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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

pdrpeople

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll work closely with our Head Chef, Sous Chef, and Commis Chefs to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly. From preparing ingredients to maintaining cleanliness and organisation ...

pdrpeople

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll work closely with our Head Chef, Sous Chef, and Commis Chefs to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly. From preparing ingredients to maintaining cleanliness and organisation ...

Bongo Java World Headquarters

Kitchen Staff

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and food preparation areas. * Assist in inventory management, including receiving and storing food supplies. * Follow food safety and sanitation ...

Bongo Java World Headquarters

Kitchen Staff

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and food preparation areas. * Assist in inventory management, including receiving and storing food supplies. * Follow food safety and sanitation ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Tennessee

Kitchen Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Tennessee is $13.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $15.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you be a Kitchen Assistant with no experience?

Yes, many entry-level Kitchen Assistant positions do not require prior experience. Employers often provide on-the-job training and look for basic skills such as reliability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. Having a positive attitude and good hygiene can also improve your chances of getting hired without experience.

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 are kitchen assistants?

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 do you need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

Kitchen assistants typically do not require formal qualifications but should have basic literacy and numeracy skills. Relevant experience in food handling, cleanliness, and safety procedures is beneficial, and some employers may prefer food safety certifications such as a Level 1 Food Hygiene certificate.

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 cleanliness of kitchen equipment and work areas. They may also assist with serving food, organizing supplies, and following safety and hygiene standards. The role often requires good communication skills and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

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, attention to detail, and the ability to operate kitchen equipment are important. Some positions may require food safety certifications or prior experience in a kitchen setting.
More about Kitchen Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Assistant jobs in Tennessee? For Kitchen Assistant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,087 per year, or $14 per hour.

Calloway's Tennessee Kitchen Assistant Manager

Calloway's Tennessee Kitchen

Maryville, TN • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Pay Rate: Up to $17.00/hour
It's easy to have nice people who provide good customer service in East Tennessee when we employ great people right from the communities we serve.
We know that you have lots of options when it comes to where you work which is why we do our best to provide you with the best place to work in the market.
Come join us where we believe in nice!
Calloway's Tennessee Kitchen is a family-owned, scratch kitchen, partnership with EZ Stop Convenience Stores located throughout the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Our mission is to provide quality, fast, fresh, and local products paired with convenience store items to service the community.
The Assistant Kitchen Manager is responsible for management of the entire food service program to include inventory, preparation, promotion, production service and sales. If you enjoy leading teams, sharing your passion for food, have excellent communication skills, and are self-motivated and dependable, then you would be a great fit for this role. Candidates with a desire to learn and grow their skillset will stand out.
Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Deliver on our promise of Nice People. Good Stuff.
  • Lead kitchen efficiency and execution to ensure recipes are being followed, proper portioning, and product presentation
  • Establish Build-to's and kitchen best practices
  • Ensure adequate inventory levels of all items are maintained and identify any waste opportunities
  • Monitor cost of goods to including waste, expense, and quality
  • Assist the Kitchen Manager with staffing the kitchen and training/coaching team members
  • Ensure conditions across the kitchen meet or exceed quality standards by adhering to all policies and procedures for cleanliness, safety, service, and operational efficiency
  • Ensure a positive, genuine customer experience. Connect with the community to establish positive relationships for success

Qualifications & Experience:
  • Experience leading, developing, and selecting teams in a retail or food service establishment is preferred
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to perform individually and as a member of a team in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work any shift based on business needs to include some nights, weekends, and holidays

Benefits:
• Competitive pay
• Employee discounts
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Comprehensive training programs
• Health and wellness benefits
• Paid time off

Apply