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Culinary Assistant Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

University of Michigan

Sr. Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Will report to Michigan Dining's Culinary Assistant Director. Responsibilities* * Establish and accelerate changes to menus, recipes and cooking methods; and lead to improve food quality ...

Singh

Culinary Supervisor

Rochester Hills, MI · On-site

Ensure that the kitchen is clean, sanitary, and safe. * Assist the Culinary Service Director in the hiring, time keeping, performance appraisals and performance management of all kitchen staff ...

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Culinary Assistant information

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$9

$18

$33

How much do culinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary assistant in Detroit, MI is $18.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary assistant?

A culinary assistant is responsible for aiding the head chef or kitchen manager in a restaurant or culinary training center for students. In this career, your job duties include ensuring that the kitchen remains clean, assisting with food preparation, and ensuring all cooking equipment is in proper working order. The qualifications for a career as a culinary assistant include a high school diploma and additional training in the culinary arts. This can include formal degrees from culinary schools or vocational training from trade schools. You need strong organizational skills, a passion for food, and excellent attention to detail.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Assistant, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic cooking techniques, and kitchen operations, typically supported by a high school diploma or culinary coursework. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (like ServSafe), and inventory management systems is common. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help Culinary Assistants excel in fast-paced environments. These abilities ensure efficient food preparation, uphold safety standards, and support smooth kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges faced by culinary assistants in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary Assistants often face the challenge of multitasking under pressure, especially during busy meal services. They need to maintain high standards of food safety and cleanliness while quickly preparing ingredients and supporting chefs. Adapting to sudden changes in menu orders and working efficiently with team members are also frequent demands. Successful Culinary Assistants develop strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Culinary Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCulinary AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require food safety certificationTypically no formal credentials required
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesFood prep areas, kitchens, cafeterias
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting chefs, preparing ingredients, following recipesBasic food prep, cleaning, assisting with setup

Both roles support kitchen operations, but Culinary Assistants often have more specialized responsibilities and may require certifications. Kitchen Helpers typically perform basic tasks and support daily kitchen functions. The choice depends on experience and career goals in the culinary industry.

More about Culinary Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Detroit, MI?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Assistant jobs in Detroit, MI?

For Culinary Assistant jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary Assistant jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Assistant jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Culinary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Culinary Assistant job openings:

Culinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Assistant job openings in Detroit, MI 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 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,037 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Sr. Executive Chef

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

University Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
Department Summary:
Michigan Dining comprises eighteen on-campus cafes and markets, ten residential dining halls, a line of Blue to Go foods, the Campus Bakeshop, and the Michigan Catering unit. Our 700 professional and 1,600 student employees are committed to creative, healthy, and nutritious foods, international cuisines, and sustainability throughout all dining operations.
Position Summary:
Manages and oversees all culinary operations for one or more facilities or programs and serves more than 25,000 meals per week. Leads the unit culinary team to provide culinary excellence, training, recipe review, and overall menu management. Functions as a lead contributor to the development and execution of new and seasonal menus in collaboration with culinary leadership across all units. Provides day-to-day direction and supervision of culinary staff and culinary operations, and coordinates efforts to successfully deliver services to a diverse clientele. Provides training and development for the staff, keeping them current with culinary skills and procedures to meet and exceed expectations. Manages and oversees large-scale special events for Residential Dining guests, in addition to daily operations. Will report to Michigan Dining's Culinary Assistant Director.
Responsibilities*
  • Establish and accelerate changes to menus, recipes and cooking methods; and lead to improve food quality, attractiveness and efficient preparation.
  • Oversee menu, food preparation, presentation, portioning and plating design.
  • Work together with the campus executive chef for catering to improve and standardize recipes, and to develop new recipes.
  • In collaboration with the campus executive chef, train the culinary staff in cooking and serving methods, presentation and portion control; exhibit a hands-on approach to develop staff, work with employees while demonstrating a commitment to their individual growth.
  • Exercise administrative guidance over chef leads, chefs, chef assistants, cooks, bakers, and other food service staff including student employees engaged in culinary operations.
  • Be a leader for employees while promoting teamwork, employee morale, and open communication.
  • Ensure compliance with all state and county health department and safety regulations.
  • Transport food and culinary equipment to and from events as required.
  • Coordinate with front-of-house chefs and culinary assistants regarding their arrival, departure times, and on-site responsibilities for events.

Required Qualifications*
  • Degree in Culinary Arts from an accredited culinary school or apprenticeship program and/or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience as a chef in a high-volume, high-quality operation with a variety of concepts and/or catering and banquet experience.
  • Experience and comprehensive knowledge of culinary techniques, menu planning, recipe and menu development, dining trends, food ordering, budget management, use of general and commercial kitchen equipment, preparation, presentation, and supervision of kitchen personnel.
  • ServSafe certified within 60 days from the date of hire as a condition of employment. If the certification is not acquired during the 60-day period, employment will be terminated. Certification must be maintained as a condition of employment
  • American Culinary Federation certification at the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) level must be obtained within two years of the date of hire. If the certification is not acquired within two years, employment will be terminated. Certification must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
  • Knowledge of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, email, and the Internet, and ability to use menu management and production systems.

Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
  • Generous time off
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expense

Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .
Additional Information
You can find the full job description here .
This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.
Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.
Selected candidates whose start date is between 4/1/2026 - 9/1/2026 will not be eligible for the university FY26-27 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.
Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.
Relocation will not be offered for this role.
#studentlife
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
281331
Working Title
Sr. Executive Chef
Job Title
Culinary Manager Senior
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Dsa University Union
Department
MI Dining - Catering
Posting Begin/End Date
8/07/2026 - 9/04/2026
Salary
$68,450.00 - $78,750.00
Career Interest
Hospitality

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About University of Michigan

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The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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