ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

Home Depot

Kitchen Designer

Normal, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

Home Depot

Kitchen Designer

Normal, IL · On-site

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

Texas Roadhouse

Kitchen Manager

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$5.2K/mo

As a Kitchen Manager your responsibilities would include: * Supervising and overseeing the ... Assisting with the development of all key employees, assistant managers, and hourly employees by ...

Texas Roadhouse

Kitchen Manager

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$5.2K/mo

As a Kitchen Manager your responsibilities would include: * Supervising and overseeing the ... Assisting with the development of all key employees, assistant managers, and hourly employees by ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team

Bloomington, IL

$17 - $20/hr

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

Culver's

Kitchen Crew Member

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Culver's - Immediate Kitchen Crew Member Needed! Are you passionate about working in a dynamic ... Provide excellent teamwork * Assist in preparing and serving delicious food * Ensure exceptional ...

Applebee's

Kitchen Manager

Bloomington, IL · On-site

Must be physically able to work at any duty station in the kitchen or service area when needed on a temporary basis and operate cash register as appropriate. * Must be required to lift objects up to ...

Holiday by Atria

Kitchen Utility Worker

Normal, IL

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Complete dishwasher temperature log at required times. * Assist in the setup of serving carts for ... the kitchen. * As needed assist with putting away deliveries, set dining tables for next meal,

Holiday by Atria

Kitchen Utility Worker

Normal, IL

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Complete dishwasher temperature log at required times. * Assist in the setup of serving carts for ... the kitchen. * As needed assist with putting away deliveries, set dining tables for next meal,

Atria Senior Living, Inc.

Kitchen Utility Worker

Normal, IL · On-site

$18 - $21.60/hr

... Kitchen Utility Worker you will help serve meals and clear/wash dishes from residents' tables ... Complete dishwasher temperature log at required times. * Assist in the setup of serving carts for ...

Atria Senior Living, Inc.

Kitchen Utility Worker

Normal, IL · On-site

$18 - $21.60/hr

... Kitchen Utility Worker you will help serve meals and clear/wash dishes from residents' tables ... Complete dishwasher temperature log at required times. * Assist in the setup of serving carts for ...

Atria Senior Living

Kitchen Utility Worker

Normal, IL · On-site

$18 - $21.60/hr

... Kitchen Utility Worker you will help serve meals and clear/wash dishes from residents' tables ... Complete dishwasher temperature log at required times. * Assist in the setup of serving carts for ...

Atria Senior Living

Kitchen Utility Worker

Normal, IL · On-site

$18 - $21.60/hr

... Kitchen Utility Worker you will help serve meals and clear/wash dishes from residents' tables ... Complete dishwasher temperature log at required times. * Assist in the setup of serving carts for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Normal, IL

Kitchen Assistant information

See Normal, IL salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Normal, IL is $15.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $16.20 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 Normal, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,331 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Kitchen Supervisor

QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC

Eureka, IL • On-site

$26/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Quest Food Management Services rating

3.4

Company rating: 3.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Position Summary

The Kitchen Supervisor serves as the primary on-the-floor leader for all kitchen personnel and is accountable for the full scope of kitchen operations. This role is responsible for inspecting and enforcing operational processes, actively directing team members, and maintaining rigorous food safety and sanitation standards. The Kitchen Supervisor drives the “WOW” guest experience through excellence in food quality, team development, and operational discipline.


LEADERSHIP & TEAM DIRECTION

  • Maintain an active, visible presence on the floor every shift, setting the tone for performance, attitude, and professionalism
  • Direct team members throughout service — assign stations, manage workflow, and intervene immediately when standards are not met.
  • Coach and train staff in real time; address performance gaps directly and constructively
REQUIRED
  • High School Diploma/GED or equivalent work experience.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience as a Cook or Kitchen Assistant.
  • Proven experience directing and developing a kitchen team.
  • Current Food Protection certification (must be maintained throughout employment).
  • Current Allergen Awareness certificate
  • Ability to perform basic arithmetic and understand measurements and conversions.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strong leadership presence — sets clear expectations, holds team members accountable, and drives results through people.
  • Solutions-oriented and decisive under pressure, with composure in a fast-paced environment.
  • Guest-focused with an outgoing, positive, and professional demeanor.
  • High attention to detail and strong organizational skills across simultaneous priorities
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in English; ability to give and receive clear direction

PREFERRED

  • Previous supervisory experience in a food service setting.
  • Experience in school, university, or institutional foodservice
  • Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
  • Frequently reach, bend, and use hands for food prep and equipment operation.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Exposure to heat, steam, odors, noise, walk-in freezers, and cleaning chemicals
  • Fine hand manipulation required (knife skills and keyboarding).


What Quest Food Management Services employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply