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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Culver's

Kitchen Team Member

Le Claire, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Follow food safety and sanitation procedures * Assist with food prep and truck organization as needed * Work with the kitchen team to maintain speed and accuracy during busy periods * Complete ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Team Member

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Stock kitchen inventory as needed * Keep the kitchen neat, clean and orderly at all times * Keep up-to-date with new products rolled out by Chick-fil-A * Work safely around kitchen equipment and ...

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Kitchen Assistant information

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How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant 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.

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 Iowa? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Kitchen Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Iowa as of July 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 $30,101 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant Manager - Pump & Pantry

Bosselman

Davenport, 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.

Apply