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Express Kitchen Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cooks Panda Express

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Our Mission: "We empower the lives of people by providing authentic, impactful, and exceptional experiences (one team member and guest at a time)." Join Our Panda Express Kitchen Team! Are you ...

Cooks Panda Express

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Our Mission: "We empower the lives of people by providing authentic, impactful, and exceptional experiences (one team member and guest at a time)." Join Our Panda Express Kitchen Team! Are you ...

Kitchen Team Associate Kumori Express

Pharr, TX · On-site

$11.25 - $14.75/hr

Join the Kumori Express Team as a Kitchen Team Associate! New Location!! Are you passionate about creating delicious meals and delivering memorable dining experiences? Kumori Express is looking for ...

kitchen cooking

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$16.50/hr

Preparing workstations, cooking ingredients, and kitchen equipment for cooking. Cooking and ... The Burrito Express was established in 1995 by Angel Marin Sr. with a vision of a family-run ...

Kitchen Operator

Claysville, PA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

KITCHEN OPERATOR $17-$19/HR | Full-Time | Food Production | Claysville, PA Express Employment Professionals is hiring a Floating Kitchen Operator in Claysville, PA for a growing food manufacturing ...

Kitchen Helpers

San Juan, TX · On-site

$11/hr

Express Pros is hiring Kitchen Food Production Helpers for a local Mexican restaurant! You will assist with food preparation, packaging, restocking supplies that often weigh up to 50 lbs , and ...

At California Pizza Kitchen, we bring the biggest and best parts of ourselves to work and to our ... An environment where you can express your unique talents and skills. * Employee driven assistance ...

Kitchen Manager

Canoga Park, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

At California Pizza Kitchen, we bring the biggest and best parts of ourselves to work and to our ... An environment where you can express your unique talents and skills. * Employee driven assistance ...

Kitchen Manager

Canoga Park, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

At California Pizza Kitchen, we bring the biggest and best parts of ourselves to work and to our ... An environment where you can express your unique talents and skills. * Employee driven assistance ...

Kitchen Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

At California Pizza Kitchen, we bring the biggest and best parts of ourselves to work and to our ... An environment where you can express your unique talents and skills. * Employee driven assistance ...

At California Pizza Kitchen, we bring the biggest and best parts of ourselves to work and to our ... An environment where you can express your unique talents and skills. * Employee driven assistance ...

Kitchen Manager

Kapolei, HI · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

At California Pizza Kitchen, we bring the biggest and best parts of ourselves to work and to our ... An environment where you can express your unique talents and skills. * Employee driven assistance ...

Kitchen Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

At California Pizza Kitchen, we bring the biggest and best parts of ourselves to work and to our ... An environment where you can express your unique talents and skills. * Employee driven assistance ...

Kitchen Manager

Glendale, NY · On-site

$68K - $73K/yr

At California Pizza Kitchen, we bring the biggest and best parts of ourselves to work and to our ... An environment where you can express your unique talents and skills. * Employee driven assistance ...

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Express Kitchen information

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How much do express kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for express kitchen in the United States is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an express kitchen?

An Express Kitchen is a streamlined food preparation and service area, typically found in restaurants or food service establishments, designed to prepare and serve meals quickly and efficiently. These kitchens often focus on a limited menu of popular or easy-to-prepare items to ensure fast turnaround times for customers. Express Kitchens are commonly used in fast-casual dining, food courts, and takeaway settings, where speed and convenience are prioritized. Staff working in Express Kitchens must be skilled in multitasking, food safety, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an express kitchen worker?

To excel as an Express Kitchen Worker, you need strong food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and sometimes a food handler certification is typically required. Excellent teamwork, time management, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills that enhance performance in this role. These abilities are crucial for maintaining high-quality food service, ensuring customer satisfaction, and supporting smooth kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment.

What are the main challenges faced by employees working in an express kitchen environment?

Employees in an Express Kitchen often face the challenge of maintaining speed and efficiency while ensuring food quality and safety standards are met. The fast-paced environment demands excellent multitasking skills and the ability to work seamlessly with team members, especially during peak hours. Adaptability and clear communication are key, as roles may shift quickly to meet customer demands and keep service running smoothly.

What is the difference between Express Kitchen vs Line Cook?

AspectExpress KitchenLine Cook
CredentialsFood Handler's Permit, culinary trainingFood Handler's Permit, culinary training
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, high-volume kitchens, often in quick-service restaurantsFast-paced kitchens, preparing specific dishes on the line
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, cafes, fast-food chainsRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Common Search/ComparisonExpress Kitchen vs Line Cook

The main difference between an Express Kitchen and a Line Cook lies in their roles within the kitchen. An Express Kitchen typically refers to a fast-paced environment focused on quick service, often requiring specific certifications like a Food Handler's Permit. A Line Cook specializes in preparing specific dishes on the kitchen line, working closely with other kitchen staff. Both roles require culinary skills and work in similar fast-paced settings, but their responsibilities and focus areas differ slightly.

