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Chef Helper Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

RIDGEWELLS INC

Pastry Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD

POSITION SUMMARY The primary responsibility for the Pastry Sous Chef is to assist the Executive ... Works to help reduce accidents by maintaining a safe, hazard free environment, ensuring that all ...

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Executive Chef

Potomac, MD · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Meriwether Godsey is looking for an Executive Chef responsible for leading and managing a high ... Help Meriwether Godsey set the standard for hospitality in the Greater DC market!

DIG INN Restaurant Teams

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

DIG is determined to help support the next generation of farmers, cooks and chefs! YOU WILL: * Be responsible for the entire restaurant operation, including PnL responsibilities such as food cost ...

DIG INN Restaurant Teams

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

DIG is determined to help support the next generation of farmers, cooks and chefs! YOU WILL: * Be responsible for the entire restaurant operation, including PnL responsibilities such as food cost ...

DIG INN Restaurant Teams

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

DIG is determined to help support the next generation of farmers, cooks and chefs! YOU WILL: * Be responsible for the entire restaurant operation, including PnL responsibilities such as food cost ...

DIG INN

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$80K - $85K/yr

DIG is determined to help support the next generation of farmers, cooks and chefs! YOU WILL: * Be responsible for the entire restaurant operation, including PnL responsibilities such as food cost ...

Ned's Club

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$85K/yr

As Sous Chef you will support your Executive Sous Chef in leading one of the kitchens at Ned's Club ... Exciting learning and development programs to help progress your career * Exclusive rates with our ...

Union Square Events

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Sous Chef Salary: $75,000 to $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Eligible for a 10% bonus ... Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering ...

New

Retirement Unlimited, Inc.

Executive Chef

Burke, VA · On-site

$71K - $97K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for all food production including that used for restaurants ... Develops standard recipes and techniques for food preparation and presentation which help to assure ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$75K - $85K/yr

Sous Chef Salary: $75,000 to $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Eligible for a 10% bonus ... Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering ...

Friend that Cooks

Personal Chef - DC

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$27.01/hr

Much more Who We're Looking For Experienced line cooks, sous chefs, and culinary professionals who are passionate about food and helping people. If you're ready to leave the restaurant grind behind ...

The Dabney

Chef de Cuisine

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

The Dabney is seeking a passionate, driven, and collaborative Chef de Cuisine to help lead one of Washington, D.C.'s most celebrated kitchens. Centered around our live-fire hearth, The Dabney ...

SSA Group

Executive Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$78K - $84K/yr

Help implement systems and processes that help make tasks efficient and strengthen the financial performance of the unit. * Support Executive Chef in preparing operational reports and analyses ...

SSA Group

Executive Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$78K - $84K/yr

Help implement systems and processes that help make tasks efficient and strengthen the financial performance of the unit. * Support Executive Chef in preparing operational reports and analyses ...

Capital Restaurant Resources

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

... quality control Help train and mentor line cooks and prep staff Ensure food is prepared ... Chefs and Sous Chefs to maintain efficient kitchen operations Help manage prep production ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsChef Helper JobsChef Helper Jobs in Washington, DC

Chef Helper information

See Washington, DC salary details

$7

$18

$33

How much do chef helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef helper in Washington, DC is $18.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.19 and $19.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily tasks and challenges of a chef helper?

As a Chef Helper, your daily tasks typically include assisting with food preparation, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, organizing ingredients, and supporting chefs with basic cooking tasks. One common challenge is working efficiently in a fast-paced environment, especially during busy meal times. You'll also need to adapt quickly to changing priorities and follow strict food safety standards. Collaborating closely with chefs and other kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and timely meal preparation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chef helper?

To thrive as a Chef Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen appliances, food safety standards, and sometimes certifications like a Food Handler's Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure kitchen operations run smoothly, food quality is maintained, and safety standards are upheld.

