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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $15/hr

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 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 ...

Be Seen First

GCF Woodwork is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Kitchen & Bathroom Designer Assistant to join our growing team. ● Assist with kitchen and bathroom design projects ● Create and modify ...

New

Be Seen First

GCF Woodwork is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Kitchen & Bathroom Designer Assistant to join our growing team. ● Assist with kitchen and bathroom design projects ● Create and modify ...

New

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 ...

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 21, 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.

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.

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 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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.

Production Kitchen Assistant - Seasonal

American Spoon

Petoskey, MI • On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

About American Spoon

In 1982, we began making preserves in our Northern Michigan storefront kitchen. After all these years, our skilled crew still prepares fruit by hand and cooks with care in small-batch copper kettles. We work directly with a dedicated group of Michigan farmers and foragers who grow and gather the unique varieties of fruit we love, prized over generations for unparalleled taste and character. Our small, family-owned company exists, to find, capture, and preserve flavors you simply won't find anywhere else.


Description:

American Spoon Foods is hiring for the General Kitchen Assistant position at our Preservation Kitchen, located at 1668 Clarion Ave, Petoskey, Michigan.

This is a seasonal position , running July-December. It follows a 4/10 schedule, Monday-Thursday. We do not work nights, weekends, or holidays.

We're looking for someone with strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence and teamwork. Join a team of dedicated, proud employees who produce the very best fruit preserves, condiments, sauces, mixes, and salsas, sourced from local farmers and purveyors.

Requirements:

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Comply with all departmental rules, policies, and procedures, as well as quality and safety standards.
  • Assist with assorted kitchen duties as directed by Supervisor/Manager.
  • Help maintain cleanliness of the production kitchen throughout each shift.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Able to maintain fast-paced, continuous movement for shifts of up to four hours at a time.
  • Able to lift equipment and ingredients weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Proficient in basic math.
  • Able to follow food safety and sanitation protocols, with working knowledge of food preparation.
  • Able to maintain focus and follow instructions.
  • Has reliable transportation to and from work.
  • Demonstrates a consistent, positive attitude.

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