1

Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Lisle, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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

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

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 ...

Kitchen Team Member

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Kitchen

Tinley Park, 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Kitchen Assistant information

See Lisle, IL salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Lisle, IL is $15.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $16.35 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Lisle, IL?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Lisle, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Lisle, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Lisle, IL are:

What cities near Lisle, IL are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities near Lisle, IL with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Lisle, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,603 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

$14.42 - $19.47/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Bright Horizons rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 297 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 226 rated education and training


Job description

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 the kitchen will create a warm, predictable routine for children, educators, and center staff. From simmering soups to perfectly portioned plates, your work will fuel growing minds.

Join a team where your contributions matter and where you are supported to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference each day.

No nights or weekends!

This is a Monday - Friday with preferable hours of 8:00am - 4:00pm.

Responsibilities:

  • Previous experience within a role which involves cooking or working in a kitchen within a domestic or commercial property

  • Passion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eating

  • Ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies

  • Great communication skills, with both colleagues, children, and parents

  • Ability to work under pressure

Qualifications:

Candidates must pass required state and company background checks and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:

  • 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GEDis required

  • Having or obtaining a food handler certification within 30 days of hire is preferred

  • Course work or certification in Nutrition is preferred

  • Food service experience in a childcare center, school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, or highvolume food service setting is preferred

Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We're changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you. At Bright Horizons, you're the difference.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons', and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide food service per Bright Horizons' policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure safety of children in Bright Horizons

care and the employee.

Physical demands include lifting and carrying food and supplies (typically 10 to 40 pounds, occasionally up to 50 pounds), standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, pushing carts, and performing repetitive kitchen and cleaning tasks. Employees must maintain mental and physical alertness and be able to respond immediately and appropriately to unexpected situations or emergencies.

The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions. Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodations for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations.

Compensation:

The hourly rate for this position is between $14.42 - $19.47 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.

Benefits:

Bright Horizons offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Long-term and short-term disability insurance

  • Life insurance

  • Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools

  • Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program

  • Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family

  • Employee Referral Bonus Program

  • Learn more at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/us/en/health-and-wellness

Compensation: $14.42 - $19.47 / hr

Life at Bright Horizons:

At Bright Horizons, you're more than your job title -you're the difference. Whether you're nurturing a child's first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We're a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future - for yourself and for others.

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or bhrecruit@brighthorizons.com. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.


What Bright Horizons employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom