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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

IPM Foods

Assistant Cook

Janesville, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Check final weight. * Assist Cook as needed * Inspect all ingredients prior to loading the Kettles * The ability to step if the cook is not available * Communicate with batching and quality * Assist ...

IPM Foods

Assistant Cook

Janesville, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Check final weight. * Assist Cook as needed * Inspect all ingredients prior to loading the Kettles * The ability to step if the cook is not available * Communicate with batching and quality * Assist ...

IPM Foods

Utility Operator

Janesville, WI · On-site

The ability to relieve or substitute for the plant positions of Cook, Asst. Cook, R2 Operaor, Floor Assistant, Quality Technician, Retort Operaor, and Case Pack Operator * Must be flexible and open ...

New Horizon

Cook

New Glarus, WI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We take pride in serving communities across the country, and we're looking for cooks who care as ... Food preparation and proper storage * Assist maintaining all health code regulations in kitchen

Arete Staffing

Cook

Edgerton, WI

$19/hr

Prepare and cook breakfast and lunch for students * Assist with food prep (portioning, assembling meals, etc.) * Ensure meals are prepared according to recipes and quality standards * Maintain ...

New

Prairie View Manor

Dietary Supervisor

Janesville, WI · On-site

Act as lead cook; assist with meal preparation and service. * Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and dining areas in accordance with health codes and internal standards. * Maintain ...

Platinum Communities

Dietary Supervisor

Columbus, WI · On-site

Act as lead cook; assist with meal preparation and service. * Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and dining areas in accordance with health codes and internal standards. * Maintain ...

Platinum Communities

Dietary Supervisor

Janesville, WI · On-site

Act as lead cook; assist with meal preparation and service. * Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and dining areas in accordance with health codes and internal standards. * Maintain ...

Draper Brothers Chophouse

Lead Line Cook

Madison, WI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Monitor product quality, portion control, and plate presentation. * Assist with training and mentoring new line cooks and kitchen staff. * Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation at all ...

Platinum Communities

Dietary Supervisor

Janesville, WI · On-site

Act as lead cook; assist with meal preparation and service. * Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and dining areas in accordance with health codes and internal standards. * Maintain ...

Platinum Communities

Dietary Supervisor

Columbus, WI · On-site

Act as lead cook; assist with meal preparation and service. * Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and dining areas in accordance with health codes and internal standards. * Maintain ...

Platinum Communities

Cook

Middleton, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Prepare and cook meals in accordance with posted menus and standardized recipes ... Ensure meals are prepared and assist with serving on time and in proper portions. * Ensure all ...

New

Milton Senior Living LLC

Cook GLSL

Milton, WI · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Coordinate meal preparation with prep cooks and kitchen staff * Assist with inventory control, stocking, and rotating supplies * Report equipment issues or supply shortages promptly * Support smooth ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Mineral Point, WI

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

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All JobsCooks JobsCooks Assistant JobsCooks Assistant Jobs in Madison, WI

Cooks Assistant information

See Madison, WI salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks assistant in Madison, WI is $16.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $17.45 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 cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:
Cooks Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Madison, WI 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 $33,514 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Assistant Cook

IPM Foods

Janesville, WI • On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

  • Follow the recipe to find equipment needed.
  • Complete top setup and tell controller before you start cooking.
  • Ensure hose from liquefier is closed and inspect the kettle.
  • Ensure scale is at zero.
  • Compare weight on scale to recipe.
  • After temperature is reached add the rest of the ingredients.
  • Check final weight.
  • Assist Cook as needed
  • Inspect all ingredients prior to loading the Kettles
  • The ability to step if the cook is not available
  • Communicate with batching and quality
  • Assist in maintaining cleanliness on the platform
  • You will clean the equipment necessary for overall manufacturing production
  • You will also clean lines and processing equipment
  • Packaging equipment will also require your attention, which involves wiping down metal conveyors, as well as cleaning the machine itself
  • You will sometimes have to open valves to get the job done
  • Like the rest of the team, you will work with strong, corrosive chemicals
  • You will also be working with hot water and foaming & cleaning agents
  • You will sweep and mop floors
  • Perform CIP after production and ensure all equipment are clean and ready to use for the next shift.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Accurate completion of paperwork.
  • Effective math skills.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Interpersonal and team skills for working with employees at all levels within the company.
  • Ability to lift on a continuing basis.
  • Ability to work in a safe manner in a production environment with safety hazards.
  • Ability to tolerate fluctuating temperatures in a loud noise production environment.

Physical Demands of the Position: While performing the duties of this position, the employee must be able to see, speak, hear, read, walk, and stand, reach with hands and arms for long periods. The employee must be able to pull, push, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and lift more than 50 lbs. There is extensive walking required.


2nd Shift