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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Mankato, MN (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Cook

Le Center, MN · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

If you enjoy cooking, working with a team of professionals, we have a spot for you on our team! Essential Functions: * Provide the highest quality of guest service at all times * Execute recipes to ...

Assistant Cook

Faribault, MN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

If you enjoy cooking, working with a team of professionals, we have a spot for you on our team! Essential Functions: * Provide the highest quality of guest service at all times * Execute recipes to ...

Assistant Cook

Montgomery, MN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

If you enjoy cooking, working with a team of professionals, we have a spot for you on our team! Essential Functions: * Provide the highest quality of guest service at all times * Execute recipes to ...

Preps, prepares, cooks and serves meals to residents, families, guests and employees. Properly operates and maintains all equipment in the food preparation area. Reports production shortages/overages ...

Cooks & Kitchen Staff ( Miss J)

Mankato, MN · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

At LV Petroleum, we are searching for SERVERS, COOKS, and BARTENDERS, at our famous Ten20 Tavern ... Answer customer inquiries and assist them with menu choices, providing recommendations when needed.

Cooks & Kitchen Staff ( Miss J)

Mankato, MN

$14 - $18.50/hr

At LV Petroleum, we are searching for SERVERS, COOKS, and BARTENDERS, at our famous Ten20 Tavern ... Answer customer inquiries and assist them with menu choices, providing recommendations when needed.

Cooks & Kitchen Staff ( Miss J)

Mankato, MN · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

At LV Petroleum, we are searching for SERVERS, COOKS, and BARTENDERS, at our famous Ten20 Tavern ... Answer customer inquiries and assist them with menu choices, providing recommendations when needed.

Cook Helper

Mankato, MN · On-site

$15.14 - $15.99/hr

The Cook Helper will assist the Cook Manager and 2nd Cook in preparation, planning, documentation and serving of the school meal programs ensuring the nutrition and proper preparation of meals, and ...

Cook Helper

Mankato, MN

$15.14 - $15.99/hr

The Cook Helper will assist the Cook Manager and 2nd Cook in preparation, planning, documentation and serving of the school meal programs ensuring the nutrition and proper preparation of meals, and ...

Second Cook

Mankato, MN · On-site

$16.80 - $17.65/hr

The Second Cook will assist the Cook Manager in coordinating the preparation, planning, documentation and serving of the school meal programs ensuring the nutrition and proper preparation of meals ...

Second Cook

Mankato, MN · On-site

$16.80 - $17.65/hr

The Second Cook will assist the Cook Manager in coordinating the preparation, planning, documentation and serving of the school meal programs ensuring the nutrition and proper preparation of meals ...

Cook - Fairbault, MN

Faribault, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Present food in an appealing and appetizing manner * Assist with kitchen cleaning and sanitation * Follow all safety and sanitation procedures Qualifications * Previous cooking experience required

Cook - Fairbault, MN

Faribault, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Present food in an appealing and appetizing manner * Assist with kitchen cleaning and sanitation * Follow all safety and sanitation procedures Qualifications * Previous cooking experience required

Cook - Fairbault, MN

Faribault, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Present food in an appealing and appetizing manner * Assist with kitchen cleaning and sanitation * Follow all safety and sanitation procedures Qualifications * Previous cooking experience required

Cook - Fairbault, MN

Faribault, MN

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Present food in an appealing and appetizing manner * Assist with kitchen cleaning and sanitation * Follow all safety and sanitation procedures Qualifications * Previous cooking experience required

Cook - Fairbault, MN

Faribault, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Present food in an appealing and appetizing manner * Assist with kitchen cleaning and sanitation * Follow all safety and sanitation procedures Qualifications * Previous cooking experience required

Dietary Cook

Le Sueur, MN · On-site

$21.75/hr

Prepare and cook meals according to planned menus and dietary needs ... Follow food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards * Assist with meal preparation ...

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Cooks Assistant information

See Mankato, MN salary details

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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 Mankato, MN is $15.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.16 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 Mankato, MN are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs? Cities near Mankato, MN with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:

Assistant Cook

Taher, Inc.

Le Center, MN • On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago


Taher rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

If you enjoy cooking, working with a team of professionals, we have a spot for you on our team!
Essential Functions:
* Provide the highest quality of guest service at all times
* Execute recipes to the letter
* Prepare meals by using correct portioning, meeting outlined standards, ensuring that food is at the correct temperature, and is attractive and tasty
* Follow all food safety and sanitation standards
* Follows and completes production sheets
* Ability to meet deadlines in completion of daily workload
* Stores or discards excess food in accordance with safe food handling procedures
* Set up and tear down of workstation
* Receives and unpacks food deliveries
* Ensures food and supply items are stored per standards
* Polite and professional communication style
* Understands and utilized FIFO
* Performs other related duties as requested by the leadership team
We are proud to offer competitive benefits including:
* Competitive compensation with bonus opportunities
* Work-Life balance - Guaranteed hours with no nights or weekends
* Free daily lunch
* Uniforms are provided
* Safety practices and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are provided
* Employee training and development
* Opportunities for advancement and to make an impact
* Culture of inclusion and belonging
Who we are:
Taher, Inc. is a family owned and operated, chef-driven, food service management company providing K-12 school lunch management, campus dining, senior dining, corporate dining and catering, , and vending and office beverage services to clients in our growing nationwide footprint. Taher, Inc. maintains a consistent presence in Food Service Management's Top 25 companies.
* Previous food service experience preferred
* Exceptional customer service skills
* Ability to adapt and change in a fast-paced environment
* Able to do simple arithmetic
* Excellent oral and written communication skills
* Be able to lift 30 Lbs.and stand for extended periods of time
* Dependable, Punctual
* Ability to follow all safe food handling requirements
* Successfully pass a criminal background check
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