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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Voluntary Action Center

Kitchen Assistant

Sycamore, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

We are currently seeking a part-time Kitchen Assistant to support our Nutrition Program and help prepare meals that reach clients across DeKalb County. This position offers up to 25 hours per week ...

Bright Horizons

Kitchen Assistant

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

$14.42 - $19.47/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 ...

CSC Generation

Kitchen Assistant (Sur La Table)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.60 - $17.66/hr

Position Overview As a Kitchen Assistant at Sur La Table, you play a key role in inspiring customers throughout every stage of their culinary experience. With a passion for cooking, hospitality, and ...

CSC Generation

Kitchen Assistant (Sur La Table)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.60 - $17.66/hr

Position Overview As a Kitchen Assistant at Sur La Table, you play a key role in inspiring customers throughout every stage of their culinary experience. With a passion for cooking, hospitality, and ...

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Franciscan Outreach

Kitchen Support Staff

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Position Description The Kitchen Support Staff is responsible for planning and preparing healthy ... * Assist with cleanup as needed * Oversee community volunteer groups and individuals * Monitors ...

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 ...

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Kitchen Assistant information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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.

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 Elgin, IL?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Elgin, IL 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% 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

Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois

Sycamore, IL • On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description:

Join a team where your work truly makes a difference. At Voluntary Action Center (VAC), we have proudly served our community for over 50 years by delivering more than just meals, we provide connection, dignity, and care to seniors and individuals with disabilities who rely on us every day.


We are currently seeking a part-time Kitchen Assistant to support our Nutrition Program and help prepare meals that reach clients across DeKalb County. This position offers up to 25 hours per week, working Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with occasional holiday shifts eligible for premium pay. 


If you enjoy hands-on work, thrive in a team environment, and want to know your efforts truly matter then this is the role for you.


What You’ll Do

  • Prepare and package meals for delivery through our Meals on Wheels program 
  • Support daily kitchen operations in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment 
  • Operate commercial kitchen equipment (ovens, dishwashers, slicers, steam tables, etc.) 
  • Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards 
  • Assist with dishwashing, storage, and inventory organization 
  • Step in to support batch cooking as needed 
  • Collaborate with team members to ensure timely, high-quality service

Why Join VAC?

  • Purpose-driven work = see the impact of what you do every day 
  • Generous paid time off 
  • Paid holidays & bereavement leave 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)      
  • Opportunities for growth and development 
  • A supportive, mission-focused team culture
Requirements:

 What We’re Looking For

  • High school diploma or GED 
  • Previous kitchen or food service experience 
  • Experience with batch or large-scale food preparation preferred 
  • Illinois Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days) 
  • Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record 
  • Reliable, team-oriented, and positive attitude 
  • Passion for serving your community

Skills & Abilities

  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices 
  • Strong time management and communication skills 
  • Ability to follow instructions and work independently 
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen environment 

Physical Abilities


This role requires the ability to work on your feet for most of the shift in a busy kitchen environment that may be warm and physically active. The position involves frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting items typically between 10–20 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds, as well as repetitive use of hands and arms.


Voluntary Action Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status or any other status protected by law.  

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