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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Naperville, 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

$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 ...

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 ...

Chick-fil-A

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 ...

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 ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Naperville, IL

Kitchen Assistant information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Naperville, IL is $15.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a kitchen assistant a good first job?

A kitchen assistant is often a suitable first job because it provides basic skills such as food preparation, cleaning, and teamwork. It typically requires minimal prior experience and can help develop work ethic and time management in a fast-paced environment.

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 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 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 are needed to be a kitchen assistant?

Kitchen assistants typically do not require formal qualifications but should have basic cooking skills, good hygiene, and the ability to follow safety procedures. Some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, and relevant experience or certifications in food safety can be advantageous.

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 kitchen environment. They may wash dishes, organize supplies, and assist chefs or cooks as needed, often working in a fast-paced setting. Basic food safety and hygiene knowledge are important for this role.

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, teamwork, and knowledge of kitchen tools are important, and some positions may require food safety certifications. Flexibility with shifts and physical stamina are also beneficial for this role.
More about Kitchen Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Naperville, IL? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Naperville, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Naperville, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Naperville, IL are:
What cities near Naperville, IL are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Naperville, 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 $31,772 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant

Primrose School

Lake Zurich, IL • On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Primrose Schools rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 473 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th 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

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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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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