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Assistant Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FOCUS GROUP SERVICES LLC

Assistant Chef I

Lawton, OK · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

The Assistant Chef I is responsible for assisting with food preparation, with accountability for: * Ensuring Workability, Intensity & Integrity * Performing Back of House (BOH) responsibilities as ...

FOCUS GROUP SERVICES LLC

Assistant Chef I

NJ · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Assistant Chef I is responsible for assisting with food preparation, with accountability for: * Ensuring Workability, Intensity & Integrity * Performing Back of House (BOH) responsibilities as ...

KATRINKA'S DELI

Be Seen First

Assistant Chef

Hampton Bays, NY · On-site

$640 - $1.0K/wk

Help Chef prepare daily special. Cooks on grill Does prep work Company Description Well established gourmet deli with a year round customer base.

State of New Hampshire

ASSISTANT CHEF

Manchester, NH · On-site

$15.93 - $20.80/hr

The State of New Hampshire, Division for Children, Youth & Families has a full-time vacancy for Assistant Chef. Summary: Assists with the oversight of a variety of institutional food service ...

FOCUS GROUP SERVICES LLC

Assistant Chef I

Tampa, FL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

The Assistant Chef I is responsible for assisting with food preparation, with accountability for: * Ensuring Workability, Intensity & Integrity * Performing Back of House (BOH) responsibilities as ...

Ohio State University

Assistant Chef

Columbus, OH · On-site

$18.37 - $23.99/hr

Assistant Chef Department:Student Life | Dining Services Job Summary The Assistant Chef is responsible for the preparation of cooked foods in support of a dining operation that serves students, staff ...

Community Partners in Action

Assistant Chef

Hartford, CT · On-site

$23.67/hr

Assistant Chef: REGIONS-Staff Secure Residential Treatment Program for Male Youth, Hartford, CT COMPENSATION: $23.66/Hour SHIFT: Tuesday - Saturday 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM AGENCY DESCRIPTION One of the ...

Sweet Linda

Assistant Chef

New York, NY · On-site

POSITION SUMMARY The Assistant Chef will work closely with the kitchen team to prepare and execute a curated menu of small plates. This position requires attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and ...

Wooddale Barbecue

Event Assistant Chef

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

Sweet Baby Ray's Catering Category Food & Beverage Full-Time/Part-Time Part-Time Position Event Assistant Chef Description Position Summary The Event Assistant Chef supports food preparation, kitchen ...

Weill Cornell Medical College

Assistant Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$24.18 - $26.37/hr

Assistant Chef Location: Upper East Side Org Unit: Griffis Faculty Club Work Days: Weekdays and some weekends Weekly Hours: 35.00 Exemption Status: Non-Exempt Salary Range: $24.18 - $26.37 *As ...

Wynn Resorts

Assistant Chef - Pastry

Las Vegas, NV

As Assistant Pastry Chef your role will include: * The Assistant Pastry Chef is responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in all aspects of cost control. * Completing inventories and food ...

SoDel Concepts

Sous Chef

Rehoboth Beach, DE

$48K - $65K/yr

Supervise all back of house employees Uses labor dollars and menu costing programs to assist chef with controlling labor and food cost Assist chef in planning menus, ordering supplies, and keeping ...

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Assistant Chef information

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How much do assistant chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant chef in the United States is $20.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are assistant chefs called?

Assistant chefs are commonly referred to as sous chefs or kitchen assistants. They support head chefs by preparing ingredients, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and following recipes, often requiring culinary training or certifications. These roles are essential for smooth kitchen operations and may involve working in fast-paced environments with specific safety standards.

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 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 are Assistant Chefs?

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.

Is 35 too late to become a chef?

Assistant chefs can start their culinary careers at any age, including 35, as many chefs begin training or apprenticeships later in life. Success depends on dedication, gaining relevant skills, and obtaining certifications such as culinary diplomas or food safety licenses. Age is not a barrier to entering the culinary field or advancing as a chef.

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.

Is assistant chef a stressful job?

Assistant chefs often work in fast-paced kitchen environments that can be physically demanding and require long hours, especially during busy service times. The role involves multitasking, attention to detail, and teamwork, which can contribute to stress levels, but experience and good time management can help manage these pressures.

