ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Cresco Labs

Edibles (Kitchen) Agent

Joliet, IL · On-site

$20/hr

CORE JOB DUTIES * Assist kitchen staff in the daily production of cannabis-infused food products using commercial machinery. * Understand and execute batch production as assigned by Department ...

New

Sharko's BBQ

Kitchen Prep PT and FT

Glen Ellyn, IL

$16 - $22/hr

Food Preparation: Assist in preparing ingredients, marinating meats, and assembling dishes to ensure quality and consistency. * Kitchen Operations: Maintain cleanliness and organization in the ...

Cresco Labs

Edibles (Kitchen) Agent

Joliet, IL · On-site

$20/hr

CORE JOB DUTIES * Assist kitchen staff in the daily production of cannabis-infused food products using commercial machinery. * Understand and execute batch production as assigned by Department ...

ATOMS Careers page

Kitchen Ambassador

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30/hr

About the Role We are hiring a Kitchen Ambassador to serve as Picnic's primary on site representative inside our cloud kitchen facilities. This role is essential to ensuring orders move accurately ...

Sharko's BBQ

Kitchen Prep PT and FT

Glen Ellyn, IL

$16 - $22/hr

Food Preparation: Assist in preparing ingredients, marinating meats, and assembling dishes to ensure quality and consistency. * Kitchen Operations: Maintain cleanliness and organization in the ...

ATOMS Careers page

Kitchen Ambassador

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30/hr

About the Role We are hiring a Kitchen Ambassador to serve as Picnic's primary on site representative inside our cloud kitchen facilities. This role is essential to ensuring orders move accurately ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Team Member

Orland Park, IL

$17 - $23/hr

Prepare, cook and present food safely, quickly and efficiently, meeting our standards * Assist in keeping the kitchen clean, hygienic and tidy, at all times * Keep up to date with current promotions ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Illinois

Kitchen Assistant information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Illinois is $14.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $16.06 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 Illinois? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Assistant jobs in Illinois? For Kitchen Assistant jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,055 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant (Cook)

Food2You Maplewood Inc

Chicago, IL • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description:

About Us:

At Food2You Maplewood Inc, we believe that the food we serve is more than just a meal. Our kitchen is a culinary arts studio where flavors and nutrition come together to create meals that kids will love and parents trust. We take pride in providing delicious, nutritious meals to infants and preschoolers in kindergartens across the Chicago land. Our passionate team is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children through food, and we’re looking for a Delivery Operator/Driver who shares our values.


Job Summary:

The Kitchen Assistant / Cook supports daily food production operations for the catering company by preparing ingredients, cooking menu items, maintaining food safety standards, and ensuring a clean and organized kitchen environment. This role is structured across multiple skill levels to support growth, accountability, and leadership development within the kitchen team. All levels are responsible for upholding company standards for quality, food safety, sanitation, and teamwork, with increasing responsibility and independence at higher levels.


Key Responsibilities:

A. Entry Level Cook


Operational:

  • Follows recipes and production sheets accurately
  • Prepares ingredients (washing, chopping, portioning)
  • Uses basic kitchen equipment safely
  • Works under direct supervision
  • Maintains a clean and organized workstation


Food Safety:

  • Demonstrates basic food safety and hygiene knowledge
  • Practices proper handwashing and glove use
  • Understands cross-contamination basics
  • Knows the temperature danger zone (high-level understanding)
  • Follows cleaning and sanitation procedures


Behavioral:

  • Reliable attendance and punctuality
  • Willing to learn and accept feedback
  • Team-oriented and cooperative


B. Mid / Skilled Level Cook

Operational:

  • Independently executes assigned production tasks
  • Prepares menu items with minimal supervision
  • Adjusts quantities and follows batch recipes accurately
  • Supports daily production flow and timelines
  • Assists with training entry-level staff


Food Safety:

  • Applies proper cooking, cooling, and holding temperatures
  • Understands allergen controls (critical for child-focused menus, where applicable)
  • Identifies and reports food safety concerns promptly
  • Completes production records and temperature logs correctly


Behavioral:

  • Demonstrates consistent and dependable performance
  • Takes ownership of assigned production areas
  • Problem-solves within a defined scope


C. Junior Level Cook

Operational:

  • Leads production for assigned menu components or stations
  • Coordinates workflow with other cooks to ensure efficiency
  • Ensures accuracy, quality, and timeliness of output
  • Troubleshot minor production issues
  • Supports onboarding and coaching of newer team members
  • Acts as a reliable backup for senior staff


Food Safety:

