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Cooking Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RWJBarnabas Health

Cook Helper

Belleville, NJ

$19.40 - $20.43/hr

Cook Helper Location: Clara Maass Medical Center Department Name: Dietary-Management Req ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare facility * Position may require you to work every other ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Cook Helper

Belleville, NJ

$19.40 - $20.43/hr

Cook Helper Location: Clara Maass Medical Center Department Name: Dietary-Management Req ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare facility * Position may require you to work every other ...

Palolo Chinese Home

Cook Helper

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

As a Cook Helper, you will have the exciting opportunity to work alongside our skilled culinary team and assist in preparing delicious cuisine. You will have the chance to learn from experienced ...

Human Learning Systems

Cook Helper

Minot, ND · On-site

$15 - $17.20/hr

The Cook Helper provides support for a U.S Department of Labor Job Corps contractor. The Job Corps program is a federally-funded residential training program. The mission of Job Corps is to provide ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Cook Helper

Belleville, NJ

$19.40 - $20.43/hr

Cook Helper Location: Clara Maass Medical Center Department Name: Dietary-Management Req ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare facility * Position may require you to work every other ...

GIRARD ESTATE

Cook's Helper

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$19.49/hr

Cook's Helper This regular full-time position in Dining Service reports to the Dining Service ... Experience in institutional cooking (1-2 years) * Must be able to read and understand a standard ...

GIRARD ESTATE

Cook's Helper

Philadelphia, PA

$19.49/hr

Cook's Helper This regular full-time position in Dining Service reports to the Dining Service ... Experience in institutional cooking (1-2 years) * Must be able to read and understand a standard ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Cook Helper

Belleville, NJ

$19.40 - $20.43/hr

Cook Helper Location: Clara Maass Medical Center Department Name: Dietary-Management Req ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare facility * Position may require you to work every other ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Cook Helper

Belleville, NJ · On-site

$19.40 - $20.43/hr

Cook Helper Location: Clara Maass Medical Center Department Name: Dietary-Management Req ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare facility * Position may require you to work every other ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Cook Helper

Belleville, NJ · On-site

$19.40 - $20.43/hr

Cook Helper Location: Clara Maass Medical Center Department Name: Dietary-Management Req ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare facility * Position may require you to work every other ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Cook Helper

Belleville, NJ · On-site

$19.40 - $20.43/hr

Cook Helper Location: Clara Maass Medical Center Department Name: Dietary-Management Req ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare facility * Position may require you to work every other ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Cook Helper

Belleville, NJ · On-site

$19.40 - $20.43/hr

Cook Helper Location: Clara Maass Medical Center Department Name: Dietary-Management Req ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare facility * Position may require you to work every other ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Cook Helper

Belleville, NJ

$19.40 - $20.43/hr

Cook Helper Location: Clara Maass Medical Center Department Name: Dietary-Management Req ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare facility * Position may require you to work every other ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Cook Helper

Belleville, NJ · On-site

$19.40 - $20.43/hr

Cook Helper Location: Clara Maass Medical Center Department Name: Dietary-Management Req ... Prior cooking experience in a healthcare facility * Position may require you to work every other ...

DYNAMIC EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS INC

Cook Helper

Dayton, OH · On-site

Cook Helper/Assistant Full‑time • Non‑Exempt • SCA Code 07130 Location • Dayton, Ohio ... cooking stations. • Maintain clean and orderly workspaces throughout the kitchen and dining hall.

Rhode Island College

Cook's Helper

Providence, RI · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

As a Cook's Helper, you will assist with food preparation, meal service, kitchen sanitation ... To wash, peel, chop, dice or grind vegetables, fruits, and other foods for cooking or for salads ...

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All JobsCooking Helper Jobs

Cooking Helper information

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$9

$15

$18

How much do cooking helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 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 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.
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:
Cooking Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Helper job openings in the United States 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, with an average salary of $31,670 per year, or $15.2 per hour.
Cook Helper

Cook Helper

RWJBarnabas Health

Belleville, NJ

$19.40 - $20.43/hr

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago

RWJBarnabas Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 327 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Job Title: Cook Helper

Location: Clara Maass Medical Center

Department Name: Dietary-Management

Req #: 0000254809

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $19.40 - $20.43 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Job Overview:

Under the supervision of a Dietary Department Manager, the Cook Helper completes tasks as outlined in the job flow for the daily position assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Knowledge of food production, service and sanitation 
  • Prior cooking experience in a healthcare facility 
  • Position may require you to work every other weekend depending on the department’s needs.

 Preferred:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Culinary Degree or Certification. Serv Safe Certified
  • Prior experience in food service 
  • Knowledge of food production, service and sanitation  

Scheduling Requirements

What RWJBarnabas Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About RWJBarnabas Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest integrated health care delivery system, providing treatment and services to more than three million patients each year. Throughout RWJBarnabas Health, our dedicated physicians, nurses, and health professionals are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care and health education to the community and region. We aim to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey - whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Orange, NJ, US

Year founded

2015

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