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Food Service Assistant Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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FOOD SERVICE ASSISTANT

Leitchfield, KY · On-site

$12 - $15.25/hr

Job Summary Assists in the preparation and serving of food for distribution to patients, cafeteria, and catering services. Job Responsibilities * Maintains area, equipment, and supplies in safe and ...

Carespring

Food Service - Dietary Assistant

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16/hr

The Food Service Assistant assists in the overall food delivery process from the kitchen to the residents in the nursing care units. The position works collectively with the nursing department and ...

Carespring

Food Service - Dietary Assistant

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16/hr

The Food Service Assistant assists in the overall food delivery process from the kitchen to the residents in the nursing care units. The position works collectively with the nursing department and ...

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Food Service Assistant information

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How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Kentucky is $14.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food service assistant?

A food service assistant helps with the planning, preparing, and serving of meals in a restaurant or other organization that serves food. They may work in schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. Job duties may include planning meals, preparing food, delivering food to customers, managing stock, maintaining supplies, cleaning the kitchen and service areas, and running the cash register. There are no educational requirements to become a food service assistant, but many vocational schools and community colleges offer courses in the food service industry. Some state their food service careers in this entry-level position and seek promotions as they gain experience.

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

To thrive as a Food Service Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food hygiene certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and excellent customer service skills help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient operations, maintain food safety standards, and deliver a positive dining experience for customers.

What are some common challenges faced by food service assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Food Service Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are crucial. One common challenge is handling peak meal times while maintaining quality and safety standards. Effective communication with kitchen staff and servers helps ensure smooth operations. Staying organized, adhering to hygiene protocols, and being adaptable to sudden changes—like menu adjustments or special dietary requests—are key to managing these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Food Service Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Service AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationOften no formal certification needed
Work EnvironmentCustomer-facing, dining areasKitchen, food prep areas
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringRestaurants, institutional kitchens
Common Search IntentCustomer service, serving foodFood prep, cleaning

While both roles support food service operations, a Food Service Assistant primarily interacts with customers and serves food, often requiring food safety certifications. In contrast, a Kitchen Helper focuses on food prep and kitchen cleaning tasks without direct customer contact. Both roles are essential in food service environments but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What skills do you need to be a food service assistant?

A food service assistant needs strong communication and customer service skills to interact effectively with customers and team members. They should be able to follow safety and hygiene standards, work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and often require basic math skills for handling transactions and inventory. Physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods are also important.
More about Food Service Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Service Assistant jobs in Kentucky?

For Food Service Assistant jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Service Assistant jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Service Assistant jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:

Food Service Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,222 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Food Service Assistant Sub

Larue County Schools

Hodgenville, KY • On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/Food Service Assistant
Date Posted:
10/14/2021
Location:
Central Office
TITLE: Food Service Assistant II- Sub
REPORTS TO: Food Service Manager I
SUPERVISES: N/A
JOB FUNCTION: Prepare food service facilities for the serving of food.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Prepare food service facilities for the serving of food; count and set out an appropriate number of food trays; prepare the steam table for serving hot meals.
  • Wash and prepare eating and serving areas; set out food, trays and beverages according to established procedures.
  • Maintain work areas and serving areas in a clean, sanitary and safe condition; wash and clean counters and steam tables; wash and store pots, pans, trays and kitchen equipment.
  • Heat, portion and serve food to students and staff according to established procedures.
  • Count money and prepare money boxes or cash registers with appropriate amount and denominations of change.
  • Sell a variety of foods and beverages and make proper change; collect money for meals and beverages sold and make appropriate changes.
  • Assist in storing unused food and supplies; dispose of unusable leftovers and garbage.
  • Operate a variety of standard kitchen equipment such as a computerized point-of-sale, dishwasher, and ovens; report faulty equipment as necessary to manager.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.
  • Maintain regular attendance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Seldom/Rare
Occasional
(up to 1/3 of work day)
Frequent
(1/3 to 2/3 of work day)
Repetitive
(2/3 or more of work day)
Standing/Walking
?
Sitting
?
Handle/Finger/Feel
?
Reach/Push/Pull
?
Bend/Stoop/Crouch
?
Kneel/Crawl
?
Climb/Balance
?
Lift/Carry
(check frequency)
Up to 10 lbs.
?
Up to 20 lbs.
?
Up to 50 lbs.
?
Up to 100 lbs.
?
Over to 100 lbs.
?
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma or G.E.D. Certificate.
LICENSES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Must complete training course for certification of beginning school food service personnel as prescribed in 702 KAR 6:045.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so assigned. Responsibilities and duties assigned are at the discretion of the supervisor.

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