  • Demonstrates strong understanding of SOPs and food safety standards
  • Verifies temperatures and documentation for assigned areas
  • Ensures allergen controls and sanitation practices are followed
  • Identifies risks and escalates concerns appropriately
  • Models proper food safety behaviors consistently


Behavioral:

  • Demonstrates leadership through example
  • Maintains composure in fast-paced environments
  • Communicates effectively across shifts and teams
  • Shows readiness for increased responsibility


D. Senior Level Cook

Operational:

  • Oversees daily production execution
  • Plans workflow and assigns tasks based on production volume and staffing
  • Ensures menus are executed to standard and on schedule
  • Supports supervisors with planning, troubleshooting, and problem-solving
  • Leads training, coaching, and skill development initiatives
  • Serves as point person for kitchen execution


Food Safety:

  • Demonstrates strong working knowledge of HACCP principles
  • Ensures compliance with all sanitation and food safety standards
  • Reviews logs, verifies corrective actions, and ensures proper follow-up
  • Leads by example in promoting a strong food safety culture
  • Prepares the kitchen for audits, inspections, and internal reviews


Behavioral:

  • Exhibits strong leadership presence and accountability
  • Coaches and mentors team members effectively
  • Takes ownership of results, standards, and outcomes
  • Demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making
  • Aligns daily execution with company expectations and values


At Food2You, a positive attitude and being a true team player are highly valued and could make all the difference in your success in our company. While experience is beneficial, we believe that a great attitude and the ability to collaborate effectively with others are equally, if not more, important. We are pleased to have individuals eager to contribute to a supportive and dynamic environment, where teamwork is at the heart of everything we do.


What are we looking for?

  • A positive attitude and passion for working in a mission-driven company.
  • Ability to adapt to changes that the operation requires.
  • Familiarity with basic food safety standards (training will be provided).
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish) is a plus.
  • Flexibility to work early morning hours and adapt to scheduling changes.


Why join us?

  • Be part of a team that loves what they do and is passionate about serving nutritious meals to children.
  • Opportunities for career growth and development.
  • Flexible working hours and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
  • Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and wellness programs.
  • Monday – Friday Schedule. Weekends off.
  • Free Gym membership as part of our benefits package.

Our values:

At Food2You Maple Inc, we are more than a catering company—we are a team of culinary artists who care about making a difference in the lives of children. We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone’s contributions are valued.

Requirements:

Sobre Nosotros:

En Food2You Maplewood Inc, creemos que la comida que servimos es más que una simple comida. Nuestra cocina es un estudio de artes culinarias donde el sabor y la nutrición se unen para crear comidas que a los niños les encantan y en las que los padres confían. Nos enorgullece ofrecer comidas deliciosas y nutritivas a bebés y niños en edad preescolar en jardines infantiles del área metropolitana de Chicago. Nuestro equipo apasionado está comprometido a generar un impacto positivo en la vida de los niños a través de la alimentación.

Resumen del Puesto:

El Asistente de Cocina / Cocinero(a) apoya las operaciones diarias de producción de alimentos mediante la preparación de ingredientes, la cocción de platillos del menú, el cumplimiento de los estándares de seguridad alimentaria y el mantenimiento de un ambiente de cocina limpio y organizado. Este puesto está estructurado en múltiples niveles de habilidad para apoyar el crecimiento, la responsabilidad y el desarrollo de liderazgo dentro del equipo de cocina.

Responsabilidades Clave:

A. Cocinero(a) Entry Level

Necesidades Operativas:

  • Sigue recetas y hojas de producción con precisión
  • Prepara ingredientes (lavado, picado, porcionado)
  • Utiliza de manera segura el equipo básico de cocina
  • Trabaja bajo supervisión directa
  • Mantiene una estación de trabajo limpia y organizada

Necesidades Seguridad Alimentaria:

  • Demuestra conocimientos básicos de seguridad alimentaria e higiene
  • Practica el lavado de manos adecuado y el uso correcto de guantes
  • Comprende los conceptos básicos de contaminación cruzada
  • Conoce la zona de peligro de temperatura (comprensión general)
  • Sigue los procedimientos de limpieza y saneamiento

Necesidades de Conducta:

  • Asistencia confiable y puntualidad
  • Disposición para aprender y aceptar retroalimentación
  • Orientación al trabajo en equipo y cooperación

B. Cocinero(a) Nivel Intermedio / Calificado

Necesidades Operativas:

