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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Duluth Bethel

Assistant Kitchen Manager/Cook

Duluth, MN · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

The Duluth Bethel is seeking a Assistant Kitchen Manager/Cook for our non-profit residential ... Help direct, schedule, and train cooks. * Know and follow health, sanitation, and safety ...

Duluth Bethel

Assistant Kitchen Manager/Cook

Duluth, MN · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

The Duluth Bethel is seeking a Assistant Kitchen Manager/Cook for our non-profit residential ... Help direct, schedule, and train cooks. * Know and follow health, sanitation, and safety ...

Duluth Bethel

Assistant Kitchen Manager/Cook

Duluth, MN · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

The Duluth Bethel is seeking a Assistant Kitchen Manager/Cook for our non-profit residential ... Help direct, schedule, and train cooks. * Know and follow health, sanitation, and safety ...

Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools

Cooks Helper

Sauk Rapids, MN · On-site

$18.12 - $19.63/hr

JOB DUTIES: Assist the Head Cook in daily preparation for lunch service. Other duties include, cleaning, dishes, and serving students, parents, faculty and staff. QUALIFICATIONS: Must be able to lift ...

Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools

Cooks Helper

Sauk Rapids, MN · On-site

$18.12 - $19.63/hr

JOB DUTIES: Assist the Head Cook in daily preparation for lunch service. Other duties include, cleaning, dishes, and serving students, parents, faculty and staff. QUALIFICATIONS: Must be able to lift ...

Itasca Area Schools Collaborative

Assistant Cook

Askov, MN · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Job Qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent (may be waived if experience warrants); have knowledge of cooking large variety of dishes and knowledge in operation of kitchen appliances ...

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Cooks Assistant information

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How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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 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 are some common challenges faced by a cooks 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 is a cooks assistant?

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?

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 job categories do people searching Cooks Assistant jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Cooks Assistant 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,022 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Cooks

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery - KRMM hospitality

Little Falls, MN • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

Benefits:
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Competitive salary
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

At Perkins Restaurant & Bakery our employees are part of the Perkins extended family and the families we serve. And you'll be responsible for making special days memorable and everyday meals something extraordinary.  At Perkins where we've experienced years of success through ensuring 100% guest satisfaction on every visit. If you want to work and grow with a company who has a proven track record of success, has an unmatched commitment to their employees and employees the best in the industry, you are in the right place! We respect one another for our talent, creativity and individual differences. We bring our greatest individual strengths to achieve success as a team. If career growth is what you are looking for- we got that too!
 
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Prepares menu items according to company policies, procedures, programs and performance standards. Responsible for helping to maintain food costs and maintain cleanliness of the kitchen at all times. Performs all duties to maximize guest satisfaction and quality of work environment as directed by Kitchen Manager or Manager on Duty.
 
POSITION ACTIVITIES AND TASKS
  • Prepares Cooking Items
  • Reports to work well-groomed, in clean and proper uniform and at all times practices good person hygiene.
  • Uses, maintains and cleans all kitchen equipment, plus preparation and storage areas.
  • Stocks and rotates products on line to ensure they are within shelf life standards.
  • Has sufficient knowledge of recipes, menu items and prep procedures to ensure correct portioning, quality, cooking time and performance standards.
  • Prepares prep items according to guest request within company standards and following food safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Controls Food Cost
  • Ensures products are accurately portioned and ensures food products are prepared as specified by recipes.
  • Utilizes FIFO (first in first out) standards when preparing items.
  • Maintains Cleanliness
  • Maintains cleanliness of the kitchen, prep areas, coolers and storage areas
  • Follows proper safety procedures and policies concerning food handling, rotation and storage
  • Conducts line sweeps throughout the shift
  • “Clean as you go” throughout the shift
  • Understands OSHA requirements and health department standards
  • Cleans all equipment on line and other areas as directed by the Kitchen manager or Manager on duty.
  • Anticipates, identifies and corrects system breakdowns to achieve maximum guest satisfaction.
  • Communicates with Manager on Duty and coworkers regarding product/service deficiencies, equipment, safety problems. Etc.
  • Keeps General Manager and Manager on Duty informed of problems and/or issues and proposes alternative solutions for consideration.
  • Assists Team Members
  • Preps items according to recipes and procedures
  • Assists dishwasher with washing and restocking dishes, pots, pans and utensils
  • Assist front of house staff with cleanliness of dining room
  • Provides guest service by communicating and cooperating with the front of house staff.
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ENVIRONMENT/WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Extensive standing and walking for up to 8 hours
  • Must be able to see at a distance (20) feet, at close range (12 inches), distinguish between shapes and utilize peripheral vision to avoid hazards.
  • Must be able to communicate clearly
  • Exposure to heat, steam, smoke, cold
  • Reaching heights of approximately 6 feet and depts. of 2 ½ - 3 feet.
  • Must have high level of mobility/flexibility in space provided
  • Must have time management skills
  • Must be able to read, write and perform addition/subtraction calculations
  • Must be able to control and utilize fingers to write, slice chop and operate equipment.
  • Must be able to fit through openings 30” wide
  • Must be able to work irregular hours under heavy pressure/stress during busy times
  • Bending, reaching, walking
  • Carrying trays of food products weighing about 50 pounds for distances up to 30 feet
  • Lifting up to 50 pounds
  • Exposure to dish and cleaning chemicals
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Receives direction and training from the Kitchen Manager or Manager on duty as to the specific procedures and assignments.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIRED:
Basic skills such as sanitation, safety, and customer service can be taught through in house training.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
None
 
Disclaimer
This position description in not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principle job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required.
 

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