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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Taher, Inc.

Line Cook at Historic Forepaugh's

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Lead and support the kitchen line during service, delegating tasks and supervising junior cooks. * Assist in training new cooks on stations, procedures, and standards. * Communicate orders and timing ...

Surly Brewing Co

Sous Chef

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$55/hr

Oversee Line Cooks and Dishwashers on a daily basis. * Assist with day-to-day operation of the kitchen. Ensure the highest level of food quality and consistency. * Participate in food preparation ...

Surly Brewing Co.

Sous Chef

Minneapolis, MN

$55/hr

Oversee Line Cooks and Dishwashers on a daily basis. * Assist with day-to-day operation of the kitchen. Ensure the highest level of food quality and consistency. * Participate in food preparation ...

STERBS DEVELOPMENT LLC

Line Cooks

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Cooking & Plating: Cook menu items on various stations (e.g., grill, fryer, sauté) to order ... Inventory & Stocking: Assist with receiving deliveries, proper storage, and rotation of food items ...

STERBS DEVELOPMENT LLC

Line Cooks

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Cooking & Plating: Cook menu items on various stations (e.g., grill, fryer, sauté) to order ... Inventory & Stocking: Assist with receiving deliveries, proper storage, and rotation of food items ...

Cassia

Cook/Culinary Assistant On-Call

Hopkins, MN · On-site

$20 - $24.85/hr

As an On-Call Cook/Culinary Assistant , you will assist with meal preparation, cooking, serving, and kitchen clean-up while ensuring food safety and quality standards are met. You'll work alongside a ...

Cassia

Cook/Culinary Assistant On-Call

Hopkins, MN · On-site

$20 - $24.85/hr

As an On-Call Cook/Culinary Assistant , you will assist with meal preparation, cooking, serving, and kitchen clean-up while ensuring food safety and quality standards are met. You'll work alongside a ...

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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 Minnesota is $15.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $16.49 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 are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:
Cooks Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,022 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
Line Cook at Historic Forepaugh's

Line Cook at Historic Forepaugh's

Taher, Inc.

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Taher rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 67 rated caterers

Job description

The Lead Line Cook plays a vital role in Forepaugh's kitchen, acting as a working supervisor on the line. This person is responsible for executing high-quality dishes consistently, mentoring and coordinating with line cooks, and ensuring kitchen operations run smoothly during service. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to a seasoned cook ready to elevate quality in a fine-dining environment.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Execution
  • Prepare, cook, and plate menu items to exact recipe and presentation standards.
  • Maintain consistency in flavor, portion size, and plating, reflecting Forepaugh's culinary identity.
  • Master various cooking techniques -- sautéing, grilling, roasting, braising, etc. -- and implement them efficiently during service.

Leadership & Team Coordination
  • Lead and support the kitchen line during service, delegating tasks and supervising junior cooks.
  • Assist in training new cooks on stations, procedures, and standards.
  • Communicate orders and timing with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service flow.

Quality & Safety Standards
  • Maintain food safety and sanitation standards in compliance with health regulations (e.g., HACCP/ServSafe).
  • Ensure mise en place is set up before service and line stations are clean and stocked.

Required Qualifications
  • Proven experience as a line cook in a high-volume or fine-dining kitchen.
  • Strong culinary skills and knowledge of cooking principles and techniques.
  • Leadership ability and excellent communication under pressure.
  • Thorough understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen workflow.
  • Ability to multitask, stay organized, and uphold high quality standards.

Preferred Skills
  • Experience in upscale or historic restaurant environments.
  • Familiarity with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
  • Ability to assist in menu refinement or daily specials.

Working Environment
  • Fast-paced, high-standard dining service.
  • Team-oriented kitchen culture.
  • Commitment to excellence in both food quality and guest experience.

EOE/AA

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