  • Ejecuta de forma independiente las tareas de producción asignadas
  • Prepara los platillos del menú con mínima supervisión
  • Ajusta cantidades y sigue recetas por lote con precisión
  • Apoya el flujo diario de producción y el cumplimiento de horarios
  • Asiste en la capacitación del personal de nivel de entrada

Necesidades de Seguridad Alimentaria:

  • Aplica temperaturas correctas de cocción, enfriamiento y mantenimiento
  • Comprende los controles de alérgenos (críticos para menús enfocados en niños, cuando aplique)
  • Identifica y reporta oportunamente inquietudes relacionadas con la seguridad alimentaria
  • Completa correctamente los registros de producción y control de temperaturas

Necesidades de Conducta:

  • Demuestra un desempeño constante y confiable
  • Asume responsabilidad de las áreas de producción asignadas
  • Resuelve problemas dentro de un alcance definido

C. Cocinero(a) Nivel Junior

Necesidades Operativas:

  • Lidera la producción de componentes del menú o estaciones asignadas
  • Coordina el flujo de trabajo con otros cocineros para asegurar eficiencia
  • Garantiza la precisión, calidad y puntualidad del producto final
  • Soluciona problemas menores de producción
  • Apoya la integración y capacitación de nuevos miembros del equipo
  • Actúa como respaldo confiable para el personal senior

Seguridad Alimentaria:

  • Demuestra un sólido conocimiento de los SOP (procedimientos operativos estándar) y normas de seguridad alimentaria
  • Verifica temperaturas y documentación de las áreas asignadas
  • Asegura el cumplimiento de controles de alérgenos y prácticas de saneamiento
  • Identifica riesgos y eleva preocupaciones de manera adecuada
  • Modela de forma constante comportamientos correctos de seguridad alimentaria

Necesidades de Conducta:

  • Demuestra liderazgo con el ejemplo
  • Mantiene la calma en entornos de trabajo acelerados
  • Se comunica eficazmente entre turnos y equipos
  • Muestra preparación para asumir mayores responsabilidades

D. Cocinero(a) Nivel Senior

Necesidades Operativas:

  • Supervisa la ejecución diaria de la producción
  • Planifica el flujo de trabajo y asigna tareas según el volumen y el personal disponible
  • Garantiza que los menús se ejecuten conforme a los estándares y en tiempo
  • Apoya a los supervisores en la planificación, resolución de problemas y toma de decisiones
  • Lidera iniciativas de capacitación, entrenamiento y desarrollo de habilidades
  • Actúa como punto de contacto principal para la ejecución en cocina

Necesidades de Seguridad Alimentaria:

  • Demuestra un sólido conocimiento práctico de los principios HACCP
  • Asegura el cumplimiento de todos los estándares de saneamiento y seguridad alimentaria
  • Revisa registros, verifica acciones correctivas y garantiza el seguimiento adecuado
  • Lidera con el ejemplo la promoción de una fuerte cultura de seguridad alimentaria
  • Prepara la cocina para auditorías, inspecciones y revisiones internas

Necesidades de Conducta:

  • Exhibe una fuerte presencia de liderazgo y responsabilidad
  • Capacita y orienta eficazmente a los miembros del equipo
  • Asume la responsabilidad de los resultados, estándares y desempeño
  • Demuestra buen juicio y toma de decisiones acertadas
  • Alinea la ejecución diaria con las expectativas y valores de la empresa

¿Qué estamos buscando?

  • Actitud positiva y pasión por trabajar en una empresa con propósito
  • Capacidad de adaptarse a los cambios que requiere la operación
  • Familiaridad con estándares básicos de seguridad alimentaria (la capacitación será proporcionada)
  • Capacidad para levantar y cargar hasta 50 libras
  • Buenas habilidades de comunicación e interpersonales
  • Bilingüe (inglés/español) es una ventaja
  • Flexibilidad para trabajar temprano en la mañana y adaptarse a cambios de horario

¿Por qué unirte a nosotros?

  • Ser parte de un equipo apasionado por servir comidas nutritivas a los niños
  • Oportunidades de crecimiento y desarrollo profesional
  • Horarios flexibles y un ambiente de trabajo inclusivo y solidario
  • Salario competitivo con beneficios integrales, incluyendo salud, dental y programas de bienestar
  • Horario de lunes a viernes – fines de semana libres
  • Membresía gratuita al gimnasio como parte del paquete de beneficios

Nuestros Valores:

En Food2You Maple Inc, somos más que una empresa de catering: somos un equipo diverso de artistas culinarios comprometidos a marcar una diferencia en la vida de los niños. Nos enorgullece ser un lugar de trabajo diverso e inclusivo donde las contribuciones de todos son valoradas.