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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Kitchen

Rockford, 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

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

Oswego, 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 ...

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Kitchen

Aurora, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.25/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

Elgin, 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 ...

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Kitchen Assistant information

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$8

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How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in DeKalb, IL is $15.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $16.30 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 DeKalb, IL? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in DeKalb, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in DeKalb, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in DeKalb, IL are:
What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in DeKalb, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,454 per year, or $15.1 per hour.
Kitchen

Kitchen

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Rockford, IL • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

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 making or cutting dough just to name a few tasks. You must be able to lift 50 pounds throughout your shift.
  • Taking on new duties and doing whatever is needed. You'll learn by doing.
  • Flexible hours that work with your life and growth opportunities for people who work hard to help the whole team succeed.
  • A team you can rely on. Family means something at Lou's.
  • Must love pizza. Bonus, you'll get a discount on food even when you're not working and a free meal during your shift.

Requirements
  • Enjoys working on a team in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent communication, listening, and time management skills
  • Ability to stand approximately 90% of the workday and freely access all areas of the locations
  • Capability to withstand warm temperatures and proficient in utilizing kitchen equipment
  • Be able to lift/move up to 50lbs.
  • Endure in various physical activities like reaching, bending, kneeling, climbing, and moving about the facility

Compensation
  • Illinois Minimum Wage: $15.00/ hour*

*Based on experience.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria logo

About Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, based in Northbrook, Illinois, United States, is a renowned name in the food and beverage industry. Founded in 1971, the pizza establishment has a rich history and is built on a foundation of family tradition and delicious, handcrafted pizza. Their official website, loumalnatis.com, showcases their range of products which primarily include deep dish pizzas, known for their layers of fresh ingredients and buttery, flaky crust. The company is known for using an exclusive sausage blend and hand-picked tomatoes from California for its signature pizza.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Northbrook, IL, US

Year founded

1971

Social media

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