1

Cooking Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cook Helper

Bronx, NY · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

The cook helper must provide professional and courteous service to all staff, residents, and co-workers. Consistent and reliable cook helpers are required to assist in the preparation of food that ...

Cook Helper

Bronx, NY · On-site

$40.22K - $46.26K/yr

The cook helper must provide professional and courteous service to all staff, residents, and co-workers. Consistent and reliable cook helpers are required to assist in the preparation of food that ...

Cook Helper

Bronx, NY · On-site

$40.22K - $46.26K/yr

The cook helper must provide professional and courteous service to all staff, residents, and co-workers. Consistent and reliable cook helpers are required to assist in the preparation of food that ...

Cook Helper

Bronx, NY · On-site

$40.22K - $46.26K/yr

The cook helper must provide professional and courteous service to all staff, residents, and co-workers. Consistent and reliable cook helpers are required to assist in the preparation of food that ...

Cook Helper

San Jose, CA · On-site

$28.64/hr

A Cook Helper assists the Chef or Cook accordingly and must work under supervision. This is an ... Must have a minimum of six (6) months experience in food preparation and fundamentals of cooking.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cooking Helper information

See salary details

$9

$15

$18

How much do cooking helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooking helper in the United States is $15.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about Cooking Helper jobs
What cities are hiring for Cooking Helper jobs? Cities with the most Cooking Helper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs? The most popular types of Cooking jobs are:
What states have the most Cooking Helper jobs? States with the most job openings for Cooking Helper jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cooking Helper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cooking Helper jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cooking Helper job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,670 per year, or $15.2 per hour.
Cook Helper

$50K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

478th of 642 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Company Description
Job Description
THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY BETWEEN $40,223.00 - $46,256.00
The Administration for Children's Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services and provides subsidized childcare vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement, and programs for youth in the community.
The Division of Administration provides a wide range of support services throughout ACS to ensure all Divisions receive adequate and efficient support services to carry out their respective missions. The Division of Administration (Admin) employs approximately 463 public employees. Admin manages a Personnel Services (PS) Budget of approximately $29M and an Other Than Personnel Services (OTPS) Budget (OTPS) of $140M. It provides services including building maintenance, real estate, design, construction management, facilities and custodial services, occupational safety and health, operational support, security, transportation, and print production.
The Food and Nutrition Services Unit manages a food services budget of $5M for FY 2024. It is responsible for the preparation and service of food to children and youth in the care of ACS. The full-serviced kitchens serve three meals and snacks to youth housed at the Crossroads and Horizon Secure Juvenile Detention Centers and the Nicholas Scoppetta Children's Center (NSCC) congregate facility.
The Food and Nutrition Unit also partners with children, youth, and care providers to address behavior issues related to food and develops/designs specialized menus to accommodate food allergies, and medical, religious, and cultural dietary restrictions. The Food and Nutrition Services Unit is also responsible for distributing meal cards to youth at the NSCC congregate facility and maintaining operations of the vending machines throughout the Agency. the Unit oversees the execution of Light Refreshment and Modest Meal Requests for staff and youth-centered events throughout the year and ensures the requests comply with New York City Comptroller's Directive 6.
What we're looking for:
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Cook and the Cook, the Cook Helper is responsible for assisting in the preparation and serving of food in an institution in accordance with the New York City Food Standards, Executive Order 122, and performing related duties. This position requires knowledge of sanitary codes applicable to meal preparation, food handling and cleaning. The cook helper must provide professional and courteous service to all staff, residents, and co-workers. Consistent and reliable cook helpers are required to assist in the preparation of food that provides physical nourishment and contributes to a sense of emotional well-being to children and youth in the care of ACS.
The responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Maintain cleanliness of the assigned areas to provide residents with a safe and sanitary dining environment.
- Maintain inventory and security of supplies and equipment.
- Assist stock workers in the inspection and weighing of foods that are delivered, while ensuring quality and verifying quantity
- Serve food to residents and youth while maintaining portion control.
- Monitor security of the refrigeration and storage areas to limited access.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.
TO APPLY:
- Please go to www.cityjobs.nyc.gov or www.nyc.gov/ess for current NYC employees and search for Job ID # 722367.
- NO PHONE CALLS, FAXES OR PERSONAL INQUIRIES PERMITTED.
- NOTE: ONLY CANDIDATES UNDER CONSIDERATION WILL BE CONTACTED
INSTITUTIONAL AIDE - 81803
Qualifications
Qualification Requirement
Ability to read and write English and to understand and carry out simple instructions.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

What City Of New York employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom