1

Assistant Cook Jobs in Elizabeth, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Program: Morris | 285 East 171st Street, Bronx, NY 10457 What You'll Do HELP USA is seeking an Assistant Cook to join the food services team at one of our transitional, shelter housing sites.

Participate in the preparation and cooking of meals and snacks in accordance with specified menus and city-wide nutritional guidelines as needed. * Maintain the cleanliness of the kitchen and ...

Head Cook

College Point, NY · On-site

$24.40/hr

Supervises and assists Assistant Cook and other kitchen staff as well as oversight of any kitchen volunteers/food handlers in meal preparation, service, and clean-up in line with DOHMH and DFTA ...

Prep Cook

New York, NY · On-site

$62K/yr

Properly portion, label, store, and rotate ingredients * Assist with sauces, stocks, marinades ... Follow food safety and sanitation standards * Assist cooks and the kitchen team during service when ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Assistant Cook information

See Elizabeth, NJ salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do assistant cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant cook in Elizabeth, NJ is $16.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant cook?

Assistant Cooks are kitchen staff members who support chefs and head cooks in preparing food, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and organizing ingredients. They perform tasks such as chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and assisting with basic cooking techniques. Assistant Cooks also help with cleaning kitchen equipment, stocking supplies, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Their role is essential for the smooth operation of a kitchen, especially in busy restaurants or catering services.

What does an assistant cook do?

Assistant cooks support to the chef or head cook in the kitchen of a restaurant, catering company, or other food service facility. As an assistant cook, your job duties may include helping to plan the menu, testing new dishes, maintaining inventory, and buying or ordering the necessary ingredients for upcoming meal services. You may also perform cleaning duties around the kitchen to ensure that the food preparation area meets health code standards.

How does an assistant cook typically collaborate with the kitchen team during busy service hours?

During peak service times, an Assistant Cook works closely with chefs, line cooks, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations. This includes prepping ingredients, supporting the assembly of dishes, and maintaining cleanliness at workstations. Effective communication is key, as instructions often come quickly and priorities can shift. Being adaptable and proactive in assisting team members helps maintain efficiency and high food quality standards.

What is the difference between Assistant Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectAssistant CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary trainingHigh school diploma; culinary school or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in kitchen, supports chefs, performs prep workPrepares dishes on the line during service, works in fast-paced kitchen
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, hotels, cateringFound in restaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry-level roles, support tasksCompared for active cooking during service

The main difference between an Assistant Cook and a Line Cook is their role during food preparation. An Assistant Cook typically supports the kitchen team with prep work and basic tasks, while a Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service. Both roles require culinary skills, but Line Cooks usually have more experience and responsibility during meal service.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Elizabeth, NJ?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Elizabeth, NJ are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Cook jobs in Elizabeth, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Cook jobs in Elizabeth, NJ are:

What cities near Elizabeth, NJ are hiring for Assistant Cook jobs?

Cities near Elizabeth, NJ with the most Assistant Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Cook job openings in Elizabeth, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,474 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Assistant Cook (Early Childhood)

HELP USA

Bronx, NY • On-site

$17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


HELP USA rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

517th of 781 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Program: Morris | 285 East 171st Street, Bronx, NY 10457
What You'll Do
HELP USA is seeking an Assistant Cook to join the food services team at one of our transitional, shelter housing sites. Reporting to the Food Services Supervisor, you will be responsible for helping with food preparation, food service, and kitchen cleanliness. You will also keep daily meal count records as well as accurate inventory records. Additionally, when the Food Services Supervisor is absent, you will serve as cook.
You're a great fit for this role if you have:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent OR equivalent experience and skills.
  • Previous related experience in food service.
  • Ability to read and write in English.
  • Ability to keep simple inventory of supplies on hand and needed.
  • Food Handlers License required.
  • Three years related work experience preferred.

Compensation
Actual compensation will not be less than the applicable minimum wage, prevailing wage, or exempt salary requirements under federal, state and local laws.
We Have GREAT BENEFITS!
  • Health insurance through Cigna, including dental and vision, with an option that covers the entire family with minimal employee contribution.
  • Generous Paid Time Off!
  • 401(k) with Company contribution, even if the employee doesn't contribute.
  • And More!

Who We Are
At HELP USA, we work to ensure that everyone has a place to call home. We're one of the nation's largest non-profit homeless services providers and low-income housing developers serving at-risk populations, including families, individuals, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, people with physical and mental health challenges and disabilities, and seniors. With an annual operating budget approaching $150 million and 1400 employees working in nearly 60 programs, we have helped over 500,000 people facing homelessness and poverty to build better lives. We hope that you will consider joining our team in the fight against homelessness.
EOE. A Drug-Free Workplace.

What HELP USA employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom