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Assistant Cook Jobs in Rio Rico, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Caregiver

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$20/hr

Responsibilities * Assist with personal hygiene needs and dressing * Assist with mobility, walking ... Knowledge of basic housekeeping tasks and cooking skills * Ability to adhere to all health and ...

Caregiver

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$20/hr

Responsibilities * Assist with personal hygiene needs and dressing * Assist with mobility, walking ... Knowledge of basic housekeeping tasks and cooking skills * Ability to adhere to all health and ...

Caregiver

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$20/hr

Responsibilities * Assist with personal hygiene needs and dressing * Assist with mobility, walking ... Knowledge of basic housekeeping tasks and cooking skills * Ability to adhere to all health and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Assistant Cook information

See Rio Rico, AZ salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do assistant cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant cook in Rio Rico, AZ is $14.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $15.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food preparation techniques, and certification in food handling are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, and upholding health standards.

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.

What are Assistant Cooks?

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.

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 cities near Rio Rico, AZ are hiring for Assistant Cook jobs? Cities near Rio Rico, AZ with the most Assistant Cook job openings:
Assistant Manager (P1-1382305-7)

Assistant Manager (P1-1382305-7)

Panda Restaurant Group

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Panda Express rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 724 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 103 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Are You Craving A Career With An Industry Leader?
Panda Express is searching for experienced leaders to join our store management team. Panda is 100% committed to the professional and personal development of our family of associates. That's why we offer paid Store Management Leadership Training, mentorship, and support from our Panda community that cares about your success.
What You'll Do As An Assistant Manager:
You are in charge of assisting the operation of a single store. This includes, but is not limited to, hiring, managing and directing of associates to achieve financial goals and ensuring the delivery of exceptional guest experiences. It's up to you to make your store a success. Don't worry! In order to prepare you for success, we will provide a 3 or more weeks of store leadership training program.
How we reward you:**
  • Free meals while working at Panda
  • Generous compensation package with bonus opportunities
  • Medical, Vision, Dental, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Cancer Income Protection insurance for full-time associates
  • Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • 401K with company match
  • Paid time off, paid holidays, bereavement/funeral leave and Leave Share Program
  • Discounts at theme parks, gym memberships, and much more
  • Opportunity to give back to your community
  • Hands-on paid training to prepare you for success
  • On-Going Career & Leadership Development
  • Opportunities for growth into management positions
  • On-going career and leadership development, including comprehensive training
  • Continuous education assistance and scholarships
  • Lucrative associate referral bonus
  • Income protection including Disability, Life, and AD&D insurance
  • Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Please refer to https://www.pandacareers.com/files/PRG_HR_Recruiting_Benefits.pdf for details.

**Candidates must meet, and continue to meet if employed, eligibility requirements for each benefit to qualify.
Desired Skills & Experience:
  • High school diploma required
  • Flexibility to work in a store within a 50-mile radius
  • Able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends
  • Food Safety: Serve Safe certified

ADA Statement:
While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and work quickly without losing accuracy. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchens are hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and the ability to manage conflicts/difficult situations.
Panda Strong since 1983:
Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it's impacting our team or the communities we work in, we're proud to be an organization that embraces family values.
You're wanted here:
Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to TASupport@PandaRG.com .

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About Panda Express

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panda Express is a leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, specializing in American Chinese cuisine. It was established in 1983 in Glendale, California by Andrew and Peggy Cherng and has grown to become the largest Asian segment restaurant chain in the United States, with in excess of 2,200 locations. Its headquarters are located in Rosemead, California. The eatery offers a variety of menu items, including their signature dish, Orange Chicken, along with other favorites like Kung Pao Chicken and Beef and Broccoli. Guided by their mission to "deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences," Panda Express is beloved by many for its convenience, consistently high quality, and innovative twists on traditional Chinese dishes.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rosemead, CA, US