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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

Courtyard by Marriott

Breakfast Server

Starkville, MS · On-site

$11.75 - $14/hr

... the cooks * Ensuring a memorable dining experience * Accurately record revenue and accept cash ... Filling as need for absent team members * Assist with special events if needed * Assist customers ...

Charlestowne Hotels

Breakfast Server

Starkville, MS · On-site

$11.75 - $14/hr

... the cooks * Ensuring a memorable dining experience * Accurately record revenue and accept cash ... Filling as need for absent team members * Assist with special events if needed * Assist customers ...

Jack Marshall Foods, Inc.

Shift Supervisor

Columbus, MS

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Oversee proper product preparation, rotation, portioning, cooking and holding times. * Assist the RGM with facility maintenance and ensure health and safety standards are always followed. Is this you ...

Jack Marshall Foods, Inc.

Shift Supervisor

Columbus, MS · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Oversee proper product preparation, rotation, portioning, cooking and holding times. * Assist the RGM with facility maintenance and ensure health and safety standards are always followed. Is this you ...

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Cooks Assistant information

See Columbus, MS salary details

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How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks assistant in Columbus, MS is $15.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $16.92 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 Columbus, MS are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs?

Cities near Columbus, MS with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:

Cooks Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Columbus, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,502 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Prep Cook - Mississippi State University

PROOF OF THE PUDDING

Mississippi State, MS • On-site

$11 - $13/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist the culinary department with daily food preparation tasks, including setting up workstations, measuring ingredients, and preparing ingredients such as soup stock.

  • Follow prep lists created by lead culinary staff and prepare simple dishes as directed by the Executive Chef.

  • Maintain cleanliness, organization, and sanitation of the kitchen, including supervising food storage and ensuring proper safety and sanitation standards.

Proof Of The Pudding rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Proof of the Pudding is an award-winning catering company throughout the Southeast with a commitment to creating quality culinary concepts from scratch. This standard was upheld through the expansion into Sports and Entertainment Hospitality Services by providing elevated concessions and premium offerings to collegiate stadiums, PGA golf tournaments, International Boat Shows, Professional Sports Teams, & more.
We are currently seeking a Prep Cooks to join the team at Mississippi State University. POP provides food service to MSU's athletic events, special events, and student athletes. This position will assist the culinary department for the daily Athlete Training Table.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Setting up and sanitizing workstations.
  • Following prep lists created by lead culinary.
  • Measuring ingredients, and seasonings.
  • Preparing cooking ingredients such as soup stock to be used in the cooking process.
  • Preparing simple dishes as directed by the Executive Chef.
  • Ensuring all food items are properly stored and easily accessible.
  • Assisting chefs in preparing food and attending to any culinary tasks that arise.
  • Supervising food and cooling room temperatures.
  • Accepting or rejecting ingredients from suppliers.
  • Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen.
  • Maintaining the highest level of food quality with your culinary team.
  • Ensure proper safety and sanitation of all kitchen/food service areas.

Responsibilities not limited to this list.
Education and/or Experience Qualifications:
  • 1+ year of experience working in a kitchen, experience in catering is preferred.
  • High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • ServSafe certified or is available to receive training.

Specialized Qualifications:
  • Capable of producing a consistent product in a timely manner.
  • Excellent listening and communication skills
  • Must understand food safety practices including, but not limited to, TCS, temperature logs, and cleaning/sanitizing.
  • Planning and multi-tasking
  • Self-motivated with a high energy level and strong verbal communication.

Work Environment:
The work environment for this position will be event operations and working out of the Football Stadium or similar venues. This position will often move throughout campus and stadium grounds on different terrains. This role will also be in and out of freezers and coolers and utilizing typical kitchen equipment.
Uniform Requirements:
Adherence to Company Uniform Requirements outlined in the Associate Handbook, uniform requirements outlined in your orientation guidelines.
Non-slip shoes are necessary.
Physical Demands:
  • Prolonged periods of moving through an event space, and traveling throughout the stadium
  • Bending, lifting, scooping, and carrying miscellaneous equipment and food items
  • Manual dexterity able to operate cutting tools and kitchen utensils.
  • Must be able to lift up-to 40 pounds at times.

CORE VALUE AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS
  • Business Acumen - Demonstrate comprehension of the job, including policies, practices, and relationships. Possess the expertise and skill levels required of the job and perform with quality.
  • Dedication - Dependable, reliable and follows through on projects from inception to completion. Willing to put in as much time as necessary to complete tasks. Demonstrate a win-win attitude: "see it, own it, solve it."
  • Ethics and Integrity - Acts with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the company's culture, values and beliefs while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.
  • Safety & Security - Observe safety and security standards. Use equipment and materials properly. Comply with safety standards and personal protective equipment requirements. Report potential unsafe conditions or practices to appropriate person immediately. Promote restaurant safety, cleanliness and security compliance at all times.
  • Teamwork - Cooperate and be willing to work as a team player to achieve goals and tasks accurately, efficiently and timely.
  • Communication - Communicate clearly and effectively with mutual respect, understanding and trust to fellow associates, managers, supervisors and guests. Listen carefully to opinions and views of others; state understanding of what has been heard.
  • Initiative - Contribute new ideas and suggestions to enhance productivity and efficiency. Be proactive in troubleshooting problems or issues and take action to mitigate potential problems.
  • Adaptability & Planning - Possess the ability to learn new tasks and adjusts well to new situations. Perform well under tight time schedules and pressures to change direction quickly.
  • Service Orientation - Demonstrates a sense of urgency. Is welcoming, friendly and smiles when visible to guests.

Position Salary & Benefits:
  • Competitive pay ranging from $11/hr - $13/hr.
  • Benefits include free meal per shift.
  • Opportunity for advancement. Proof of the Pudding is consistently seeking to amplify talented team member's roles.
  • On-the-job training that can be applied industry wide.

Proof of the Pudding and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.

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