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Cooking Helper Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Mankato Area Public Schools

Cook Helper

Mankato, MN · On-site

$15.14 - $15.99/hr

Food Service/Cook`s Helper Date Posted: 5/18/2026 Location: Prairie Winds Middle School Closing Date: 5/28/26, or until filled Cook Helper Prairie Winds Middle School Mankato Area Public Schools is ...

Mankato Area Public Schools

Cook Helper

Mankato, MN

$15.14 - $15.99/hr

Cook Helper Prairie Winds Middle School Mankato Area Public Schools is seeking a Cook Helper at Prairie Winds Middle School for approximately 3.5 hours per day 5 days per week (10:30 am to 2:00 pm ...

Delano Public Schools, ISD #879

Cook Helper

Delano, MN

$17.70 - $20.18/hr

COOK HELPER Description: Delano Elementary School has an opening for a part-time Cook Helper. Hours/Days: Monday-Friday, 10:30 AM - 1:45 PM. 173 days/school year. Starting Wage: $17.70 - $20.18 per ...

Delano Public Schools, ISD #879

Cook Helper

Delano, MN

$17.35 - $19.79/hr

COOK HELPER Description: Delano High School has an opening for a part-time Cook Helper. Hours/Days: Monday-Friday, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM. 173 days/school year. Starting Wage: $17.35 - $19.79 per hour ...

Lester Prairie School

Cook Helper

Lester Prairie, MN

$16.93 - $26.48/hr

COOK HELPER Reports To: Kitchen Supervisor Salary Range: $16.93-$26.48 Union: MSEA SUMMARY: Perform routine food service activities related to food preparation, serving, and cleanup in a school ...

Lester Prairie School

Cook Helper

Lester Prairie, MN · On-site

$16.93 - $26.48/hr

COOK HELPER Reports To: Kitchen Supervisor Salary Range: $16.93-$26.48 Union: MSEA SUMMARY: Perform routine food service activities related to food preparation, serving, and cleanup in a school ...

Forest Lake Schools

Long Hour Cook Helper

Forest Lake, MN · On-site

$17.98 - $21.78/hr

Food Service/Cook Helper Date Posted: 7/23/2026 Location: FL Area Middle School Date Available: 08/19/2026 Closing Date: until filled "Excellence for Every Student, Every Day", is the vision at ...

Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools

Cooks Helper

Sauk Rapids, MN · On-site

$18.12 - $19.63/hr

Food Service/Cook`s Helper Date Posted: 7/20/2026 Location: Mississippi Heights Elementary School Closing Date: Apps reviewed immediately POSTING #: 3571 WORK HOURS: 4.5 hours per day (9:30 a.m. to 2 ...

Forest Lake Schools

Long Hour Cook Helper

Forest Lake, MN · On-site

$17.98 - $21.78/hr

Food Service/Cook Helper Date Posted: 2/17/2026 Location: Forest Lake Senior High School Date Available: ASAP Closing Date: Until Filled "Excellence for Every Student, Every Day", is the vision at ...

Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools

Cooks Helper

Sauk Rapids, MN · On-site

$18.12 - $19.63/hr

Food Service/Cook`s Helper Date Posted: 7/20/2026 Location: Pleasantview Elementary School Closing Date: Apps reviewed immediately POSTING #: 3572 WORK HOURS: 3.25 hours per day (10:00 a.m. to 1:15 p ...

Forest Lake Schools

Long Hour Cook Helper

Forest Lake, MN · On-site

$17.98 - $21.78/hr

Food Service/Cook Helper Date Posted: 7/24/2026 Location: Forest Lake Senior High School Date Available: 08/19/2026 Closing Date: until filled "Excellence for Every Student, Every Day", is the vision ...

Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools

Cooks Helper

Sauk Rapids, MN · On-site

$18.12 - $19.63/hr

Food Service/Cook`s Helper Date Posted: 7/20/2026 Location: Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Closing Date: Apps reviewed immediately POSTING #: 3574 WORK HOURS: 6.0 hours per day (7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m ...

