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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

HHM CPAs

Kitchen Assistant

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Part-Time Cook / Kitchen Assistant Position Summary HHM CPAs is seeking a reliable, experienced, and self-motivated Part-Time Cook/Kitchen Assistant to join our team. This position helps prepare and ...

HHM CPAs

Kitchen Assistant

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$19/hr

Part-Time Cook / Kitchen Assistant Position Summary HHM CPAs is seeking a reliable, experienced, and self-motivated Part-Time Cook/Kitchen Assistant to join our team. This position helps prepare and ...

HHM CPAs

Kitchen Assistant

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$19/hr

Part-Time Cook / Kitchen AssistantPosition SummaryHHM CPAs is seeking a reliable, experienced, and self-motivated Part-Time Cook/Kitchen Assistant to join our team. This position helps prepare and ...

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 ...

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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 Aug 7, 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.

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 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 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 $29,087 per year, or $14 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant

HHM CPAs

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Part-Time Cook / Kitchen Assistant


Position Summary


HHM CPAs is seeking a reliable, experienced, and self-motivated Part-Time Cook/Kitchen Assistant to join our team. This position helps prepare and serve fresh, high-quality meals for approximately 100 employees in a professional office setting.


The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently, has experience in a commercial kitchen, and is confident preparing meals for large groups. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys cooking, takes pride in their work, and thrives in an organized, fast-paced environment.


Hours


Approximately 15–20 hours per week
One regular cooking day (Friday), with additional prep/cooking day during the week
Weekly schedule can be somewhat flexible based on availability
During tax season (January through mid-April), evening availability is required 2–3 nights per week (approximately 2:00 PM–8:00 PM) to assist with increased kitchen demands


Responsibilities


Prepare and cook lunch for approximately 100 employees
Execute established recipes while maintaining quality and consistency
Assist with meal preparation, ingredient prep, and organization
Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen
Assist with receiving and organizing deliveries
Monitor inventory and communicate supply needs
Follow all food safety and sanitation standards
Work independently with minimal supervision when needed
Assist with special events as needed


Qualifications


Previous experience in a commercial kitchen required
Experience preparing food for large groups is strongly preferred
Ability to confidently cook and manage meal service independently
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Dependable, punctual, and able to prioritize multiple tasks
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and remain on your feet for extended periods
Positive attitude and willingness to jump in wherever needed


Preferred Qualifications


Experience in corporate dining, catering, schools, healthcare, or high-volume food service
ServSafe Food Handler or Manager Certification (or willingness to obtain)
Experience with batch cooking


What We're Looking For


We're looking for someone who is dependable, adaptable, and enjoys cooking for others. The right candidate will be someone we can trust to confidently manage the kitchen independently when needed while also being a supportive teammate during prep days. Attention to detail, consistency, and a genuine passion for preparing great food are essential.

Apply