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Cooks Helper Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Trillium Family Services

Cook's Helper

Portland, OR · On-site

$19.44/hr

Are you ready to help children and families "Build a Brighter Future"? We are guided by the simple ... the cooks. * Responsible for preparation and serving of meals for clients and on-duty staff.

Amaro's Table

Line Cook

Vancouver, WA

$22 - $30/hr

... cooks to join our culinary team. If you love being part of a driven, high-energy kitchen and take pride in every plate that leaves your station, this is your chance to help shape the next chapter of ...

Param Hotel Corp

Be Seen First

Line Cooks

Portland, OR · On-site

$19/hr

... will help elevate our culinary offerings and ensure every guest leaves satisfied. This position ... Prepare ingredients and cook meals with precision, demonstrating strong knife skills and food ...

New

Param Hotel Corp

Be Seen First

Line Cooks

Portland, OR · On-site

$19/hr

... will help elevate our culinary offerings and ensure every guest leaves satisfied. This position ... Prepare ingredients and cook meals with precision, demonstrating strong knife skills and food ...

New

Ram Restaurant & Brewery

Cooks & Dishwashers

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Cooks and Dishwashers Wanted!! Come join the Gold Medal Winning RAM Restaurant and Brewery! If you ... our service teams to help them provide exceptional hospitality to our guests. We Offer: • ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Portland, OR · On-site

$21/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: ALASKA AIRLINES LOUNGE - PDX - 72546001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Portland, OR · On-site

$21/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: ALASKA AIRLINES LOUNGE - PDX - 72546001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Portland, OR · On-site

$21/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: ALASKA AIRLINES LOUNGE - PDX - 72546001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Sodexo

Food Prep Helper

Portland, OR

$21/hr

Food Prep Helper Location: ALASKA AIRLINES LOUNGE - PDX - 72546001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Aramark

Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Aramark

Cook

Beaverton, OR

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Aramark

Cook

Beaverton, OR

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Aramark

Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

Aramark

Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Cook on our team, you'll help bring recipes to life while being able to flex your creativity! Surrounded by fresh ingredients and the best equipment, you'll be immersed in a world that goes ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCooks Helper JobsCooks Helper Jobs in Portland, OR

Cooks Helper information

See Portland, OR salary details

$10

$18

$22

How much do cooks helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks helper in Portland, OR is $18.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 a cook's helper job description?

A cook's helper assists chefs and cooks by preparing ingredients, cleaning work areas, and supporting food preparation tasks. They often handle basic tasks such as chopping, measuring, and organizing supplies, and may need to follow safety and hygiene standards in a kitchen environment.

How to become a kitchen helper?

To become a kitchen helper, no formal education is usually required, but basic cooking skills and knowledge of food safety are helpful. Employers often look for reliability, ability to follow instructions, and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. Gaining experience through entry-level positions or on-the-job training can improve chances of employment.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Cooks Helper positions typically do not pay $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with specialized roles like surgeons, corporate executives, or high-level consultants. Most entry-level or support roles in the food industry offer hourly wages or salaries far below that amount, often depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Cooks Helper typically does not earn $10,000 a month without a degree; such high earnings are uncommon in this role. High-paying jobs without a degree often include roles in sales, real estate, or skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work, which may require experience or certifications. Achieving $10,000 monthly usually involves advanced skills, experience, or entrepreneurship beyond entry-level positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Portland, OR are:
Cooks Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Helper job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,076 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Cook's Helper

Cook's Helper

Trillium Family Services

Portland, OR • On-site

$19.44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Trillium Family Services rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Are you ready to help children and families “Build a Brighter Future”? We are guided by the simple yet crucial mission of building brighter futures with children and families.

If so, we have an exciting opportunity to join our dedicated dietary team at the Portland Metro campus

About the Opportunity:

  • As needed responsible for providing the complete preparation, service and cleaning of all items associated with the salad bar and for assisting the cooks.
  • Responsible for preparation and serving of meals for clients and on-duty staff.

Starting rate of pay: $19.44/hour starting

Schedule:

  • 40/hours week -Wednesday - Sunday - 7an to 5:30pm
  • Degree not required.
  • Current Food Handler’s Card required.
  • One (1+) year experience in preparing and cooking large quantities of food for groups of 50 or more preferred.
  • You are seeking meaningful work and career growth.
  • Good written and verbal communications
  • Great Customer Service
  • Preferred not required: Hospital or Facility Cooking (Batch Cooking)

Benefits (not all positions are benefit eligible)

  • 100% Employer Paid Medical, Vision, and Dental for Full Time Employees
  • 401k retirement plan matches – up to %6 match
  • Growth | Career track, continuing education, and professional development
  • Generous Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Free meals while on duty!
  • And more!
About Us:

We embrace diversity and equity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills and views. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be in fulfilling our mission of “Building Brighter Futures with Children and Families”.

Our vision is to create safe communities where children are healthy, and every family has the opportunity for success. Families get the support they need – when and where they need it. There is a focus on prevention and health; organizations and systems are connected in a synergistic sanctuary community that generates: Non –violence, Growth and Change, Democracy, Emotional intelligence, social learning, Open communication, and Social Responsibility.

Our investment in the future of each child means that the next generation of Oregonians will have the skills to contribute meaningfully through employment, community service, and raising their own healthy families.

At TFS we believe that every child and family can have a brighter future, through the love we bring together we can make this possible. There is so much need for mental and emotional support at all levels of our communities.

To take a behind the scenes look our programs please visit our website at https://www.trilliumfamily.org/

Pay Equity: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.

Consideration of candidates will begin as soon as 1/4/2025, and position may close without notice.

For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion, and environment, contact the HR department. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising client care.

If you need accommodation to review the information and/or complete the application process, please contact the Human Resources Department.

Trillium Family Services is a drug free workplace. All final applicants will be subject to a criminal record identification check pursuant to ORS 181.536.727.537 and agency policy. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider and support a culturally linguistically diverse governance, leadership, and workforce.