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Culinary Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Wegmans Food Markets

Sous Chef Trainee

Rochester, NY · On-site

$24.25 - $25.75/hr

You will learn about Wegmans values, business measures and culinary standards while mastering ... guests * Assist with controlling inventory and ordering supplies to ensure needs are met and ...

Popeyes

Prep Cook / Back of House Team Member

Webster, NY · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of culinary tradition inspired by New Orleans ... Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures strictly * Assist with dishwashing, trash, and end ...

Popeyes

Prep Cook / Back of House Team Member

Webster, NY · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of culinary tradition inspired by New Orleans ... Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures strictly * Assist with dishwashing, trash, and end ...

Popeyes

Cook / Back of House Team Member

Webster, NY · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of culinary tradition, known for its authentic New ... Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen throughout your shift * Assist with prep work for ...

Popeyes

Cook / Back of House Team Member

Rochester, NY · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of culinary tradition, known for its authentic New ... Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen throughout your shift * Assist with prep work for ...

Popeyes

Cook / Back of House Team Member

Rochester, NY · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of culinary tradition, known for its authentic New ... Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen throughout your shift * Assist with prep work for ...

Popeyes

Cook / Back of House Team Member

Webster, NY · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of culinary tradition, known for its authentic New ... Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen throughout your shift * Assist with prep work for ...

Popeyes

Cook / Back of House Team Member

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of culinary tradition, known for its authentic New ... Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen throughout your shift * Assist with prep work for ...

Popeyes

Cook / Back of House Team Member

Rochester, NY · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of culinary tradition, known for its authentic New ... Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen throughout your shift * Assist with prep work for ...

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All JobsCulinary JobsCulinary Assistant JobsCulinary Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY

Culinary Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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How much do culinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary assistant in Rochester, NY is $18.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

More about Culinary Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY? For Culinary Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Culinary Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Culinary Assistant job openings:
Culinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY 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 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,894 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Division Executive Chef (Education)

AVI Foodsystems

Rochester, NY • On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

AVI Foodsystems rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 171 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic leader to fill the role of Division Executive Chef, Full-Time, supporting our Education Division.

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service companies in the nation. Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients, impeccable service and total value is the reputation we have earned and live up to everyday.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Provide culinary leadership and operational support to accounts throughout the Education Division
  • Travel regularly to support new account openings, training initiatives, operational transitions, and ongoing culinary excellence
  • Partner with district and regional leadership teams to ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, execution, and service standards
  • Develop and implement innovative menus, recipes, and culinary programs that align with AVI Foodsystems standards and client expectations
  • Train, mentor, and develop chefs, cooks, and culinary team members across multiple locations
  • Conduct on-site evaluations to ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, merchandising, and operational procedures
  • Assist locations with inventory management, ordering practices, food cost controls, labor management, and waste reduction initiatives
  • Support recruiting, onboarding, and culinary training efforts for new and existing team members
  • Lead and support special events, catering programs, and promotional initiatives within the division
  • Collaborate with operations leadership to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and enhanced guest satisfaction
  • Ensure all culinary operations comply with company policies, safety regulations, and sanitation standards
  • Serve as a culinary resource and problem solver for operational challenges throughout the division

Requirements:

  • Executive Chef experience managing high-volume food service operations
  • Multi-unit, campus dining, or education food service experience preferred
  • Culinary degree or certification preferred
  • Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
  • Experience managing food costs, labor costs, inventory, and purchasing procedures
  • Creativity and passion for developing innovative and high-quality food programs
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational and time-management abilities
  • Commitment to food safety, sanitation, and operational excellence
  • Professional appearance and demeanor
  • Ability to build strong relationships with clients, operators, and team members
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the division
  • Valid driver’s license required
  • Ideal candidate will reside in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, or New York

Benefits:

  • A family culture and atmosphere
  • Competitive compensation
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time team members
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid vacations and holidays
  • Immense training and growth opportunities

We conduct pre-employment drug testing. EOE

What AVI Foodsystems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

AVI Foodsystems logo

About AVI Foodsystems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service companies in the nation. Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients, impeccable service and total value is the reputation we have earned and live up to everyday.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Warren, OH, US

Year founded

1960

Social media

Twitter

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