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Cook Helper Jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY (NOW HIRING)

The Plaza at Clover Lake

Cook

Carmel, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

We're looking for a passionate, dependable Cook to join our exceptional team and help create delicious, nutritious meals for our residents. If you enjoy making a difference through food and want to ...

Dutchess County BOCES

Assistant Cook

Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Assistant Cook (1.0 FTE ) LOCATION(S): Resilience Academy School Kitchen REQUIRED DUTIES : This ... Supervision may be exercised over Food Service Helpers and other school lunch staff. TYPICAL WORK ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

New Paltz, NY

$17.20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT NEW PALTZ - 97502003 Workdays/shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

New Paltz, NY · On-site

$17.20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT NEW PALTZ - 97502003 Workdays/shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

New Paltz, NY

$17.20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT NEW PALTZ - 97502003 Workdays/shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Samaritan Daytop Village

Cook

Ellenville, NY · On-site

$24.51/hr

Overview Cook Don't Just Feed Your Community.....Plan the Menu! $24.51 per hour A nationally recognized comprehensive Health and Human Services Agency, with over 60 programs across New York City and ...

Samaritan Daytop Village

Cook

Ellenville, NY

$24.51/hr

Cook Don't Just Feed Your Community.....Plan the Menu! $24.51 per hour A nationally recognized comprehensive Health and Human Services Agency, with over 60 programs across New York City and the ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

New Paltz, NY · On-site

$17.20/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT NEW PALTZ - 97502003 Workdays/shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Samaritan Daytop Village

Cook

Ellenville, NY · On-site

$24.51/hr

Overview Cook Don't Just Feed Your Community.....Plan the Menu! $24.51 per hour A nationally recognized comprehensive Health and Human Services Agency, with over 60 programs across New York City and ...

Outback Steakhouse

Line Cook

Wappingers Falls, NY

$16/hr

Text HELP for help or smshelp@paradox.ai . Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Text STOP to ... As a Line Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards ...

Outback Steakhouse

Line Cook

Wappingers Falls, NY · On-site

$16/hr

Text HELP for help or smshelp@paradox.ai. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Text STOP to ... As a Line Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards ...

Outback Steakhouse

Prep Cook

Wappingers Falls, NY

$16 - $21/hr

Text HELP for help or smshelp@paradox.ai . Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Text STOP to ... As a Prep Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards ...

Outback Steakhouse

Prep Cook

Wappingers Falls, NY · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Text HELP for help or smshelp@paradox.ai. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Text STOP to ... As a Prep Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards ...

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All JobsCook Helper JobsCook Helper Jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY

Cook Helper information

See Poughkeepsie, NY salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Poughkeepsie, NY is $17.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cook helper?

Cook Helpers assist chefs and cooks in preparing and serving food in kitchens. Their duties often include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning kitchen equipment, organizing supplies, and helping with basic cooking tasks. They play an essential role in maintaining kitchen hygiene and ensuring that food preparation runs smoothly and efficiently. Cook Helpers typically work in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, or other food service establishments.

What are some common challenges cook helpers face during busy meal service times?

Cook Helpers often face the challenge of working efficiently under pressure during peak meal service times. They must keep up with rapidly changing orders, maintain cleanliness, and ensure ingredients are prepped and available for cooks. Balancing speed with attention to detail is crucial, as mistakes can impact food quality and kitchen workflow. Strong communication and teamwork help Cook Helpers support chefs and contribute to a smooth, successful service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cook helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory tracking systems is beneficial. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, food safety, and effective support for chefs and cooks.

What is the difference between Cook Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCook HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma; general kitchen knowledge
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, food service establishments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service industry to assist cooksUsed across various food service settings to support kitchen operations

Cook Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles often overlap, with both supporting kitchen staff in food prep and cleaning. However, Cook Helpers typically focus more on assisting cooks with specific culinary tasks, while Kitchen Assistants handle broader support duties like cleaning and basic prep. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY?

For Cook Helper jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Poughkeepsie, NY are hiring for Cook Helper jobs?

Cities near Poughkeepsie, NY with the most Cook Helper job openings:

Cook Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Poughkeepsie, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,472 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Food Service Helper - Part Time

Dutchess County Board of Cooperative Educational Services

Poughkeepsie, NY • On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Facilities & Operations/Food Service Helper
Date Posted:
5/5/2026
Location:
Salt Point Center/ Resilience Academy
Closing Date:
09/08/2026
Anticipated Vacancy:
FOOD SERVICE HELPER
(3 - Part Time)
LOCATION(S): Salt Point Center / Resilience Academy School Kitchen
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
This is an entry-level position involving assistance in the preparation and service of food and the cleaning of kitchen equipment. Workers in this class may be required to perform cooking duties involving lesser degrees of skill than regularly required in the classifications of Cook and Assistant Cook. Supervision is received from higher-level employees. Supervision is normally not a function of this class.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
1. Assists cooks in phases of food preparation involving lesser degrees of skill than those of Cook or Assistant Cooks;
2. Assists in the preparation of salads and desserts;
3. Cleans, washes, and otherwise prepares vegetables and fruits for cooking;
4. Washes dishes, pots, and pans by hand or machine;
5. Sweeps, mops, and cleans kitchen or dining areas;
6. Cleans work areas and equipment such as counters, trays, tray carts, hot food tables, coffee urns, toasters, etc.;
7. Handles food and equipment in accordance with sanitary practices;
8. Fills sugar bowls and salt and pepper shakers;
9. Attends in-service training sessions;
10. May act as a monitor during breakfast program, escorting students to and from cafeteria, and maintaining order in dining area;
11. May polish silverware and clean closets containing dishes or linens;
12. May place food on trays according to menu and diet requirements and substitutions as required;
13. May deliver trays to patient floors and make nourishments according to directions of recipe and diet;
14. May serve late or "hold" trays;
15. May assemble items for bag lunches;
16. May set tables and clear them after meals;
17. May act as cashier;
18. Does related work as required.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Ability to acquire knowledge of large-scale preparation, cooking and serving of food and the care of tableware, glassware, and kitchen appliances; ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions; cleanliness and neatness; ability to relate well to others; courtesy; tact; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
None
CIVIL SERVICE RULE AND REGULATIONS APPLY
START DATE: ASAP
GRADE LEVEL: N/A

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