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Cooking Helper Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Substitute Cooks Helper

Jordan, MN · On-site

$19.48/hr

POSITION: On-call Cooks Helper for Jordan Public Schools. Hours will vary depending on need. SUMMARY: Provide a clean, safe and positive environment for students, staff and the public. SALARY: $19.48 ...

HELPER COOK

Austin, MN · On-site

$22/hr

We are hiring immediately for a full time HELPER COOK position. * Location : Hormel - 1 Hormel ... Learns to assists in the preparation and cooking of various food items prior to being considered a ...

Long Hour Cook Helper

Forest Lake, MN · On-site

$17.98 - $21.78/hr

Long Hour Cook Helper LOCATION: Forest Lake Area Middle School WORK SCHEDULE: 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, and 178 days/year CLASSIFICATION: A12 STARTING RATE OF PAY/RANGE: $17.98 -21.78 LINK TO ...

3.5 Hour Cooks Helper

Duluth, MN · On-site

$20.40/hr

Hermantown Community Schools ISD #700 is seeking a Cook's Helper for 3.5 hours per day, 5 days per week. Requirements include a Minnesota Criminal Background Check. Posted until filled. Pay Rate: $20 ...

Long Hour Cook Helper

Forest Lake, MN · On-site

$17.98 - $21.78/hr

Long Hour Cook Helper LOCATION: Forest Lake Area Middle School WORK SCHEDULE: 4 hours/day, 5 days/week, and 178 days/year CLASSIFICATION: A12 STARTING RATE OF PAY/RANGE: $17.98 -21.78 LINK TO ...

Cooks Helper

Sauk Rapids, MN · On-site

$18.12 - $19.63/hr

JOB DUTIES: Assist the Head Cook in daily preparation for lunch service. Other duties include, cleaning, dishes, and serving students, parents, faculty and staff. QUALIFICATIONS: Must be able to lift ...

Cooks Helper

Sauk Rapids, MN · On-site

$18.12 - $19.63/hr

JOB DUTIES: Assist the Head Cook in daily preparation for lunch service. Other duties include, cleaning, dishes, and serving students, parents, faculty and staff. QUALIFICATIONS: Must be able to lift ...

We are hiring immediately for a full time HELPER COOK position. * Location : Hormel - 1 Hormel ... Learns to assists in the preparation and cooking of various food items prior to being considered a ...

We are hiring immediately for a full time HELPER COOK position. * Location : Hormel - 1 Hormel ... Learns to assists in the preparation and cooking of various food items prior to being considered a ...

We are hiring immediately for a full time HELPER COOK position. * Location : Hormel - 1 Hormel ... Learns to assists in the preparation and cooking of various food items prior to being considered a ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooking Helper information

What is a cooking helper?

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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Cooking Helper job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

$15.40 - $17.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Kitchen Float Cook Helper
District Wide


Mankato Area Public Schools is seeking Kitchen Float Cook Helpers for approximately 6.5 hours per day 5 days per week (7:00 am to 1:30 pm) beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

Summary of Duties:
The Kitchen Float  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.  This position will float to kitchens as needed to assist with duties.  Mileage will be reimbursed.
Range of Pay:
$15.40 - $17.40 per hour



Eligible Employee Benefits include:

  • Public Employer's Retirement Association  (PERA) Retirement Pension
  • 403(b) Retirement Matching Program
  • Medical Coverage
  • Fully Paid Life Insurance
  • Paid Sick Leave, Personal Leave,
  • Emergency Leave and Holidays
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • And Much More!

Application Deadline:
July 30, 2026, or until filled


This position will be filled on the basis of the 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.