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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Franciscan Outreach

Kitchen Support Staff

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Position Description The Kitchen Support Staff is responsible for planning and preparing healthy ... * Assist with cleanup as needed * Oversee community volunteer groups and individuals * Monitors ...

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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 Sep 6, 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.

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 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 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 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 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.

Is a kitchen assistant a good first job?

A kitchen assistant role can be a good first job as it provides basic skills in food preparation, cleaning, and teamwork. It often requires minimal prior experience and offers opportunities to learn about the food service industry and develop work ethic. However, it may involve early hours and physical activity, which should be considered by job seekers.

What do you do as a kitchen assistant?

A kitchen assistant helps with food preparation, cleaning, and maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen environment. They may also assist with organizing supplies, washing dishes, and supporting chefs or cooks as needed. Good communication and basic food safety knowledge are important for this role.

What qualifications do you need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

To become a kitchen assistant, there are generally no strict formal qualifications required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred. Relevant skills include basic food safety knowledge, ability to follow instructions, and good teamwork. Some employers may provide on-the-job training or require food hygiene certifications.
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 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,055 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant Manager/Head cook

Lagouros Brothers Llc

Peoria, IL • On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Paid time off
  • Employee discounts
  • Opportunity for advancement

Olympia Sports Bar & Grill is looking for an experienced Assistant Kitchen Manager to join our team!

We’re looking for someone who can help lead our kitchen, maintain high standards, and work alongside our Kitchen Manager to keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. To-order line cooking experience is required for this position.
Responsibilities
  • Assist the Kitchen Manager with daily kitchen operations
  • Lead and supervise kitchen staff during shifts
  • Help train and develop new and current employees
  • Maintain food quality, consistency, portioning, and presentation
  • Ensure recipes and Olympia standards are followed
  • Complete and maintain daily prep lists
  • Assist with inventory, product counts, and ordering
  • Monitor food waste and proper product rotation
  • Maintain proper food safety and sanitation standards
  • Help maintain kitchen equipment and report needed repairs
  • Ensure opening and closing duties are completed properly
  • Communicate specials, 86'd items, and kitchen issues with FOH management
  • Help maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen
  • Step into any kitchen position when needed
What We’re Looking For
  • Restaurant kitchen experience required
  • To-order line cooking experience
  • Previous kitchen leadership or management experience preferred
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Dependable and able to lead by example
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
  • Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation
  • Ability to coach employees and hold staff accountable
  • Nights, weekends, and holiday availability required
  • Illinois Food Handler certification required
  • Food Protection Manager certification preferred
What We Offer
  • Competitive pay based on experience
  • Consistent hours
  • Shift meal
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Hands-on management position with a locally owned restaurant
Olympia Sports Bar & Grill
1301 W. Pioneer PKWY.
Peoria, IL 61615