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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

Two Mums Kitchen

Part Time Kitchen Assistant

Gray, ME · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Part-Time Kitchen Assistant We are a small, family-owned business looking for a dependable and motivated individual to join our kitchen team. This position offers a variety of responsibilities that ...

Two Mums Kitchen

Part Time Kitchen Assistant

Gray, ME · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Part-Time Kitchen Assistant We are a small, family-owned business looking for a dependable and motivated individual to join our kitchen team. This position offers a variety of responsibilities that ...

Bath Spa University

We are currently seeking a part-time Kitchen Assistant, who will support the day-to-day operation of the central kitchen, preparing and cooking food to high standards. The job also supports all food ...

Bowdoin College

Kitchen Prep Assistant

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$19.65/hr

Posting Details Posting Details Title Kitchen Prep Assistant Posting Number S01581JP Department Dining Service - Thorne Hall Job Summary Located in Brunswick, Maine, Bowdoin College boasts a student ...

Sanford School Department

Kitchen Personnel

Sanford, ME · On-site

$18.76 - $21.64/hr

Position Type: Food Service/Kitchen Personnel Date Posted: 8/6/2026 Location: Sanford Pride ... Record daily activities and assist with monthly inventory * Manage workflow to meet time-sensitive ...

Sanford School Department

Kitchen Personnel

Sanford, ME · On-site

$18.76 - $21.64/hr

Sanford School Nutrition is seeking a Kitchen Personnel for Sanford Pride Elementary. This ... Record daily activities and assist with monthly inventory * Manage workflow to meet time-sensitive ...

York Hospital

Kitchen Float

York, ME · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

The Kitchen Float is responsible for: * Assists in serving customers in the Café with a focus on customer service * Processing customer transactions on a point of sale system * Light food ...

York Hospital

Kitchen Float

York, ME · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

The Kitchen Float is responsible for: * Assists in serving customers in the Café with a focus on customer service * Processing customer transactions on a point of sale system * Light food ...

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Kitchen Assistant information

See Maine salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Maine is $14.92, 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 Maine?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Maine are:

What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Assistant jobs in Maine?

For Kitchen Assistant jobs in Maine, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Maine look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Maine are:

What cities in Maine are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities in Maine with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Maine 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 $31,028 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Part Time Kitchen Assistant

Two Mums Kitchen

Gray, ME • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Part-Time Kitchen Assistant

We are a small, family-owned business looking for a dependable and motivated individual to join our kitchen team.

This position offers a variety of responsibilities that may include:

  • Dishwashing and maintaining a clean kitchen
  • Food preparation
  • Cooking and baking
  • Assisting with daily kitchen operations
  • General cleaning and organization

We are looking for someone who is mature, accountable, and takes pride in their work. Professional kitchen experience is preferred but not required—we are willing to train the right person who demonstrates a strong work ethic, reliability, and desire to learn.

The ideal candidate will be:

  • Self-motivated and proactive
  • Dependable and accountable with reliable transportation
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, small-team environment
  • Friendly and enjoys working closely with others in a shared workspace
  • Able to follow food safety and sanitation procedures; a current ServSafe certification or other food safety certification is preferred but not required.

This position offers the potential for growth and additional hours within the business for the right candidate. Starting hours/wages:

  • 8-10 hours/week with potential for additional
  • up to $20/hour depending on experience

If you're looking for an opportunity to be part of a supportive, family-oriented team where you will make visible contributions and work directly with the owners, we'd love to hear from you!

Company Description

We're a from scratch kitchen creating delicious meals and baked goods for our local community and beyond. Bring Home Cooking Home from TMK!