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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Adecco

Kitchen Assistant

Memphis, TN

$15/hr

We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Kitchen Assistant to join our team. In this role, you will support kitchen staff with food preparation, cleaning, and organization to ensure smooth daily ...

Apply Early

VSL Employee Co LLC

Kitchen Assistant - Part Time

Smyrna, TN

$13 - $16/hr

Join Our Team at Vitality Living as a Kitchen Assistant at our Traditions of Smyrna Community! At Vitality Living, we are more than just a place of work; we are a vibrant community dedicated to ...

Apply Early

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 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 6, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $29,087 per year, or $14 per hour.
Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant

Adecco

Memphis, TN

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Kitchen Assistant to join our team. In this role, you will support kitchen staff with food preparation, cleaning, and organization to ensure smooth daily operations. The ideal candidate is a team player with a strong work ethic and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with basic food preparation tasks (washing, peeling, chopping ingredients)

  • Maintain cleanliness of kitchen surfaces, equipment, and utensils

  • Wash dishes, pots, and pans efficiently

  • Ensure proper storage of food and supplies according to safety guidelines

  • Take out trash and maintain sanitation standards

  • Support cooks and kitchen staff as needed during busy periods

  • Follow health and safety regulations at all times

Qualifications

  • Previous kitchen or food service experience preferred but not required

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

  • Strong attention to detail and cleanliness

  • Good communication and teamwork skills

  • Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 30 lbs

  • Must be reliable and punctual

Preferred Attributes

  • Experience with banquets, catering, or special events

  • Creativity and passion for elevated cuisine and presentation

  • Ability to adapt quickly and stay composed under pressure

What We Offer

  • Competitive compensation

  • Opportunity to work in an upscale, high-visibility venue

  • Exposure to premier social events and clientele

  • Supportive team environment with growth potential


Pay Details: $15.00 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.adecco.com/en-us/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.