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Food Service Assistant Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Lead

Hanover Park, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $21/hr

Greet and assist customers, providing food and product recommendations * Assist customers and provide product or service recommendations * Communicate customer feedback, concerns, and complaints to ...

Food Service Lead

Hanover Park, IL

$15.25 - $21/hr

Greet and assist customers, providing food and product recommendations * Assist customers and provide product or service recommendations * Communicate customer feedback, concerns, and complaints to ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Service Assistant information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$9

$16

$24

How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Park Ridge, IL is $16.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $17.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Park Ridge, IL?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:

What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs?

Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,240 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Food Service Assistant II - Food and Nutrition - Evenings

NorthShore

Elmhurst, IL • On-site

$17.43 - $24.40/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Endeavor Health rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 396 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

381st of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Hourly Pay Range:
$17.43 - $24.40 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.
Position Highlights:
  • Position: Food Service Assistant II
  • Location: Elmhurst Hospital
  • Part time, 20 weekly hours
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM with rotating weekends and holidays.

What you will do:
  • The Food Service Assistant II performs a wide variety of duties involved in preparing and/or serving foods and beverages in one or more of a variety of food service environments.
  • Is responsible for the assembly, serving and/or delivery of meals to patients and/or staff in an efficient, professional, and timely manner.
  • This position functions as part of the team that ensures food safety and quality for patients, visitors and staff.

What you will need:
  • Certification: Successful completion of a Food Handler Training Certificate Program (ANSI Accredited) within 30 days of start date of position, required.
  • Preferred: High School Diploma or GED and minimum of one year of food service experience in a healthcare setting

Benefits (For full time or part time positions):
  • Premium pay for eligible employees
  • Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
  • Various Medical, Dental, Pet and Vision options
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Free Parking
  • Wellness Program Savings Plan
  • Health Savings Account Options
  • Retirement Options with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
  • Community Involvement Opportunities

Endeavor Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals - Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) - all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence. For more information, visit www.endeavorhealth.org.
When you work for Endeavor Health, you will be part of an organization that encourages its employees to achieve career goals and maximize their professional potential.
Please explore our website (www.endeavorhealth.org) to better understand how Endeavor Health delivers on its mission to "help everyone in our communities be their best".
Endeavor Health is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please refer to the main career page for more information.
Diversity, equity and inclusion is at the core of who we are; being there for our patients and each other with compassion, respect and empathy. We believe that our strength resides in our differences and in connecting our best to provide community-connected healthcare for all.
EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.

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