Lead Line Cook

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related items that are produced in the galley in accordance with the menu matrix as well as any special requests ...

Plates prepared foods based on chef's guidance * Responsible for the setup, operation, break down, and cleaning of all kitchen equipment * May need to assist with washing dishes, sweeping/mopping ...

Line Cook

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Plates prepared foods based on chef's guidance * Responsible for the setup, operation, break down, and cleaning of all kitchen equipment * May need to assist with washing dishes, sweeping/mopping ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Chef information

See Portland, OR salary details

$10

$22

$41

How much do assistant chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant chef in Portland, OR is $22.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chef assistant do?

A chef assistant provides support for the head chef of a restaurant, bakery, catering business, or cafeteria. As a chef assistant, your job duties include managing inventory, ensuring that the kitchen meets food safety and cleanliness standards, and helping kitchen staff with food preparation. The qualifications for a career as a chef assistant vary by employer, but typically include training from a culinary school, proven cooking skills, and experience working in a kitchen. You need strong teamwork abilities and a willingness to work a flexible schedule.

What is an assistant chef?

Assistant Chefs, also known as commis chefs or junior chefs, support the head chef and sous chef in a professional kitchen. Their responsibilities typically include preparing ingredients, cooking basic dishes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and helping with inventory management. They play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth workflow and may also assist in plating dishes and learning advanced culinary techniques. This position is often an entry-level role for those pursuing a culinary career, offering hands-on experience and opportunities for advancement.

How does an assistant chef typically collaborate with the head chef and other kitchen staff during service?

As an Assistant Chef, you play a vital role in supporting the Head Chef by preparing ingredients, ensuring stations are well-stocked, and executing dishes according to established recipes and quality standards. Collaboration is constant—clear communication with the Head Chef and other cooks helps maintain a smooth workflow, especially during busy service hours. You may also assist in training junior staff and step in to manage specific sections of the kitchen when needed, making adaptability and teamwork essential traits for success in this role.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Chef, you need a solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and experience in a kitchen environment, often supported by a culinary certificate or diploma. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food hygiene certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills that help in supporting the head chef and ensuring smooth kitchen operations. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining food quality, efficiency, and safety in a fast-paced culinary setting.

What is the difference between Assistant Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectAssistant ChefLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, certifications varyBasic culinary skills, often no formal certification required
Work EnvironmentAssists head chef, supports kitchen operationsPrepares specific dishes on the line during service
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Assistant Chef typically supports the head chef and handles a variety of kitchen tasks, often with some formal training. Line Cooks focus on preparing specific dishes during service, usually with less supervision. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, but Assistant Chefs often have broader responsibilities and may oversee Line Cooks.

More about Assistant Chef jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Assistant Chef jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Assistant Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Chef job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,945 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Executive Sous Chef - Bar Sprezzatura

Heathman Hotel

Portland, OR • On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Inspired by the casual elegance of Italy, Bar Sprezzatura is a unique escape into Italian culture and cuisine. Located in the historic Heathman Hotel, Bar Sprezzatura is a bustling lunch spot by day and aperitivo and cicchetti bar at night. Whether enjoying a bustling meal, an aperitivo, or savory snacks, guests are transported to a world where timeless traditions meet the vibrant, sun-kissed charm of coastal Italy.


About the Role:

The Executive Sous Chef at Bar Sprezzatura is a hands-on culinary leader who supports all aspects of kitchen operations alongside the Executive Chef. This role combines mentorship, technical expertise, and operational excellence to ensure an exceptional experience for both guests and team members. With mastery of cooking techniques, cost control, and staff development, the Executive Sous Chef drives consistency, fosters creativity, and upholds the highest standards of professionalism and hospitality.


Our Ideal candidate is:

A detail oriented culinary leader who will be a hands-on mentor in the kitchen with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and create an amazing experience for both our guests and our staff. You will assist in leading all culinary operations, providing insight and guidance to every member of the kitchen staff, and work closely with the executive chef and corporate culinary and operations teams to further the success of the restaurant. You have expertise in cooking techniques, inventory control, labor cost management, an impeccable eye for detail, and a high level of professionalism.


What you bring to the table:

  • Personal Attributes
    • Exceptional communication and organizational skills
    • Gracious spirit of hospitality
    • Intellectual curiosity and emotional maturity
    • Continually strive to develop staff in all areas of food education
    • Ability to work clean, organized, and lead a team
  • Professional Attributes
    • Advanced knowledge of kitchen fundamentals (knife skills, butchery, sauces, fabrication, all kitchen stations)
    • Knowledge of financial reporting and ability to analyze data
    • Have a strong eye towards development both personal and for your team
    • Desire to teach and mentor both your staff and culinary interns


Requested Capabilities

  • 4 years’ experience in a fine dining high volume kitchen, with at least 1 years in a leadership role
  • Culinary degree preferred
  • Knowledge of safety and hygiene protocols
  • Working knowledge of HR practices and labor laws
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 40 pounds
  • Have the stamina to work in excess of 40 hours per week
  • Spanish language skills a plus


As part of the Makeready collection, we proudly offer a variety of thoughtful benefits and perks for eligible team members including accommodating PTO/PTO exchange, medical/dental/vision benefits, maternity/paternity leave, pet insurance, company-matched dependent care & 401k, student loan repayment program and a wide range of additional ancillary benefits. The health, happiness and well-being of our team is our top priority.

We take pride in our Guiding Principles to help define how we successfully work together. We follow them not out of duty but live by them instinctively.

Makeready LLC and its affiliated entities are proud to encourage and support an environment where everyone can be a successful team member as their true independent self. We are an equal opportunity workplace and employer that does not discriminate based on race, color, disability, gender/sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. We are committed to building a team and a workplace where we are all able to be successful based solely on our individual qualifications, experience, abilities and job performance.