1

Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

This is a heat and serve kitchen, not using raw items. Teaching experience is required for this job. Join the team at Kiddie Academy of Wexford/Cranberry Township where teamwork and fun is encouraged ...

Kitchen Assistant

Zelienople, PA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

This is a heat and serve kitchen, not using raw items. Teaching experience is required for this job. Join the team at Kiddie Academy of Wexford/Cranberry Township where teamwork and fun is encouraged ...

Kitchen Assistant

Zelienople, PA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

This is a heat and serve kitchen, not using raw items. Teaching experience is required for this job. Join the team at Kiddie Academy of Wexford/Cranberry Township where teamwork and fun is encouraged ...

The Yay Company Kitchen & Service Assistant Role Overview The Kitchen & Service Assistant keeps the kitchen running and the café stocked. They support the Lead Cook with prep and production, handle ...

The Yay Company Kitchen & Service Assistant Role Overview The Kitchen & Service Assistant keeps the kitchen running and the caf stocked. They support the Lead Cook with prep and production, handle ...

The Yay Company Kitchen & Service Assistant Role Overview The Kitchen & Service Assistant keeps the kitchen running and the cafe stocked. They support the Lead Cook with prep and production, handle ...

The Yay Company (Bethlehem Catholic High School) Kitchen & Service Assistant Role Overview The Kitchen & Service Assistant keeps the kitchen running and the café stocked. They support the Lead Cook ...

Kitchen Assistant Dishwasher

PA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Kitchen Assistant Dishwasher A certified Great Place To Work (voted by associates) 8 years in a row! Benefits-- Kitchen Assistant Dishwasher * Medical, Dental, Vision offerings (for benefit eligible ...

£15.36/hr

As a Flexi Kitchen Assistant at N Family Club you'll assist our Chef with running our state-of-the-art nursery commercial kitchen. The N Kitchen is right at the heart of our Nursery, serving up fresh ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Kitchen Assistant information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Pennsylvania is $15.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $16.63 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 Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Pennsylvania are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,124 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant

Masonic Village at Elizabethtown

Elizabethtown, PA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Kitchen AssistantFull Time or Part Time | Days and EveningsPay: Starting at $15/hr (Pay based on experience)Masonic Villages of Pennsylvania - Elizabethtown Campus - is immediately hiring for a Kitchen Assistant.As a Kitchen Assistant, you will carry out our Mission of Love by preparing a variety of ingredients for salads, garnishes, desserts, and assist with plating and presentation of foods to support Cook. Our Kitchen Assistant is responsible for the following: Peel, dice, shred fruits and vegetables.Able to read, understand, and follow standardized recipes and production sheets. Use Production Worksheets to produce forecasted amounts, use correct recipe for consistency and take and record food temperatures for all food served. Document amount prepared and leftover columns to support the Chef with management and ordering of foods.Prepare and portion salads and desserts and prepare other menu items as assigned by Cook, Assistant Chef and Chef. Properly cover, date, and store all food items in proper container and storage area. Check refrigerator for food items over 72 hours old daily and discard them.Keep stations stocked and clean.Assists on serving line, cook foods to order when needed. Support service of hot and cold foods and assist with setting up of the service line and buffet.What You Need as a Kitchen Assistant:A minimum of grammar school education or equivalent.Willing to receive on-the-job training.Good written, oral, organizational, and basic computer skills.People oriented.With over 145 years of providing award-winning care and services across the state of PA, Masonic Villages is driven by our Mission of Love to assist individuals in realizing their potential and enjoying the highest possible quality of life.Why Choose Masonic Villages:Each campus is supported by dedicated leaders who are fully invested in our Mission of Love and hiring like-minded individuals who are committed to providing heartfelt customer service and contributing to our team environment. We offer a comprehensive benefits and perks package to our employees supporting a premium employment experience, including but not limited to:Comprehensive industry-leading benefits package ***Vacation Time/Flex Time and Paid Holidays *** Discounted Grocery gift cardsDiscounts for onsite DaycareFree Gym and Pool Membership *** Paid lunch break ***Cell phone discounts, shoe discount and discounted tickets for movies, theme parks, hotels, and MORE!Employer matched Retirement Savings with free financial planning ***Employer - sponsored Employee Assistance Program (EAP)A commitment to growing our next generation of professionals with tuition and educational reimbursement/leadership and mentorship programs available.Key: *** = Full Time & Part Time Regular Staff OnlyWe are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.