ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

VSL Employee Co LLC

Kitchen Assistant - FT

Little Rock, AR

$11.50 - $14.25/hr

Join Our Team at Vitality Living as a Kitchen Assistant at our Vitality Living Pleasant Hills Community! At Vitality Living, we are more than just a place of work; we are a vibrant community ...

Vitality Senior Living

Kitchen Assistant - FT

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$11.50 - $14.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Our Team at Vitality Living as a Kitchen Assistant at our Vitality Living Pleasant Hills Community! At Vitality Living, we are more than just a place of work; we are a vibrant community ...

Farmington School District

Kitchen Assistant

Farmington, AR

$13.50 - $16.50/hr

Under the supervision of the Child Nutrition Kitchen Manager, the general duties and responsibilities of the Child Nutrition Cook are to perform routine manual tasks in the preparation and serving of ...

Golden Corral

Kitchen

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$12 - $14.50/hr

Ensure that all food is prepared to the highest standards * Assist with inventory and ordering of supplies * Follow all health and safety regulations * Collaborate with other kitchen staff members to ...

Golden Corral

Kitchen

Fayetteville, AR

$12 - $14.75/hr

Ensure that all food is prepared to the highest standards * Assist with inventory and ordering of supplies * Follow all health and safety regulations * Collaborate with other kitchen staff members to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Arkansas

Kitchen Assistant information

See Arkansas salary details

$7

$12

$16

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Arkansas is $12.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.15 and $13.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a kitchen assistant a good first job?

A kitchen assistant is often a suitable first job because it provides basic skills such as food preparation, cleaning, and teamwork. It typically requires minimal prior experience and can help develop work ethic and time management in a fast-paced environment.

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

Kitchen Assistants often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, maintaining cleanliness under time pressure, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Staying organized, communicating clearly with chefs and team members, and following food safety protocols can help manage these demands effectively. Building strong teamwork skills and being proactive about restocking supplies are also key to thriving in this role.

What is a kitchen assistant?

Kitchen assistants are support staff who help chefs and cooks in the preparation and organization of food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning work areas and utensils, unloading deliveries, and ensuring that the kitchen operates efficiently. They play a crucial role in maintaining hygiene standards and ensuring that meals are prepared in a timely manner. Kitchen assistants typically work under the supervision of more experienced kitchen staff and may have opportunities to learn basic cooking skills. The role can be fast-paced and requires good teamwork and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Kitchen Assistant vs Kitchen Porter?

AspectKitchen AssistantKitchen Porter
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, and basic kitchen tasksCleaning dishes, utensils, and kitchen areas; basic support tasks
Required SkillsBasic cooking knowledge, teamwork, organizationCleaning skills, physical stamina, attention to hygiene
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringSame as Kitchen Assistant, often in similar settings
CertificationsFood hygiene certificates often preferredFood hygiene certificates often required

Both roles support kitchen operations but differ mainly in responsibilities. Kitchen Assistants typically handle food prep and basic tasks, while Kitchen Porters focus on cleaning and maintaining hygiene. Both roles are essential in commercial kitchens and often require similar certifications.

What does a kitchen assistant do?

Kitchen assistants perform a number of cooking-related duties, including preparing food, retrieving ingredients from the freezer or other storage locations, and restocking food items. As a kitchen assistant, you may also perform hygiene-related tasks to keep the kitchen clean, such as wiping down equipment or cleaning counters after food preparation. There are usually no educational requirements for the career, but employers prefer that you have relevant work experience in a restaurant setting. Additional qualifications include the ability to follow oral instructions and health and safety procedures, as well as hand dexterity and cooking skills to peel and cut ingredients.

What qualifications are needed to be a kitchen assistant?

Kitchen assistants typically do not require formal qualifications but should have basic cooking skills, good hygiene, and the ability to follow safety procedures. Some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, and relevant experience or certifications in food safety can be advantageous.

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

To thrive as a Kitchen Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, dishwashing machines, and sometimes food hygiene certifications are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills. These competencies ensure a safe, organized, and productive kitchen environment, supporting overall food quality and service.

What do you do as a kitchen assistant?

A kitchen assistant helps with food preparation, cleaning, and maintaining the kitchen environment. They may wash dishes, organize supplies, and assist chefs or cooks as needed, often working in a fast-paced setting. Basic food safety and hygiene knowledge are important for this role.

How to work as a kitchen assistant?

To work as a kitchen assistant, you should be able to follow safety and hygiene standards, assist with food preparation and cleaning, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Basic skills such as organization, teamwork, and knowledge of kitchen tools are important, and some positions may require food safety certifications. Flexibility with shifts and physical stamina are also beneficial for this role.
More about Kitchen Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Arkansas? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Arkansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Assistant jobs in Arkansas? For Kitchen Assistant jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Arkansas look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Arkansas are:
What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities in Arkansas with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,500 per year, or $12.7 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant - FT

VSL Employee Co LLC

Little Rock, AR

$11.50 - $14.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Join Our Team at Vitality Living as a Kitchen Assistant at our Vitality Living Pleasant Hills Community!

At Vitality Living, we are more than just a place of work; we are a vibrant community dedicated to creating meaningful experiences for our residents, families, and team members. At Vitality, everyone is not only encouraged to be themselves but celebrated for it! Join us today and bring your individuality along!

Kitchen Assistant Responsibilities:

  • Prepare, wash, and store dishes
  • Clean and sanitize dishwashing area
  • Assist with serving meals, setting tables, and bussing tables
  • Deliver and retrieve kitchen supplies from resident apartments
  • Assist Cooks in cleaning food service areas and equipment, sweeping and mopping floors and completing assigned cleaning duties. NOTE: No one under the age of 18 can operate or clean specific equipment, including but not limited to: robot coupe, meat slicer, blender, knives, mixers, steamers, grill, and fryer.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Culinary Services, Sous Chef, or Cook(s).

Join us today if you meet the following requirements:

  • Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
  • Meet state or provincial health related requirements
  • Maintain food handlers permit and any other certifications as required by state or provincial regulations

Some of our benefits include:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Generous PTO Plan
  • Monthly and quarterly perfect attendance bonuses
  • 401k

Job Details:

  • Full-Time

Vitality Living is an equal opportunity employer where you can Be You, Be Vibrant, and Belong.