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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

Oregon Child Development Coalition

Cook Assistant

Salem, OR · On-site

$17 - $19.71/hr

Assists the Cook in purchasing, preparing and delivering food products, cleaning of kitchen facilities, and maintaining sanitary standards in compliance with USDA guidelines, sanitation safety rules ...

Capital Manor

ASSISTANT COOK

Salem, OR · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

The Assistant Cook is responsible for the preparation of all food items as per standardized recipes. Works under the Head Cook to coordinate meal production and timing. PRINCIPLE DUTIES: Essential ...

Oregon Child Development Coalition

Cook

Salem, OR · On-site

$18.94 - $23.65/hr

Instructing or training Cook Assistant in following sanitation and kitchen procedures. Follows outlined USDA regulations by: Documenting the amount of food served daily. Ensuring that all staff ...

Oregon Child Development Coalition

Cook

Marion, OR · On-site

$18.94 - $23.65/hr

... Cook Assistant in following sanitation and kitchen procedures. Follows outlined USDA regulations by: • Documenting the amount of food served daily. • Ensuring that all staff provides daily food ...

Black Bear Diner - Grants Pass

Line Cook

Salem, OR

$15.25 - $19/hr

We are seeking an EXPERIENCED Line Cook at Black Bear Diner Salem. The overall responsibility of a ... Handle, store and rotate all products properly. * Assist in food prep assignments during off-peak ...

Ready Chef Llc

Prep Cook

Keizer, OR · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

... Cooks. Get Paid top Dollar in Salem-Keizer! All in Meals ® is seeking a highly motivated and organized Prep Cook to join our growing meal delivery company. The successful candidate will assist the ...

AMF

Cook

Salem, OR · On-site

$16.50 - $18.15/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Lucky Strike Entertainment

Cook

Salem, OR · On-site

$16.50 - $18.15/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Ready Chef Llc

Prep Cook

Keizer, OR · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

... Cooks. Get Paid top Dollar in Salem-Keizer! All in Meals ® is seeking a highly motivated and organized Prep Cook to join our growing meal delivery company. The successful candidate will assist the ...

AMF

Cook

Salem, OR · On-site

$16.50 - $18.15/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

AMF

Cook

Salem, OR · On-site

$16.50 - $18.15/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

AMF

Cook

Salem, OR · On-site

$16.50 - $18.15/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

CHANCE JOBS

Part-time Cook

Albany, OR · On-site

$20/hr

You will work closely with the Kitchen Manager and other cooks each day and assist in whatever they need to provide the meals. These tasks include: * Completing all tasks, in order, as requested by ...

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Cooks Assistant information

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How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks assistant in Salem, OR is $16.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $17.40 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 Salem, OR are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs?

Cities near Salem, OR with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:

Cooks Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Salem, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,428 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Cook Assistant

Marion, OR • On-site

Oregon Child Development Coalition
Education Programs Administration • 501 - 1,000 employees

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Learn more about Oregon Child Development Coalitionexternal

$17 - $19.71/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

About Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC):
Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) is a nonprofit organization serving children and families across Oregon through early education and family support programs. At OCDC, our work has purpose. Every role contributes to creating stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures for children across Oregon.
Position Summary:
Assists the Cook in purchasing, preparing and delivering food products, cleaning of kitchen facilities, and maintaining sanitary standards in compliance with USDA guidelines, sanitation safety rules and procedures.
Essential Functions:
Assists the Cook in the operation of the Food Service Program Area by:
• Preparing a variety of foods that are culturally and age appropriate.
• Purchasing, preparation and inventory process.
• Assisting in the maintenance of food service records and other documentation in compliance with USDA regulations.
• Delivering food service in a safe, healthy and timely manner with the least disruption to the classroom.
• Maintaining the First-In/First-Out (FIFO) system of food usage.
• Ensuring food quality by checking for proper temperature of food.
Assists in complying with local, state and county sanitation and safety regulations by:
• Ensuring that the environment for food preparation and service is maintained in a sanitary condition.
• Keeping the kitchen and storage areas clean and safe, such as dishwashing and kitchen clean up.
• Maintaining record of food used daily.
Maintains confidence and protects agency operations by:
• Keeping information confidential.
Continually applies safety practices in all facets of the performance of duties by:
• Complying with agency safety standards.
• Supporting participation of a safe environment.
• Immediately reporting any unsafe or hazardous working conditions and/or any injury.
• Participating in fire drills and assisting in the evacuation of the children.
Contributes to a team effort by:
• Attending staff meetings, parent meetings, and other meetings as required.
• Substituting for Cook when necessary.
• Fostering an understanding of Head Start, its mission, goals, objectives, and program services.
Other responsibilities:
• Performing other work related or assigned duties.
Education and Experience Requirements:
• Experience working in meal preparation and planning.
Pay Range:
The pay range for this position is $17.00 to $19.71 hourly. Placement within the range is determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, certifications, and internal equity.
Benefits:
OCDC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well being, and work-life balance. Eligible employees (20+ hours/week) may receive:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off, sick leave, holidays, and paid leave programs
• Employer paid life and disability coverage, with voluntary options available
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources
• Optional benefits including pet insurance
At OCDC, employee well being is a priority and an essential part of supporting our mission and communities.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
OCDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
OCDC is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation. If you need an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please let us know.

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