What does an assistant chef do?

An assistant chef supports the head chef by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. They often handle tasks such as chopping, measuring, and organizing supplies, and may assist with plating and presentation. This role requires good communication skills and knowledge of food safety standards.

What is the lowest position as a chef?

The lowest position in a professional kitchen is typically that of a line cook or prep cook, responsible for basic food preparation and assisting higher-level chefs. Entry-level roles often require basic culinary skills and may involve working under supervision in a fast-paced environment.

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 cities are hiring for Assistant Chef jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs? The most popular types of Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Chef jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Chef jobs? For Assistant Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Assistant Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,324 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Assistant Chef I

FOCUS GROUP SERVICES LLC

Lawton, OK • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Summary of Job Scope and Expectations:

The Assistant Chef I is responsible for assisting with food preparation, with accountability for:

  • Ensuring Workability, Intensity & Integrity
  • Performing Back of House (BOH) responsibilities as directed by Assistant Chef II and III
  • Preparing rice and chow mein
  • Performing cleaning and sanitizing tasks

Essential functions:

The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this job’s duties and

responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required.

Descriptions

People

  • Culture: Lives and cultivates Focus’s Mission, Culture, and Values to ensure the Focus’s vision is alive and in action.
  • Work Environment: Participates in creating a safe and empowering environment for Team Focus to listen, appreciate and challenge each other. May propose ways to improve processes.

Guest

  • Exceptional Guest Experience: Builds emotional connection with Guests through Food, Service & Ambiance. Assists with all food preparation to meet Guest needs. Cooks or heats

items that require the deep fryer, steamer, grill or microwave, including rice and chow mein,

  • Store Environment: Maintains a clean, safe, and sanitary store environment in compliance with Operations standards. Cleans all areas of the store following proper procedures in the use, handling, and storage of cleaning chemicals. Ensures compliance with all food safety, work

safety, and sanitation requirements.

  • Operations: Upholds high Operations Standards and being the Best. Operates all kitchen equipment, including the Chinese knife and wok, following proper procedures and safety guidelines. Organizes and properly stocks storage area for utensils and other food and non-

food items. May perform Brand Ambassador’s (FOH) responsibilities as needed.


Education and Experience:

  • Some high school
  • Prefer some Operations experience

Food Safety:

  • Local/municipal requirements, such as Food Handler certification, acquired at applicant’s own

expense

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Embody Focus’s Mission, Values, Culture, and Environment
  • Basic understanding of all Operations practices and concepts
  • Basic knowledge of recipes and cooking activities
  • Ability to cook rice and chow mein and learn to cook some entrees
  • Ability to learn basic FOH responsibilities
  • Understanding of work and food safety and application of the work and food safety checklists
  • Understanding of proper procedures for handling cleaning chemicals
  • Be a Team Builder by being a Trusted Leader
  • Be a champion in Community Outreach
  • Embraces change and continuous learning


Competencies:


The following are Focus Mindset and Leadership Behaviors for Operations Associates (Core People Development Competencies indicated in bold):

  • Customer Focus
  • Self Knowledge
  • Interpersonal Savvy
  • Drive for Results
  • Career Ambition
  • Integrity and Trust


Success Measures:

  • Contribute to building and sustaining the Focus Mission and Culture
  • Perform assigned responsibilities according to standard Operations practice
  • Consistently earn positive feedback from store Associates and Operations Leader

Career Progression:


The following job titles or job categories are examples of potential career opportunities and are not intended as a guarantee of promotion. These career paths can change at any time.

  • Assistant Chef II and III



Work Environment:


Store Conditions:

  • Counter areas often hot with steam from induction table
  • Hot kitchens with high noise levels
  • Limited work space depending on location

Physical Requirements:

  • Remains standing for long periods of time
  • Reaches across counter tops measured at 36 inches
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
  • Occasionally reaches high storage shelving with use of step ladder
  • Performs repetitive tasks
  • Cross training may include use of Chinese cook knife, wok, and other restaurant equipment
  • Works efficiently in a fast paced environment with hot and cold foods

Apply