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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Cambridge, MA (NOW HIRING)

Smokehouse BBQ LLC

Cook/assistant manager

Norwood, MA · On-site

$23/hr

Smokehouse BBQ LLC in Norwood, MA is looking for a passionate and driven Cook/Assistant Manager to join our team! This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves great BBQ and wants to grow ...

Smokehouse BBQ LLC

Cook/assistant manager

Norwood, MA · On-site

$23/hr

Smokehouse BBQ LLC in Norwood, MA is looking for a passionate and driven Cook/Assistant Manager to join our team! This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves great BBQ and wants to grow ...

Smokehouse BBQ LLC

Cook/assistant manager

Norwood, MA · On-site

$23/hr

Smokehouse BBQ LLC in Norwood, MA is looking for a passionate and driven Cook/Assistant Manager to join our team! This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves great BBQ and wants to grow ...

Jobletics Pro Inc.

Be Seen First

Cooks

Braintree, MA · On-site

$20.70 - $22.02/hr

Prepare and cook food according to recipes, menus, and established standards * Assist with food preparation, portioning, and presentation * Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen * Monitor ...

South Shore Health

Per Diem Cook's Assistant

Weymouth, MA · On-site

$19.10 - $27.30/hr

Summary Under direct supervision of Chef, assists Chef in performing basic cooking tasks. Responsible for sanitation of kitchen area and equipment. Ensures that food is attractively served and ...

Foremost at Sharon

Dietary Cooks

Sharon, MA

$22 - $24.97/hr

Dietary Cooks - AM & PM Shifts Full Time & Part Time Job Summary: Foremost at Sharon is seeking ... experiences * Assist with inventory management, ordering, and receiving food and supplies

South Shore Health

Per Diem Cook's Assistant

Weymouth, MA · On-site

$19.10 - $27.30/hr

Day/Eve Rotation (United States of America) Under direct supervision of Chef, assists Chef in performing basic cooking tasks. Responsible for sanitation of kitchen area and equipment. Ensures that ...

Evviva Trattoria

Dishwasher/Prep Cook

Westford, MA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Prep Cook: * Assist the chefs by preparing ingredients such as chopping vegetables, prepping proteins, and measuring out ingredients for daily specials and regular menu items. * Ensure all food is ...

Cadence Education

Assistant Cook

Westborough, MA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

We are currently seeking a passionate Preschool Assistant Cook to join our dynamic team of childcare superstars! If you love working with children and bring experience from childcare, daycare, or ...

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Cooks Assistant information

See Cambridge, MA salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks assistant in Cambridge, MA is $17.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $18.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities near Cambridge, MA are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs?

Cities near Cambridge, MA with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:

Cooks Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Cambridge, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,353 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Cook/assistant manager

Smokehouse BBQ LLC

Norwood, MA • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

About the Role:
Smokehouse BBQ LLC in Norwood, MA is looking for a passionate and driven Cook/Assistant Manager to join our team! This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves great BBQ and wants to grow into a leadership role in a fun, fast-paced kitchen environment.

Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and cook BBQ menu items to recipe standards, ensuring consistent quality and flavor
  • Assist in managing daily kitchen and front-of-house operations
  • Supervise and support kitchen staff, providing guidance and training as needed
  • Monitor food inventory, place orders, and minimize waste
  • Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health code standards
  • Help open and/or close the restaurant, including cash handling and end-of-day procedures
  • Step in for the General Manager as needed to keep operations running smoothly
Requirements:
  • Previous experience in a cook, line cook, or kitchen leadership role required
  • BBQ, smokehouse, or Southern cuisine experience is a strong plus
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and communicate with a team
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations and ServSafe certification preferred
  • Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environment
  • Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Reliable, organized, and able to multitask under pressure
About Us:
Smokehouse BBQ LLC is Norwood's go-to destination for authentic, slow-smoked BBQ made with care and quality ingredients. Our customers keep coming back for the bold flavors and welcoming atmosphere, and our team loves being part of a close-knit crew that takes pride in every plate. If you're passionate about great food and great people, we'd love to have you on board!