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Cooking Helper Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... cooking styles. At Aramark, we care about your health, so we have production guidelines and safety procedures in place to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your ...

Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... cooking styles. At Aramark, we care about your health, so we have production guidelines and safety procedures in place to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your ...

Cook

Beaverton, OR

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... cooking styles. At Aramark, we care about your health, so we have production guidelines and safety procedures in place to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your ...

Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... cooking styles. At Aramark, we care about your health, so we have production guidelines and safety procedures in place to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your ...

Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... cooking styles. At Aramark, we care about your health, so we have production guidelines and safety procedures in place to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your ...

Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... cooking styles. At Aramark, we care about your health, so we have production guidelines and safety procedures in place to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your ...

Cook

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized work area. We are ...

Cook

Hillsboro, OR

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

... help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized work area. We are ...

Cook

Portland, OR

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

... help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized work area. We are ...

Cook

Oregon City, OR

$15 - $20/hr

... help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized work area. We are ...

Cook

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized work area. We are ...

Cook

Battle Ground, WA

$15 - $20/hr

... help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized work area. We are ...

Cook

Sherwood, OR · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

... help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized work area. We are ...

Cook

Wood Village, OR · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized work area. We are ...

Cook

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items Trying to beat your best record, every time ... help motivate Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standards SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook ...

Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... help prepare meals as per our company standards recipes. A successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping sanitized work area. We are ...

Cook

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items Trying to beat your best record, every time ... help motivate Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standards SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook ...

Cook

Tigard, OR · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items Trying to beat your best record, every time ... help motivate Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standards SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook ...

Cook

Cornelius, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items Trying to beat your best record, every time ... help motivate Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standards SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook ...

Cook

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Cooking, creating, and packaging delicious menu items Trying to beat your best record, every time ... help motivate Maintaining SONIC safety and sanitation standards SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooking Helper information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cooking helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking helper in Portland, OR is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Cooking Helper jobs in Portland, OR?

For Cooking Helper jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cooking Helper jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooking Helper jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Cooking Helper job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,587 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Aramark rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,271 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

397th of 495 rated business services


Job description

Job Description

Do you love to cook? Are you passionate about food? As a Cook on our team, you’ll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you’ll be immersed in a world that goes beyond food preparation – experimenting with different cuisines, flavors, and cooking styles. At Aramark, we care about your health, so we have production guidelines and safety procedures in place to help you do what you love. Get ready to reach new heights, ignite your passion, and pursue what matters by cooking with us!  

Job Responsibilities
  • Essential functions and responsibilities of the position may vary by Aramark location based on client requirements and business needs.    
  • Cooks and prepare a variety of food according to production guidelines and standardized recipes  
  • Sets up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment 
  • Prepares ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling food items 
  • Safely uses a variety of utensils including knives 
  • Operates equipment such as ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers, etc. 
  • Bakes, roasts, broils, steams, and uses a variety of cooking methods on meat, vegetables, and other foods 
  • Arranges, garnishes, and portions food according to established guidelines  
  • Properly stores food by adhering to food safety policies and procedures 
  • Cleans and sanitizes work areas, equipment, and utensils  
  • Maintains excellent customer service and positive demeanor towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc. 
  • Adheres to Aramark safety policies and procedures including accurate food safety and sanitation
  • Ensures security of company assets
     

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications
  • Experience as a cook or in a related role required
  • Validated knowledge of the basic principles of food preparation, various cooking methods, and food safety regulations such as accurate food handling, sanitation, and storage
  • Must be able to acquire food safety certification
  • Demonstrate basic math and counting skills
  • Demonstrates interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal
     

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Education
About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


What Aramark employees say

Pay

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Workplace

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Aramark logo

About Aramark

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food, facilities, and uniform services in 19 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Industry

Hospitality services and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US