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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Chick-fil-A

Night Kitchen Team Member

Janesville, WI

$14 - $18/hr

Looking for kitchen team members able to work anywhere in-between 2pm-11:30pm ! This is Back of House kitchen staff role that will be responsible for: * Food prep * Food packaging * Cleaning

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Team Member

Madison, WI

$15 - $16/hr

The members of our kitchen team: Work quickly and efficiently, maintaining the highest quality standards. Keep the kitchen clean, hygienic and orderly at all times. Adhere properly to safety ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Team Member

Madison, WI

$15 - $16/hr

The members of our kitchen team: • Work quickly and efficiently, maintaining the highest quality standards. • Keep the kitchen clean, hygienic and orderly at all times. • Adhere properly to ...

Buck & Honeys

Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

$65K/yr

Support kitchen workflow and assist chefs during busy shifts and peak periods * Ensure all food is prepared and plated according to company standards Cleanliness & Sanitation * Maintain high ...

Buck & Honeys

Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager

Waunakee, WI · On-site

$65K/yr

Support and oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure efficient and high-quality food execution * Assist with kitchen workflow and support line execution during busy service periods * Ensure all ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

$18 - $23.79/hr

Assistant Food Manager Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a difference in the communities we serve. Our Assistant Food Managers are responsible for our food program.

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Kitchen Assistant information

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How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Madison, WI is $15.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $16.73 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 Madison, WI? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Madison, WI are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,297 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

LTE Program Kitchen Assistant (Part-Time)

IRWIN A AND ROBERT D GOODMAN COMMUNITY CENTER

Madison, WI • On-site

$20.75/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Description

Job Title: LTE Part-Time Program Kitchen Assistant

Department: Program Kitchen

Reports To: Program Kitchen Manager

Position Type: Part-time/Limited Term Employment

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Salary: $20.75/hr


Position Description


Our kitchen is a high-volume production kitchen that creates meals for youth and older adults across Madison at low or no cost.


People who will be most successful in this position enjoy working collaboratively with others, have a strong sense of urgency, are self-motivated, and value serving their community. This position contributes to all meals being prepared to specifications and served on time. 


We pride ourselves on maintaining a positive working environment. Our Program Kitchen is a tight-knit, highly productive, and motivated team of people from various backgrounds. Consistently respectful communication is a requirement for success in this role.


Responsibilities

  • Assemble, cook, portion, package, and label recipes as directed by kitchen staff
  • Prepare fruits, vegetables, meats, sauces, stocks, grains, etc.
  • Putting items away from the weekly truck delivery
  • Wash dishes and serving containers
  • Work in a team setting to produce approximately 600 meals per day
  • Maintain high standards for safety & sanitation
  • Work both independently & collaboratively

Requirements

Qualifications

  • Basic knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment use, safety, and sanitation
  • Basic knife skills
  • Ability to contribute to a positive working environment
  • Strong time management skills
  • Ability to read, use & scale recipes
  • Interest in working in a continuous feedback & continuous improvement environment
  • Valid driver's license (preferred) or other reliable transportation. Consistent attendance record required
  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification or the ability to obtain within 60 days of employment
  • Ability to stand for long periods. Ability to bend, squat, and physically react promptly.
  • Ability to use hands & fingers in grasping, pinching, chopping, pulling, and lifting motions associated with preparing and cooking products using knives, utensils, and cookware.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to: sit, stand, walk, bend, and occasionally push, pull, lift, and carry objects (up to 50 pounds); sufficient mobility to stand, reach, and bend throughout an entire work schedule.


Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn't match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.


Goodman Community Center (GCC) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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