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Kitchen Assistant No Experience Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team (Indeed Event)

Altoona, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

If you don't have experience, we'll train you! You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help ... career, no matter where you go. We're all about giving back, so you'll also get the chance to ...

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How much do kitchen assistant no experience jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant no experience in Iowa is $14.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $15.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen assistant with no experience?

Kitchen assistants with no experience are entry-level workers who help with basic tasks in a kitchen, such as washing dishes, preparing ingredients, cleaning surfaces, and organizing supplies. These roles are designed for people who may not have worked in a kitchen before and often receive on-the-job training. Kitchen assistants play a vital role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly by supporting chefs and other staff. This position is a great starting point for those interested in a culinary career, as it allows you to learn essential skills and gain valuable experience.

What can I expect during my first weeks as a kitchen assistant with no experience?

During your initial weeks as a Kitchen Assistant, you'll likely focus on learning basic tasks such as washing dishes, prepping ingredients, and keeping work areas clean. You'll work under the guidance of more experienced staff who will demonstrate safe and efficient kitchen practices. It's common to rotate through different stations to get a feel for the kitchen's workflow, and you'll gradually take on more responsibility as you become familiar with procedures. The environment can be fast-paced, but teamwork and clear communication are key to success and personal growth in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen assistant with no experience, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kitchen Assistant with no experience, you need basic food handling knowledge, a willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic—formal qualifications are often not required. Familiarity with kitchen tools, food safety standards, and sometimes a basic food hygiene certificate can be beneficial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions quickly are essential soft skills. These qualities help maintain kitchen efficiency, ensure food safety, and support smooth operation in a busy culinary environment.

What is the difference between Kitchen Assistant No Experience vs Kitchen Porter?

AspectKitchen Assistant No ExperienceKitchen Porter
Required CredentialsNo formal qualifications neededNo formal qualifications needed
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafesCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotels
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and cateringCommonly used in hospitality and catering
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking entry-level kitchen rolesPeople looking for similar kitchen support roles

Both roles are entry-level positions in the hospitality industry, requiring minimal or no prior experience. While a Kitchen Assistant No Experience may involve a broader range of tasks like food prep and customer service, a Kitchen Porter primarily focuses on cleaning and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Both roles serve as stepping stones for careers in hospitality and often share similar work environments.

How to start working in a kitchen assistant with no experience?

To start as a kitchen assistant with no experience, look for entry-level positions that require minimal skills and are willing to train new staff. Gaining basic knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen equipment can improve your chances, and being reliable and eager to learn is highly valued by employers.

What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Assistant No Experience jobs in Iowa?

For Kitchen Assistant No Experience jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant No Experience jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant No Experience jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Kitchen Assistant No Experience jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Kitchen Assistant No Experience job openings:

Kitchen Assistant No Experience jobs near you

Kitchen Assistant Manager - Pump & Pantry

Bosselman

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

The Pump Kitchen Assistant Manager assists in managing kitchen operations at the Pump & Pantry location, supporting high-quality food service across multiple brands, including Pump & Pantry food and any branded concepts. Responsibilities include assisting with ordering supplies, executing the food production plan. Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, ensuring food safety compliance, and helping train staff for efficient, high-quality, and profitable service. 

Bosselman has many benefits to offer you that you will not find anywhere else like:

  • Paid vacation
  • 401K and matching contributions
  • Health, dental and vision insurance
  • Short and long term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • A clearly defined path for growth
  • On-demand pay with PayActiv (access to earned but not yet paid wages)
  • And much more!

Bosselman offers on-demand pay (access to earned but not yet paid wages) through:


  • Supports employee development and accountability; assists in addressing performance issues and corrective actions. Assists in overseeing food preparation and service across all brands, ensuring adherence to recipes, production plans, and consistent high quality.  
  • Helps maintain cleanliness, organization and overall appearance of the kitchen to company standards Reports maintenance, customer and personnel issues to upper management.
  • Leads by example and works alongside team members in preparing food items according to the make sheet recipes.  
  • Utilizes production planning tools to ensure correct food qualities are prepared to the correct times. Monitors portion control and proper waste procedures to minimize food waste.
  • Conducts regular checks to ensure consistent, high quality food preparation and service.
  • Ensures all personnel maintain professional appearance and proper uniform standards.
  • Assists in training staff on policies, procedures, performance expectations.
  • Learns and assists with the opening and closing procedures, including documentation and smooth shift transition.
  • Adheres to all health and safety regulations, maintaining safe work conditions.
  • Provides friendly, competent customer service across all food brands.
  • Reports to work as necessary during staffing shortages to ensure kitchen operations remain fully operational.

Additional Job Duties:

  • Assists with other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • Directly supervise three or more employees in the absence of the Kitchen Manager.

Education and/or Experience (include certs or licenses needed):

  • Minimum six months food handling or food service experience is required.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ability to read and follow product specifications.
  • Positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to change as needed.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Professional appearance and attire.
  • Availability to work holidays, weekends, and any other required shift(s).
  • Reliable transportation and phone access.
  • Ability to communicate in English, – IF APPLICABLE
  • Ability to work cooperatively with team members.

 

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the Pump Kitchen Assistant Manager to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, provided such accommodations do not create an undue hardship for the Company.

  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs., while performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand for long periods of time; frequently walk, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear; occasionally sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • Physical attendance at the primary work location is required.

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