1

Assistant Cook Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Portland, ME ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Work efficiently under pressure during high-volume service periods. Assist with prep work, cleaning ... Understanding of basic cooking techniques and kitchen equipment. Strong attention to detail ...

Cook

Portland, ME ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... โ€ข Assist with receiving deliveries and storing food and supplies properly. โ€ข Follow all ... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. โ€ข Understanding of basic ...

Cook

Portland, ME ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... ยท Assist with receiving deliveries and storing food and supplies properly. ยท Follow all ... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. ยท Understanding of basic ...

Cook

Portland, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... ยท Assist with receiving deliveries and storing food and supplies properly. ยท Follow all ... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. ยท Understanding of basic ...

Cook Chef

Gorham, ME ยท On-site

$17 - $22/hr

You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...

Cook Chef

Gorham, ME ยท On-site

$17 - $22/hr

You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...

Cook

Westbrook, ME

$20 - $25/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME ยท On-site

$23/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME ยท On-site

$23/hr

Role: Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Westbrook, ME ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Role: Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Westbrook, ME ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook, you prepare high-quality meals that support residents' health and enjoyment while ... Employee Assistant Program / Discount Program * Paid time off (PTO), sick time, and holiday pay ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook, you prepare high-quality meals that support residents' health and enjoyment while ... Employee Assistant Program / Discount Program * Paid time off (PTO), sick time, and holiday pay ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME ยท On-site

$23/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Kennebunk, ME ยท On-site

$23/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Westbrook, ME ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

Cook

Freeport, ME ยท On-site

$19.45 - $22.45/hr

Cook Job Summary~ Working for a Maine owned company while taking care of Maine people our Cooks ... Coordinate dietary service with other departments as necessary * Assist in standardizing the ...

Cook

Freeport, ME ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Cook Job Summary~ Working for a Maine owned company while taking care of Maine people our Cooks ... Coordinate dietary service with other departments as necessary * Assist in standardizing the ...

Cook

Freeport, ME ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Cook Job Summary~ Working for a Maine owned company while taking care of Maine people our Cooks ... Coordinate dietary service with other departments as necessary * Assist in standardizing the ...

Line Cook

Portland, ME

$16 - $20/hr

Prep, cook, and assemble dishes according to recipes and standards * Practice portion control and ... Complete opening and closing kitchen tasks * Assist with special functions and events as needed ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Assistant Cook information

See Portland, ME salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do assistant cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant cook in Portland, ME is $16.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $17.69 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 Portland, ME?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Portland, ME are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Cook jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Cook jobs in Portland, ME are:

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Assistant Cook jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Assistant Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Cook job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,029 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description

Job Responsibilities

Prepare and cook menu items according to standard recipes, portion sizes, and presentation guidelines.

Set up and stock stations with all necessary ingredients and equipment.

Ensure food is cooked and held at proper temperatures and follows food safety regulations.

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, including workstations, equipment, and storage areas.

Assist with receiving deliveries and storing food and supplies properly.

Follow all sanitation and food handling procedures, including proper labeling and rotation (FIFO).

Work efficiently under pressure during high-volume service periods.

Assist with prep work, cleaning duties, and other kitchen tasks as assigned.

Communicate effectively with kitchen staff and front-of-house team for smooth service flow.

Always maintain soap and sanitation buckets at each station.

Open the kitchen and close the kitchen in the absence of supervisors.

Adhere to all prepared written recipes for all menu items.

Report out-of-stock items to the supervisor.

Prepare all sauces and all dishes for breakfast, dinner menus per SOP and recipe standards.

Help set up the restaurant and employee cafeteria buffet as applicable.

Prepare all menu and featured items under the Executive Chef's direction.

Perform the duties of the Prep List schedule and assist with banquet preparationย 


#ZR

Requirements

Previous cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred.

Understanding of basic cooking techniques and kitchen equipment.

Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management.

Ability to follow recipes and take direction.

A food handler's permit or certification may be required depending on location.

Physical stamina for standing, lifting, and working in a hot kitchen for extended periods

Fast-paced kitchen environment with tight timelines.

Must be available for evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Must know the English language to effectively communicate with guests, associates, and vendors.

Ability to scrupulously follow all StepStone and hotel policies and procedures.