More about Express Kitchen jobs

What job categories do people searching Express Kitchen jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Express Kitchen jobs are:

Infographic showing various Express Kitchen job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,047 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

Wok Your Way to an Exciting Career at Panda Express!Multi-Unit | Multi-State Restaurant & Hospitality Organization

At Fresquez Companies, we believe in creating memorable experiences and empowering the lives of people-one team member and guest at a time.

Our Mission:
"We empower the lives of people by providing authentic, impactful, and exceptional experiences (one team member and guest at a time)."

 Join Our Panda Express Kitchen Team!

Are you energetic, passionate about great food, and ready to be part of a fast-paced, high-energy environment? As a Cook at Panda Express, you'll bring bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and exceptional quality to every meal while working alongside a team that values collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Every shift brings something new as you prepare fan-favorite dishes, master cooking techniques, and help create an outstanding dining experience for every guest who walks through our doors.

What You'll Do

 Prepare and cook fresh, flavorful menu items to Panda Express standards
Ensure every dish is served with consistency, quality, and care
Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe kitchen environment
Set up and stock stations to keep operations running smoothly
Monitor equipment and follow all safety and sanitation procedures
Work as part of a dynamic team to deliver an exceptional guest experience
Help minimize waste and maximize efficiency throughout the kitchen

Why You'll Love Working Here

Fast-paced, team-oriented environment
Opportunities for growth and career advancement
Positive and supportive workplace culture
Be part of a company that values its people and celebrates success
Learn valuable culinary and leadership skills
Take pride in serving food that guests love and come back for

Make an Impact Every Day

At Fresquez Companies, our Cooks are more than food preparers-they are creators of great experiences. Your dedication to quality, teamwork, and hospitality helps ensure every guest leaves satisfied and excited to return.

Ready to Join the Team?

If you're looking for a fun, rewarding opportunity where you can grow your skills, work with an amazing team, and make a difference every day, Panda Express is the place for you!

Apply today and start cooking up your future with us!

Requirements

Essential Functions:

Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Ability to multi-task and quickly prioritize tasks.

Food safety driven and food service experience. 

Responsible for prepping ingredients and assembling dishes according to restaurant recipes and specifications.

Maintain sanitation, health and safety standards in all work areas including ability to check and complete daily temperature logs.

Operate large-volume cooking equipment such as grills, deep-fat fryers and/or griddles, slicer, etc. with the ability to use simultaneously at times. 

Prepare and serve beverages. 

Read food order slips and/or screens or receive verbal instructions to cook to specifications.

Verify prepared food meets requirements for quality and quantity.

Clean, stock and restock workstations, display cases, etc. 

Order and take delivery of product, as needed.


Skills and Qualifications:

Organization, Attention to Detail, Thoroughness, Verbal Communication, Ethical Conduct, High Integrity, Personal Responsibility and Initiative, Technical/Mechanical Ability, Safety Conscious, Cleanliness


General Requirements:

1. Strong knowledge and understanding of company and FDA standards, processes and procedures.

2. Detail oriented.

3. Excellent listening skills.

4. Team Player - Ability to act in a collaborative manner which contributes to creating an environment of respect and professionalism displayed at all times toward management, co-workers, guests, and vendors.

5. Effective organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple priorities.

6. Ability to work under pressure and to be flexible and adept at varying and changing demands. 

7. Able to work at a fast pace in an effective manner.

8. Effective interpersonal communication and interpersonal skills with co-workers including other cooks, servers, and management.


Work Environment:

This job operates in a fast-paced restaurant setting and is frequently subjected to heat, steam, fire, and noise. This role routinely uses standard restaurant equipment such as: ovens, cook tops, griddles, deep-fat fryers, grills, microwaves, sharp tools/slicers, as well as other equipment as necessary. 


Physical or Environmental Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. 

This position requires constant standing. All positions may require constant, frequent, or occasional: standing, walking, lifting, sitting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motions, eye/hand/foot coordination. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.


Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is an hourly position. Scheduled hours vary by restaurant needs, including necessary adjustments during high and low seasonal changes. Typical days and hours of work for this position are Monday-Sunday 5am-12am (varying shifts). Other days/hours required, including holidays, as needed or assigned.


Required Experience and Skills:

A minimum of one year cooking experience required. Restaurant experience preferred.

Knowledge and understanding of relevant food safety and sanitation laws, principles, procedures, and practices.


Work Authorization/Security Clearance:

1. Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment drug screening.

2. Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.

3. Satisfactory completion of a background check in accordance with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).


Language Ability:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business rules and technical procedures. 

Ability to clearly and effectively communicate information and respond to questions from management and team members.


Other (Secondary) Responsibilities:

Assist with other restaurant functions including other assigned duties as needed. This may include prep-cook, dishwashing, and maintenance, and cleanliness of equipment and facility.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


EEO Statement:

Fresquez, Inc., Fresquez Concessions, Inc., NM Restaurant Investors Inc. DBA Village Inn, is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy not to discriminate against any Employee or Applicant. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. The policy of nondiscrimination in employment includes but is not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, employment advertising or solicitations, compensation, layoff or termination of employment.