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Cooks Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cooks Helper

Far Rockaway, NY ยท On-site

$26.24 - $27.60/hr

Prepare foodstuff for cooking * Prepare hot items and entrees for patients, cafeteria, and special functions * Prepare servings according to requirements * Responsible for appearance, flavor, and ...

Substitute Cooks Helper

Jordan, MN ยท On-site

$19.48/hr

POSITION: On-call Cooks Helper for Jordan Public Schools. Hours will vary depending on need. SUMMARY: Provide a clean, safe and positive environment for students, staff and the public. SALARY: $19.48 ...

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Cooks Helper information

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$9

$17

$21

How much do cooks helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks helper in the United States is $17.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cooks Helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooks Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and inventory systems is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills that help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient kitchen operations, ensuring food safety, and supporting chefs in delivering quality meals.

What are some common challenges faced by a Cook's Helper, and how can they be addressed?

As a Cook's Helper, one common challenge is working efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment, especially during peak hours. Staying organized, communicating clearly with chefs and fellow kitchen staff, and mastering time management are key to overcoming this. Additionally, adapting quickly to changing priorities and maintaining strict food safety standards are essential. Seeking feedback and being proactive in learning new tasks can also help you succeed and potentially advance to higher kitchen positions.

What are Cooks Helpers?

Cooks Helpers assist chefs and cooks in the preparation and serving of food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing and chopping vegetables, preparing ingredients, cleaning work areas, and sometimes helping with basic cooking tasks. They play a vital role in ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently by supporting the culinary team with day-to-day tasks. Cooks Helpers may also be responsible for stocking supplies and disposing of kitchen waste. This position is often an entry point for those interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts.

What is the difference between Cooks Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCooks HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafeteriasCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageFood service establishments, hotels, hospitalsFood service establishments, catering, hospitality
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Cooks Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles typically require similar credentials and work in fast-paced kitchen environments. While their duties may overlap, Cooks Helpers often assist with food prep and basic cooking tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may focus more on cleaning, prep work, and supporting kitchen staff. Understanding these differences can help job seekers find the right position in the food service industry.

What cities are hiring for Cooks Helper jobs? Cities with the most Cooks Helper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs? The most popular types of Cooks jobs are:
What states have the most Cooks Helper jobs? States with the most job openings for Cooks Helper jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cooks Helper job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 54% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,904 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

$22.49 - $25.63/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Food Services/Food Services
Date Posted:
5/26/2026
Location:
Cascade View Elementary
Date Available:
08/25/2026
Closing Date:
Best consideration 6/16
Cook's Helper
Anticipated start date: August 25, 2026
Monday - Friday: 11:20 a.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Weekly working hours: 10
Wage: $22.49 - $25.63 per hour (2025-26 PSE Salary Schedule *2026-27 TBD)
Assists with preparation of food for breakfast and lunch programs. For complete details, please see the attached job description.
Required: Valid WA State Food Worker Card; If you don't have a valid Food Worker Card, it can be obtained online and the training takes about 90 min. You may access the training with this link: foodworkercard.wa.gov
Work Calendar: 2026-27 PSE SCHOOL DAYS EXT FOOD SERVICES
For best consideration, please submit a completed application by June 16, 2026. Job posting open until filled.
Benefit Eligibility:
  • Insurance: This position alone is not eligible for medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, basic life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.*
  • Retirement Plans: This position is eligible for a 403(b) TSA Retirement Savings Plan.
  • Paid Holidays: This position may be eligible for up to 14 paid holidays per year. The number of holidays depends on the employee's start and end dates.
  • Paid Time Off: Employees working less than 12 months per year earn 7 days' worth of vacation pay per year and accrue 1 day of sick leave per month. Up to 3 days of personal leave may be granted each school year. Vacation and sick leave are based on scheduled hours and position start date.

*Snoqualmie Valley School District benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Click HERE for an overview of available benefit options.
Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours employees are anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Any employee who is scheduled to work 630 hours or more in a year is eligible for benefits.
Union Information
Non-Discrimination Statement:
Snoqualmie Valley School District complies with all applicable federal and state statutes and regulations and does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. This holds true for all district employment and student opportunities. The Snoqualmie Valley School District will also take steps to ensure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all educational programs, services, and activities.
Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district's compliance coordinators at 425-831-8000 or email:
  • ADA/Civil Rights - Ryan Vidos (vidosr@svsd410.org)
  • Section 504 - Salina Fassler (fasslers@svsd410.org)
  • Title IX/HIB - Dr. Alessandra Schiavone (schiavonea@svsd410.org)

Attachment(s):
  • Cook's Helper Job Description