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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Le Midi

Kitchen Assistant

Chicago, IL

$18/hr

Responsibilities * Daily food preparation and mise en place * Assist with preparation and plating of menu items during service * Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitized kitchen and work ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Kitchen Assistant

Evanston, IL · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Kitchen Assistants support the culinary team by preparing and executing food as directed by the Head Chef and Sous Chef. They maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen, ensure equipment is in order, and ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Kitchen Assistant

Evanston, IL · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Kitchen Assistants support the culinary team by preparing and executing food as directed by the Head Chef and Sous Chef. They maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen, ensure equipment is in order, and ...

Primrose School

Kitchen Assistant

Lake Zurich, IL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Follow the daily menu prepared in collaboration with or by the Director. * Assist with ordering food and calculating the amount needed. In order to inspire children to eat healthy, you need a school ...

Bright Horizons

Kitchen Assistant - Evanston

Evanston, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

As a Kitchen Assistant at Bright Horizons , you will support the cook to plan and prepare nutritious, familystyle meals that support children's health, growth, and learning. Each day, your care in ...

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Kitchen Assistant information

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How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Chicago, IL is $15.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $17.07 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
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What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL? For Kitchen Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,013 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant

Le Midi

Chicago, IL

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Le Midi is an independently owned neighborhood wine bar in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, focused on exceptional wine, thoughtfully sourced food, and warm, approachable hospitality. We are a small team and value people who are dependable, collaborative, and personable.

We are looking for a hardworking and kind individual to join our small team. This is a hands-on position that supports both our kitchen and front-of-house operations and is ideal for someone who enjoys staying busy, takes pride in keeping an organized workspace, and is comfortable taking on a variety of responsibilities throughout a shift while maintaining a positive attitude.

Responsibilities
  • Daily food preparation and mise en place
  • Assist with preparation and plating of menu items during service
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitized kitchen and work environment
  • Complete weekly food and kitchen inventory
  • Properly receive, store, label, and rotate food products
  • Maintain current ServSafe certification and required food-handling documentation
  • Dishwashing and maintaining an organized dish area
  • Polishing and organizing glassware
  • Food running and assisting the front-of-house team during service
  • Assist with opening and closing duties
  • Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures
  • Communicate product, prep, and inventory needs to management
  • Jump in and assist the team wherever needed during service
Schedule and Expectations

This position is approximately 5 days per week, with shifts generally ranging from 6–8 hours. Weekend and evening availability is required.

We are looking for someone who is reliable, organized, efficient, and comfortable working in a fast-paced hospitality environment. Because this position interacts with both our kitchen team and guests, a positive attitude and personable demeanor are especially important.

Candidates should have strong attention to cleanliness and food safety, maintain good personal hygiene and professional presentation, and be willing to take ownership of their workspace and responsibilities.

Previous restaurant or kitchen experience is preferred. Current ServSafe certification/documentation is required.

More detail about Le Midi, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/484438-Le-Midi