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General Kitchen Helper Jobs in Pendleton, IN (NOW HIRING)

Top-performing Kitchen Leads have a clear path to General Manager within 2-3 years. What You'll ... Help teammates improve food execution through real-time feedback * Stay ahead of volume by managing ...

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General Kitchen Helper information

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How much do general kitchen helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for general kitchen helper in Pendleton, IN is $14.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by General Kitchen Helpers, and how can they be managed effectively?

General Kitchen Helpers often face challenges such as working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintaining food safety standards. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with chefs and other team members, and prioritize cleanliness and safety at all times. Gaining familiarity with kitchen equipment and workflows can also help reduce stress and improve efficiency, leading to a smoother work experience overall.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a General Kitchen Helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a General Kitchen Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of hygiene standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, dishwashing machines, and food safety certification (such as a food handler’s permit) is commonly required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure smooth kitchen operations, maintain sanitation standards, and support the overall effectiveness of food service teams.

What are General Kitchen Helpers?

General Kitchen Helpers are entry-level workers who assist with basic tasks in restaurant or institutional kitchens. Their duties often include cleaning and sanitizing food preparation areas, washing dishes, unloading deliveries, and helping with simple food preparation like chopping vegetables. They support cooks and chefs to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently. This role is vital for maintaining hygiene and organization in busy kitchen environments.

What is the difference between General Kitchen Helper vs Dishwasher?

AspectGeneral Kitchen HelperDishwasher
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, and basic kitchen tasksLoading, operating, and maintaining dishwashing equipment
Required SkillsBasic kitchen knowledge, ability to follow instructionsKnowledge of dishwashing machines, attention to cleanliness
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food prep areasDishwashing stations, kitchen back-of-house
CertificationsNone typically requiredNone typically required

While both roles support kitchen operations, a General Kitchen Helper has broader responsibilities including food prep and cleaning, whereas a Dishwasher focuses specifically on cleaning dishes and maintaining dishwashing equipment. Both roles are essential for smooth kitchen functioning and often overlap in fast-paced food service environments.

What job categories do people searching General Kitchen Helper jobs in Pendleton, IN look for? The top searched job categories for General Kitchen Helper jobs in Pendleton, IN are:
What cities near Pendleton, IN are hiring for General Kitchen Helper jobs? Cities near Pendleton, IN with the most General Kitchen Helper job openings:
86th + Keystone - Kitchen Lead

86th + Keystone - Kitchen Lead

sweetgreen

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$17.66/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Sweetgreen rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 103 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

A Healthier Future Starts With You!
As a Culinary Lead (what we call a Kitchen Lead at Sweetgreen), you are the food quality expert in the kitchen. You own how our food is prepped, cooked, and presented-and you lead by example through craft, coaching, and consistency.
This is not a people manager role. You won't write schedules or run performance reviews. You will set the standard for how food gets made every single shift. You are not running the shift alone; you are the go-to person for food quality and kitchen execution.
And unlike traditional restaurant kitchens: No grills. No fryers. Just kitchens, smart systems, and real food done right.
Join our movement to rewrite the future of fast food and grow your own future too! Top-performing Kitchen Leads have a clear path to General Manager within 2-3 years.
What You'll Actually Do:
  • Own food quality by ensuring every item meets sweetgreen's standards for flavor, food safety, and presentation
  • Prep and cook hot food to standard using knives, kitchen tools, and ovens (no flames, no fryer oil)
  • Help teammates improve food execution through real-time feedback
  • Stay ahead of volume by managing prep timing and par levels to keep the kitchen running smoothly
  • Be the advocate for food quality on shift, spotting issues early and fixing them fast
  • Partner with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence
This Role is a Great Fit If You:
  • Love being in the kitchen and take pride in food quality, consistency, and clean execution
  • Want leadership responsibility without full people management
  • Enjoy training peers and getting them excited about new menu launches
  • Have experience in high-volume kitchens (fast casual, QSR, full service, or corporate dining all welcome)
The Perks:
  • Tips* (subject to location and role)
  • Competitive wages
  • This role is a key step toward Shift leader and Manager opportunities
  • Medical, dental, and vision options for part-time and full-time team members*
  • Paid vacation, wellness time, and parental leave*
  • Free meal every shift
  • 401(k)*
  • Team Member Merch Shop - earn and buy custom Sweetgreen gear

*Depending on eligibility
Minimum Requirements
  • Meet all physical requirements for all roles within the Kitchen Lead career path, including Team Member.
  • Comfortable working on your feet
  • Maintain attention to detail and environmental awareness during operations
  • Use touch to assess quality and complete detail-oriented tasks
  • Routinely handling items up to 5-25 lbs, and occasionally handling items 40-50 lbs
  • Food safety knowledge (Food Handler or ServSafe certification)
  • Able to follow food safety, cleanliness, and quality standards
  • Must be available to work a minimum of 30 hours per week
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States
Who We Are:
Sweetgreen is a national restaurant brand dedicated to building healthier communities by connecting people to real food. Since 2007, Sweetgreen has reimagined fast food to be fresh, flavorful, and rooted in relationships with farmers and communities. As we grow, we are committed to developing our people across our restaurants and support center so everyone can be part of the movement. When you join Sweetgreen, you not only invest in your own future but also help create spaces where food, people, and purpose come together.
Sweetgreen provides equal opportunities for everyone who works for us and everyone who applies to join our team, without regard to sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, any service, past, present, or future, in the uniformed services of the United States (military or veteran status), or any other consideration protected by federal, state, or local law.
California residents: Review our applicant privacy notice HERE.
Sweetgreen participates in the federal government's E-Verify program to determine employment eligibility. To learn more about the E-Verify program, please click HERE.
To request an accommodation as permitted by law, click here.

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