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Cooking Helper information

What are Cooking Helpers?

Cooking Helpers are kitchen staff who assist chefs and cooks by performing basic food preparation tasks, such as washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients, as well as maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They often help with setting up workstations, measuring ingredients, and ensuring that all necessary items are available for meal preparation. Cooking Helpers play a vital role in keeping kitchen operations efficient and organized, supporting the culinary team in delivering quality meals.

What is a cook's helper called?

A cook's helper is often called a kitchen assistant or food prep worker. They assist chefs by preparing ingredients, cleaning work areas, and supporting cooking tasks, often working under supervision in a restaurant or food service environment.

How to become a kitchen helper?

To become a kitchen helper, no formal education is usually required, but basic cooking skills and knowledge of food safety are beneficial. Employers often look for reliability, ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. Gaining experience through volunteering or entry-level positions can improve chances of employment.

What is the difference between Cooking Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCooking HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically required, on-the-job training commonNone typically required, on-the-job training common
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesCommonly used in hospitality and food service industries
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasksSupporting kitchen staff, cleaning, prep work

Both Cooking Helpers and Kitchen Assistants work in similar environments and perform supportive roles in food service. While their responsibilities often overlap, Cooking Helpers typically focus more on assisting with food preparation and basic cooking tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may have broader support duties, including cleaning and equipment maintenance. Both roles are entry-level and require minimal formal credentials, making them accessible entry points into the culinary industry.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and basic inventory systems are commonly required. Dependability, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a team are valuable soft skills. These skills are important to ensure food is prepared safely and efficiently, supporting kitchen operations and maintaining high standards of hygiene.

What are some common challenges faced by Cooking Helpers in a busy kitchen, and how can they overcome them?

Cooking Helpers often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and attention to detail are crucial. Common challenges include managing time efficiently, maintaining cleanliness while juggling multiple prep tasks, and communicating clearly with chefs and other team members. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, ask for clarification when needed, and prioritize tasks based on kitchen needs. Building strong teamwork skills and being adaptable to sudden changes in orders or kitchen workflow will help you succeed and grow in this role.

What does a kitchen helper do?

A kitchen helper assists with basic food preparation, cleaning, and organizing in a kitchen environment. They may wash dishes, chop ingredients, and support cooks to ensure smooth kitchen operations, often working under supervision and following safety standards.

How much is the salary of a kitchen helper?

The salary of a kitchen helper typically ranges from $10 to $15 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and establishment. Some positions may offer additional benefits or opportunities for advancement based on skills and performance.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Cooking Helper jobs in Minnesota? For Cooking Helper jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Helper jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking Helper jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Cooking Helper jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Cooking Helper job openings:
Cooking Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Helper job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Cook Helper

Minnesota Valley Education District

Saint Peter, MN

$15.14 - $15.99/hr

Other

Re-posted 17 hours ago

Job description

Cook Helper
Prairie Winds Middle School

Mankato Area Public Schools is seeking a Cook Helper at Prairie Winds Middle School for approximately 3.5 hours per day 5 days per week (10:30 am to 2:00 pm) beginning August 2026.


Summary of Duties:
The Cook Helper will assist the Cook Manager and 2nd Cook  in preparation, planning, documentation and serving of the school meal programs ensuring the nutrition and proper preparation of meals, and having them ready on a timely basis.
Eligible Employee Benefits include:



  • ESST

Rate of Pay:
$15.14 - $15.99
Application deadline: 
May 28, 2026, or until filled
To apply go to www.isd77.org then Careers. This position will be filled on the basis of experience, competency, and qualifications of the applicant and the needs of the District. District 77 complies with state and federal fair employment regulations.






To apply go to www.isd77.org and click on Employment Opportunities.

For further information contact Darcy Stueber, Director of Nutrition Service at 507-388-7442. 



Apply