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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cresco Labs

Edibles (Kitchen) Agent

Joliet, IL · On-site

$20/hr

CORE JOB DUTIES * Assist kitchen staff in the daily production of cannabis-infused food products using commercial machinery. * Understand and execute batch production as assigned by Department ...

New

Sharko's BBQ

Kitchen Prep PT and FT

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Food Preparation: Assist in preparing ingredients, marinating meats, and assembling dishes to ensure quality and consistency. * Kitchen Operations: Maintain cleanliness and organization in the ...

Cresco Labs

Edibles (Kitchen) Agent

Joliet, IL · On-site

$20/hr

CORE JOB DUTIES * Assist kitchen staff in the daily production of cannabis-infused food products using commercial machinery. * Understand and execute batch production as assigned by Department ...

New

ATOMS Careers page

Kitchen Ambassador

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30/hr

About the Role We are hiring a Kitchen Ambassador to serve as Picnic's primary on site representative inside our cloud kitchen facilities. This role is essential to ensuring orders move accurately ...

Sharko's BBQ

Kitchen Prep PT and FT

Glen Ellyn, IL

$16 - $22/hr

Food Preparation: Assist in preparing ingredients, marinating meats, and assembling dishes to ensure quality and consistency. * Kitchen Operations: Maintain cleanliness and organization in the ...

ATOMS Careers page

Kitchen Ambassador

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30/hr

About the Role We are hiring a Kitchen Ambassador to serve as Picnic's primary on site representative inside our cloud kitchen facilities. This role is essential to ensuring orders move accurately ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Team Member

Orland Park, IL

$17 - $23/hr

Prepare, cook and present food safely, quickly and efficiently, meeting our standards * Assist in keeping the kitchen clean, hygienic and tidy, at all times * Keep up to date with current promotions ...

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Kitchen

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Here's what you can expect on a typical day as part of the Kitchen Team at Lou Malnati's * You're on the move. You'll likely be on your feet your entire shift. You'll be cleaning, stocking, and ...

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Kitchen

Wilmette, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Here's what you can expect on a typical day as part of the Kitchen Team at Lou Malnati's * You're on the move. You'll likely be on your feet your entire shift. You'll be cleaning, stocking, and ...

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Kitchen

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Here's what you can expect on a typical day as part of the Kitchen Team at Lou Malnati's * You're on the move. You'll likely be on your feet your entire shift. You'll be cleaning, stocking, and ...

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Kitchen

Broadview, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Here's what you can expect on a typical day as part of the Kitchen Team at Lou Malnati's * You're on the move. You'll likely be on your feet your entire shift. You'll be cleaning, stocking, and ...

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Kitchen

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.60/hr

Here's what you can expect on a typical day as part of the Kitchen Team at Lou Malnati's * You're on the move. You'll likely be on your feet your entire shift. You'll be cleaning, stocking, and ...

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Kitchen

New Lenox, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Here's what you can expect on a typical day as part of the Kitchen Team at Lou Malnati's * You're on the move. You'll likely be on your feet your entire shift. You'll be cleaning, stocking, and ...

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Kitchen

Schererville, IN · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Here's what you can expect on a typical day as part of the Kitchen Team at Lou Malnati's * You're on the move. You'll likely be on your feet your entire shift. You'll be cleaning, stocking, and ...

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Kitchen

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Here's what you can expect on a typical day as part of the Kitchen Team at Lou Malnati's * You're on the move. You'll likely be on your feet your entire shift. You'll be cleaning, stocking, and ...

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Kitchen

Geneva, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Here's what you can expect on a typical day as part of the Kitchen Team at Lou Malnati's * You're on the move. You'll likely be on your feet your entire shift. You'll be cleaning, stocking, and ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Kitchen Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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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
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Chicago, IL are:
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.

Culinary Cooking Class Assistant

Taste Buds Kitchen

Deerfield, IL • On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Free food & snacks
  • Free uniforms
  • Training & development

Join Taste Buds Kitchen as a Culinary Cooking Class Assistant, an excellent entry-level opportunity for those who are well-organized, enjoy working with people, and have a passion for the culinary arts. In this role, you will assist the Culinary Instructor with all class preparation and clean-up aspects.
If you have a passion for cooking, for making people smile, and the organizational skills to keep everything running smoothly in our sparkling clean kitchens, we want to meet you!
Benefits:
  • Competitive hourly pay plus tips
  • Flexible scheduling to suit your needs
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Employee discounts on our services

The Ideal candidate:
  • Can move quickly in a fast-paced environment.
  • Has a natural curiosity and passion for food and culinary entertainment.
  • Possesses an upbeat personality.
  • Demonstrates excellent communication skills with people of all ages.
  • Desires to learn a variety of cooking and baking techniques.
  • Has open availability in the evenings and on weekends.
  • No experience is necessary; training is provided for the right candidate.
  • Is 16+ years old, has access to reliable transportation, can stand for long periods and doesn't mind getting their hands a little messy! ;)

Who are we?
Taste Buds Kitchen has captivated the country with a refreshingly simple concept: providing culinary entertainment to kids, families, and adults in a fun, beautiful, and state-of-the-art Kitchen Studio.
  • For Kids (ages 2 to teen): We offer hands-on cooking classes, camps, birthday parties, and field trips.
  • For Adults: We provide BYOB date night cooking classes, birthday parties, bachelorettes, showers, and corporate events.

Our innovative programs are entertaining and educational, and we always strive to engage and delight our guests.
Compensation: $14.00 - $15.00 per hour
About Us
Taste Buds Kitchen has taken the country by storm with a refreshingly simple concept. We provide culinary entertainment to kids, families and adults in a fun, beautiful and state-of-the art Kitchen Studio. Kids ages 2 to teen love our hands-on cooking classes, camps, birthday parties and field trips. Adults love our byob date night cooking classes, birthday parties, bachelorettes, showers and corporate events. Our innovative programs are as entertaining as they are educational. We always strive to engage and delight our guests.
Job Opportunities
We have incredible career opportunities in each of our growing Kitchen Studios nationwide, as well as our corporate office. Get involved in an exciting and growing company. We are always looking for dynamic talent to join our fun-loving and hard-working team! Perfect for culinary professionals, passionate foodies, teachers, managers, administrators, marketers and college and high school students alike.

Apply