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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Columbus, IN (NOW HIRING)

Home Depot

Kitchen Designer

Seymour, IN · On-site

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

Home Depot

Kitchen Designer

Seymour, IN · On-site

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Columbus, IN

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and sauté vegetables. You are responsible for making sure our food is absolutely delicious. You'll order the ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Columbus, IN · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and sauté vegetables. You are responsible for making sure our food is absolutely delicious. You'll order the ...

Fourwinds

Kitchen Supervisor

Bloomington, IN · On-site

As a Kitchen Supervisor , you will lead our back-of-house team to deliver exceptional food experiences. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills, a guest-first mindset, and proven experience ...

Best in Boating

Kitchen Supervisor

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$20/hr

As a Kitchen Supervisor , you will lead our back-of-house team to deliver exceptional food experiences. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills, a guest-first mindset, and proven experience ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team

Columbus, IN · On-site

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Bloomington, IN

$16 - $18/hr

Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies. * Interact positively with residents, staff, and ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies. * Interact positively with residents, staff, and ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Columbus, IN

Kitchen Assistant information

See Columbus, IN salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Columbus, IN is $14.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

Is a kitchen assistant a good first job?

A kitchen assistant role can be a good first job as it provides basic skills in food preparation, cleaning, and teamwork. It often requires minimal prior experience and offers opportunities to learn about the food service industry and develop work ethic. However, it may involve early hours and physical activity, which should be considered by job seekers.

What do you do as a kitchen assistant?

A kitchen assistant helps with food preparation, cleaning, and maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen environment. They may also assist with organizing supplies, washing dishes, and supporting chefs or cooks as needed. Good communication and basic food safety knowledge are important for this role.

What qualifications do you need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

To become a kitchen assistant, there are generally no strict formal qualifications required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred. Relevant skills include basic food safety knowledge, ability to follow instructions, and good teamwork. Some employers may provide on-the-job training or require food hygiene certifications.
More about Kitchen Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Columbus, IN?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Columbus, IN are:

What cities near Columbus, IN are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities near Columbus, IN with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Columbus, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,806 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Food Service Kitchen Assistant

Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation

Columbus, IN • On-site

$17.07 - $18.47/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

PURPOSE STATEMENT:
The job of FS Kitchen Assistant requires preparing & serving food for students, staff, and maintaining facilities in a safe, sanitary condition.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Prepares/serves food items that meet mandated nutrition requirements and projected meal requirements.
  • Accurately records paperwork as assigned.
  • Cleans kitchen and equipment following food sanitation guidelines.
  • Stocks supplies for the purpose of maintaining adequate quantities and freshness.'
  • Operates within defined budget and meal regulations.
  • Follows HACCP regulations for the purpose of providing a safe and efficient food service.
  • Creates a positive environment for the purpose of providing quality customer service and retention of food service staff.
  • Cashier positions will manage cash and balance out cash drawers accurately at the end of each work day.
  • Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their tasks.
  • May be assigned additional duties at the discretion of the food service manager or Director
  • After hours duties may be required on occasion.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
EQUIPMENT:
Standard commercial kitchen equipment such as dish machines; commercial ovens; steamers etc.
Use of point of sale computer system
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:



  • Ability to perform basic math skills.
  • Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others contacted in the course of work.
  • Ability to report orally or in writing to supervisor as required
  • Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form
  • Ability occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions
  • Ability to work within time constrains and meet deadlines/schedules
  • Able to work under direct supervision

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS:
Works in commercial kitchen setting
Job requires significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, some climbing. Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching and or crawling. Significant finger dexterity
0% sitting; 25% walking; 75% standing
This job is performed under some temperature extremes
QUALIFICATIONS:
Job related experience desired; computer experience desired
Continuing education requirements: 4-6 hours Professional Development/year
HACCP Training yearly; Civil Rights Training yearly; SNA membership recommended
INTERNAL APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY CONSIDERATION OVER OUTSIDE APPLICANTS
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Less than 12 months
Non-benefit eligible
4 hours per day, 8:45 AM-1:15PM
Other conditions and stipulations as listed in the classified staff handbook
Grade 6 on Classified Staff Salary Matrix, Starting hourly rate placement: $17.07-18.47based on experience
An additional $1 per hour will be paid through referendum funds
Hiring Manager: Nancy Millspaugh - millspaughn@bcsc.k12.in.us
Learn More About Columbus: https://www.columbustalent.com/


























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