1

Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Stock kitchen inventory as needed * Keep the kitchen neat, clean and orderly at all times * Keep up-to-date with new products rolled out by Chick-fil-A * Work safely around kitchen equipment and ...

Day/ Night Kitchen

Franklin, TN · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Stock kitchen inventory as needed * Keep the kitchen neat, clean and orderly at all times * Keep up-to-date with new products rolled out by Chick-fil-A * Work safely around kitchen equipment and ...

Showing results 41-60

Kitchen Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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.
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:
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.

$14 - $16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Chick-fil-A rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 7,595 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 106 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

In addition to working directly for an independent Owner/Operator, Back of House Team Members gain life experience that goes far beyond serving a great product in a friendly environment. They are responsible for providing an exceptional dining experience for everyone they serve each day and for ensuring all guests receive signature Chick-fil-A service and food.

Position Type:

  • Full-time and Part-time

Our Benefits Include:

  • A fun work environment where you can positively influence others
  • Flexible scheduling (and closed on Sundays)
  • Learning first-hand from an experienced Operator and Restaurant Leaders
  • Intentional growth and development to help you reach your professional goals
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Competitive pay

Back of House Team Member Responsibilities:

  • Prepare, cook, assemble, and present food safely, quickly and efficiently, meeting Chick-fil-A standards
  • Be knowledgeable of the assignments for all kitchen stations, including fries, breading, assembling, boards, and food prep
  • Stock kitchen inventory as needed
  • Keep the kitchen neat, clean and orderly at all times
  • Keep up-to-date with new products rolled out by Chick-fil-A
  • Work safely around kitchen equipment and report any maintenance issues to Leadership
  • Maintain personal knowledge by completing in-house training and stay up-to-date on any changes
  • Complete all opening or closing tasks as assigned
  • Adhere to Chick-fil-A rules and dress code at all times
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • Consistent and reliable
  • Cheerful and positive attitude
  • Loves serving and helping others
  • Customer service oriented
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Detail-oriented
  • Able to multi-task
  • Works well independently and in a team environment
  • Be willing and able to work a flexible schedule
  • Have the ability to lift and carry 50 lbs on a regular basis
  • Have the ability to stand for long periods of time

Most Chick-fil-A Restaurants are operated by independent franchised business owners

who make all their own employment decisions and are responsible for their own

content and policies.

Working at a Chick-fil-A restaurant is more than a job - it's an opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a positive, people-focused environment. Most Chick-fil-A restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent, franchised Operators who invest in the future of their Team Members and give back to their communities.

Education:no requirementsEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Chick-fil-A employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Chick-fil-A logo

About Chick-fil-A

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Chick-fil-A, based in Atlanta, GA, US, is a well-known company in the quick-service restaurant industry. The company's official website is chick-fil-a.com. Chick-fil-A specializes in freshly prepared chicken sandwiches and other delicious chicken meals. It was founded by Truett Cathy in 1946, initially as a diner named 'The Dwarf Grill'. In 1967, the first Chick-fil-A restaurant was established. Today, Chick-fil-A operates more than 2,400 restaurants across the U.S. The core values of the company include integrity, excellence, continuous improvement, and caring. The mission of Chick-fil-A is to "Be America's best quick-service restaurant." The company prides itself on providing high-quality food and service, fostering a positive dining experience, and giving back to the communities they serve. Notable achievements include pioneering in-mall fast food and introducing the original boneless chicken sandwich.

Industry

Restaurants, food services and drinking places and traveler accommodation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

Social media