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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Child Care Kitchen Assistant

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$14.40 - $19.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Kitchen Assistant at Bright Horizons , you will support the center by delivering nutritionally balanced, attractive family-style meals for Bright Horizons children and staff, and maintaining ...

Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $15/hr

  • Medical

Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant At Resthaven, we believe care is more than a profession - it's a calling. Since 1945, we have remained committed to serving older adults with compassion, dignity ...

Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $15/hr

  • Medical

Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant At Resthaven, we believe care is more than a profession -- it's a calling. Since 1945, we have remained committed to serving older adults with compassion, dignity ...

Kitchen Help

Fraser, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

We are seeking Kitchen Help to assist with various tasks in our food production kitchen, such as preparing ingredients, cleaning work areas, and assisting with food preparation. The ideal candidate ...

This job requires experience in a kitchen. This is mostly fast paced prep, processing food, making large amounts of product for various locations with opportunities of growth/advancement as we are a ...

DESCRIPTION This job requires experience in a kitchen. This is mostly fast paced prep, processing food, making large amounts of product for various locations with opportunities of growth/advancement ...

This job requires experience in a kitchen. This is mostly fast paced prep, processing food, making large amounts of product for various locations with opportunities of growth/advancement as we are a ...

Keep the kitchen clean, stocked, and organized * Assist leadership with shift change and closing duties * Work as part of a team to keep operations running smoothly * Follow food safety and Chick-fil ...

Chick-fil-A is hiring Evening Kitchen Team Members who are dependable, hardworking, and ready to ... Assist leadership with shift change and closing duties Work as part of a team to keep operations ...

Kitchen Team Member

Grand Haven, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

The Blue Porch - Kitchen Team Member The Kitchen Team Member at The Blue Porch is responsible for all of the duties required in the Back of House to create great food and service experiences. The ...

Showing results 41-60

Kitchen Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$13

$17

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Michigan is $13.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $14.47 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Michigan are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Michigan 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 $27,932 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

Child Care Kitchen Assistant

Bright Horizons

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$14.40 - $19.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Bright Horizons rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 297 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 222 rated education and training


Job description

As a Kitchen Assistant at Bright Horizons, you will support the center by delivering nutritionally balanced, attractive family-style meals for Bright Horizons children and staff, and maintaining kitchen responsibilities. Each day, your care in the kitchen will create a warm, predictable routine for children, educators, and center staff.

Join a team where your contributions matter and where you are supported to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference each day.

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and prepare balanced, familystyle meals and snacks following approved menus, nutritional guidelines, and daily attendance counts.

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen by following food safety, allergymanagement, sanitation, and health procedures.

  • Manage food and supply inventory, place orders through approved vendors, and partner with center staff to support smooth daily meal service.

Qualifications:

Candidates must pass required state and company background checks and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:

  • 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GEDis required

  • Having or obtaining a food handler certification within 30 days of hire is required

  • Course work or certification in Nutrition is preferred

  • Food service experience in a childcare center, school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, or highvolume food service setting is preferred

Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We're changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you. At Bright Horizons, you're the difference.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons', and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food service per Bright Horizons' policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure safety of children in Bright Horizons

care and the employee.

Physical demands include lifting and carrying food and supplies (typically 10 to 40 pounds, occasionally up to 50 pounds), standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, pushing carts, and performing repetitive kitchen and cleaning tasks. Employees must maintain mental and physical alertness and be able to respond immediately and appropriately to unexpected situations or emergencies.

The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions. Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodations for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations.

Compensation:

The hourly rate for this position is between $14.40-$19.40 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.

Benefits:

Bright Horizons offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Long-term and short-term disability insurance

  • Life insurance

  • Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools

  • Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program

  • Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family

  • Learn more at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/us/en/health-and-wellness

Life at Bright Horizons:

At Bright Horizons, you're more than your job title -you're the difference. Whether you're nurturing a child's first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We're a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future - for yourself and for others.

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or bhrecruit@brighthorizons.com. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.


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