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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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

$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 ...

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 ...

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Kitchen

Buffalo Grove, 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

Western Springs, 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

Park Ridge, 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

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 ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Elgin, IL

Kitchen Assistant information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Elgin, IL is $15.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $16.39 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 Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL? For Kitchen Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Elgin, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,679 per year, or $15.2 per hour.
Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant

Primrose School

Lake Zurich, IL • On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Primrose Schools rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 471 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 23 rated private schools and tutoring

Job description

Responsive recruiter
Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition assistance
  • Vision insurance
  • Training & development

Build a brighter future for all children
As the Food Service Teacher of Primrose School of Long Grove, you'll prepare delicious, nutritious food that helps fuel children as they explore, play and develop a lifelong love of learning. Your dedication to quality will ensure we deliver on our mission of bringing the best and most trusted early childhood education and care to the families we serve.
You'll join a team that is committed to creating a safe, healthy environment and a culture where all children and team members can thrive.
Make a difference every day
  • Encourage healthy eating habits through delicious and nutritious foods.
  • Maintain a keen awareness of children who have allergies and food restrictions.
  • Ensure food service area and food are free of nuts, nut products or food items that have been processed in a facility that also processes nut products.
  • 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 that inspires you
Primrose Schools is a mission-driven brand, and at Primrose School of Long Grove, there are not only opportunities for professional development and growth but also for giving back to your local community through Spring Fling and charity events.
As the leader in early education and care, our research-informed Balanced Learning® approach provides teachers with the tools and guidance to accommodate children's natural curiosity and to fully support each child while building problem-solving skills and confidence.
We are continuously working toward our mission of building a brighter future for all children-not only those who are able to attend a Primrose school-and every member of our organization plays a critical role in accomplishing that mission.
Let's talk about building a brighter future together!
Keywords: Cook, Chef, Food Service, Dishawashing, Daycare, Preschool Teacher, Daycare Assistant, Teacher Assistant, Teacher, Child Care, Assistant Teacher, Paraprofessional, Daycare Teacher, Early Childhood Education
Compensation: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

What Primrose Schools employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Primrose Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Rigley Primrose Schools are accredited private preschools that provides a premier educational child care experience. We partner with parents to help children build the right foundation for future learning and life, and offer an environment that helps children have fun while nurturing Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts®.

Industry

Education, education programs administration and elementary and secondary schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

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