What is the difference between Chef Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectChef HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; basic culinary training often preferredHigh school diploma; may require food safety certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsCommercial kitchens, catering services, restaurants
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesUsed interchangeably with Chef Helper in many settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasksSupporting kitchen staff, prep work, cleaning

Both Chef Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles involve supporting kitchen operations with food prep and cleaning. While their responsibilities are similar, 'Chef Helper' is often used in more formal culinary settings, whereas 'Kitchen Assistant' may be more common in casual or institutional environments. Both positions typically require basic food safety knowledge and a high school diploma.

How to become a chef helper?

To become a chef helper, typically no formal education is required, but previous experience in food preparation or kitchen work can be beneficial. Employers often look for basic cooking skills, ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. Gaining experience through entry-level kitchen positions or culinary training programs can improve job prospects.

What does a chef helper do?

A chef helper assists in food preparation, such as chopping, measuring, and organizing ingredients, and supports the chef or kitchen staff with various tasks. They often work in fast-paced environments, follow safety and hygiene standards, and may need basic cooking skills or certifications. Their duties help ensure smooth kitchen operations and timely meal service.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Washington, DC are:

Chef Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Helper job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,025 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Pastry Sous Chef

RIDGEWELLS INC

Bethesda, MD

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The primary responsibility for the Pastry Sous Chef is to assist the Executive Pastry Chef in direction and management of all pastry operations and staff. He/she will assure proper preparation of all baked items for the pastry production and operations. Incumbent will perform the duties of the Executive Pastry Chef in their absence.

RESPONSIBILITIES Other responsibilities include, but not limited to:

  • Supports Executive Pastry Chef in the daily operations in the bakery.
  • Inspects all bakery items upon completion to ensure they have been prepared correctly and attractively.
  • Helps Executive Pastry Chef with menu development and costing of new menu items and/or special requests from clients.
  • Keeps the Executive Pastry Chef informed of all pertinent information and any irregularities occurring in the pastry operations.
  • Oversees the activities of the bakery and monitors food production and presentation in the absence of the Executive Pastry Chef.
  • Assists with ordering bakery ingredients from suppliers.
  • Ensures that all products are received in correct unit count and condition and deliveries are performed in accordance with culinary receiving policies and procedures.
  • Ensures that all equipment is kept clean and kept in excellent working condition through personal inspection.
  • Constantly strives to improve operating procedures; ensures standards are being met and exceeded in all areas of production.
  • Instructs and trains bakery associates on the proper procedures and techniques for the creation of attractive, professional pastry items.
  • Assists the Executive Pastry Chef in the establishment of department budgets and the adherence to budget guidelines.
  • Assists the Executive Pastry Chef with completing the end of month pastry kitchen inventory.
  • Assists Executive Pastry Chef in scheduling labor as required by anticipated business activity while ensuring that all positions are staffed, and labor cost objectives are met per management decisions.
  • Ensures compliance with food handling and sanitation standards.
  • Works to help reduce accidents by maintaining a safe, hazard free environment, ensuring that all accidents are immediately reported.
  • Performs other duties associated with the position that are reasonably assigned to support the overall needs of the business.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts and/or course certification from an accredited Culinary Institute is preferred.
  • 3 to 5+ years' experience in a high-volume/fine dining/Banquet/Pastry production kitchen is desired
  • Computer experience with Excel and Microsoft software programs are helpful.
  • Must be able to communicate, read, write, and speak English effectively. Bi-lingual skills are desired but not required.
  • Ability to calculate proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume will be helpful.
  • Must be punctual, reliable, with a positive work ethic.
  • Must be organized, self-motivated, proactive and with strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills to plan time effectively are required
  • Must have the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize workload in a deadline-driven, demanding environment.
  • Ability to work without direct supervision is needed.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment, work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining highest quality is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to handle tools, such as knife techniques for chopping, slicing, cutting, and dicing. Ability to stand, kneel, and bend for extended periods every day and handle extreme heat. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

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