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Cooks Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cooks

Melbourne, FL ยท On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Prep Cooks - Assist with ingredient preparation and maintain kitchen efficiency. Why Join Us? * Competitive compensation and benefits. * Opportunities for growth and professional development. * A ...

Cook / Assistant Cook

Glasgow, KY ยท On-site

$13.25 - $15.75/hr

PM and AM cooks/assistant cook Make a Difference While Doing What You Love Are you passionate about creating memorable dining experiences? At NHC Glasgow, we're searching for a PM cook to join our ...

Hot Foods Cook - Per Diem

Medford, NJ ยท On-site

$18.20 - $21.83/hr

Provide guidance to the Cooks' Assistant and Line Server , fostering a productive kitchen environment. Qualifications: * Must possess or be able to obtain a sanitation certificate * Meet the physical ...

Provide guidance to the Cooks' Assistant and Line Server , fostering a productive kitchen environment. Qualifications: * Must possess or be able to obtain a sanitation certificate * Meet the physical ...

Culinary Cook

Valencia, CA ยท On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Culinary Cooks assist the Food and Beverage Department in all aspects of the daily operation of assigned F&B locations in their designated area and continuously work toward exceeding the standards ...

Our Line Cooks assist the Kitchen Manager in preparing all menus items and daily specials. Line Cooks will also perform other tasks related to food preparation and kitchen sanitation/cleanliness as ...

Sushi Cook

North Miami Beach, FL ยท On-site

$18/hr

In addition to their primary duties, Sushi Cooks assist with various tasks in the back of the house, including doing prep, work other kitchen lines, dishwashing and cleaning if needed, to maintain a ...

Cook

New York, NY

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

WE OFFER OUR COOKS: RESPONSIBILITIES OF COOKS : * Assist in preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving hours * Memorize, record, and ...

Cook

Austin, TX

$14 - $18.50/hr

Stable hours (choose full-time or part-time) * FT associates will be considered for permanent employment RESPONSIBILITIES OF COOKS : * Assist in preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals * Plan ...

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Cooks Assistant information

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How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks assistant in the United States is $15.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cook's assistant do?

A cook's assistant helps in food preparation, such as chopping ingredients, assembling dishes, and cleaning work areas. They support chefs and cooks in maintaining kitchen efficiency and may handle basic tasks like measuring ingredients and washing utensils.

What is the difference between Cooks Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooks AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMinimal; often no formal certificationMinimal; often no formal certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering
Job RoleAssists cooks with food prep, cleaning, basic tasksSupports kitchen staff with cleaning, prep, and general support
Employer UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food serviceCommonly used in hospitality and food service

While both roles support kitchen operations, a Cooks Assistant typically performs more food preparation tasks under supervision, whereas a Kitchen Helper focuses on cleaning and general support. Both roles are entry-level and essential in maintaining efficient kitchen workflows.

What qualifications do you need to be a kitchen assistant?

To be a kitchen assistant, there are generally no strict formal qualifications required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred. Basic skills such as good communication, ability to follow instructions, and familiarity with kitchen safety and hygiene practices are important. Some employers may also value previous experience or certifications in food safety or sanitation.

What do assistant cooks do?

Assistant cooks support chefs by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They often handle tasks such as chopping, measuring, and organizing supplies, and may operate kitchen equipment under supervision. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of food safety are important for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by a Cook's Assistant and how can they be overcome?

As a Cook's Assistant, you may face challenges such as working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks at once, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate effectively with the kitchen team, and be proactive in anticipating the needs of the cooks. Developing good time management skills and being adaptable to sudden changes in orders or priorities will also help you thrive in this role.

What are the duties of a cook assistant?

A cook assistant helps in food preparation by washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients, setting up cooking stations, and assisting with basic cooking tasks. They also maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen and may handle simple food prep tasks under supervision.

What are Cooks Assistants?

Cooks Assistants, also known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, support chefs and cooks in preparing food in commercial kitchens. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning workstations, organizing kitchen supplies, and sometimes assisting with basic cooking tasks. They play a crucial role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that chefs have everything they need to prepare meals. This position is often an entry point into the culinary field and offers valuable hands-on experience.

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

To thrive as a Cooks Assistant, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are soft skills that help you excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining food quality, ensuring safety, and supporting the smooth operation of the kitchen.
What cities are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs? The most popular types of Cooks jobs are:
What states have the most Cooks Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Cooks Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cooks Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cooks Assistant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,260 per year, or $16 per hour.
Elementary Cooks Assistant

Elementary Cooks Assistant

Harlem Public Schools

Harlem, MT โ€ข On-site

$19.20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Cooks Assistant
Date Posted:
3/26/2026
Location:
Harlem Elementary
Date Available:
2026-27 School Year
Closing Date:
Until Filled
Elementary School Cook's Assistant
Salary: $19.20
UNIVERSAL OBLIGATIONS/EXPECTATIONS OF EACH STAFF MEMBER
It is the expectation of the District that each staff member will: (1) put the safety, health and well-being of students at the forefront of all actions, job responsibilities and decisions, and (2) undertake all duties in alignment with the District's Strategic Plan.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Assists in the preparation and serving of all food in the cafeteria.
Responsible for head cook duties in the absence of the head cook.
Assists in cleaning the kitchen and cafeteria.
Assists in the disposal and storage of unused food.
Only minimum duties are listed. Other functions may be required as given or assigned.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Previous experience with quantity food preparation and service.
  • Ability to write, read, and comprehend simple instructions and correspondence.
  • Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the community.
  • Able to express himself/herself clearly and concisely in both oral and written communications.
  • Able to perform duties with an awareness of all District requirements and Board policies.
  • Ability to handle stressful situations.
  • Ability to effectively manage time and responsibilities.

EQUIPMENT USED:
Calculator, cash register, copy machine, fax machine, telephone/voice mail, oven, dishwasher, and other kitchen equipment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The employee constantly works around others, works with the public, and works inside. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud. The employee has a greater than average risk of getting a minor injury such as a cut or burn while performing the duties of this job. The employee occasionally will be working in temperatures about 100 degrees and will be walking on slippery surfaces.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The employee is frequently required to walk and continuously required to stand. The employee will frequently bend or twist at the neck and waist while performing the duties of this position. The employee will occasionally be required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee continuously uses hand strength to grasp tools. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision.
MENTAL/MOTOR DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely performs routine work. The employee exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another). Guidance and reinforcement are infrequently available. The employee frequently works within time constraints and must maintain attentiveness intensity. The employee is frequently involved in social interactions which require oral and written communication. Memory, reasoning, and exercising judgment are constantly used/required on the job. Mathematics, estimating, and problem solving are frequently used/required on the job.
The physical demands, work-environment characteristics, and mental/motor demands described within this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations shall be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
For those classified employees employed under a written contract for a specified term, nothing contained in this job description shall create a property right beyond the specified duration of the employment contract.