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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

Jasons Deli

Kitchen Team Member

Normal, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

We just happen to make sandwiches." Our Kitchen Team Members coordinate with other employees to ... assist co-workers through high-volume periods, and have the ability to thrive in a fast-paced ...

Jason's Deli

Kitchen Team Member

Normal, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

We just happen to make sandwiches.' Our Kitchen Team Members coordinate with other employees to ... assist co-workers through high-volume periods, and have the ability to thrive in a fast-paced ...

Denny's

Service Assistant

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Work performed in dining room, kitchen pass-through, and service areas. * Exposure to noise, crowds, wet or slippery floors, hot items, and cleaning chemicals. * Fast-paced environment with variable ...

Denny

Service Assistant

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Work performed in dining room, kitchen pass-through, and service areas. * Exposure to noise, crowds, wet or slippery floors, hot items, and cleaning chemicals. * Fast-paced environment with variable ...

Popeyes

Assistant Manager POP825

Bloomington, IL · On-site

We're looking for an Assistant General Manager (AGM) who's ready to bring passion, hustle, and ... equipment, kitchen hazards, cleaning chemicals, and moderate noise levels. The role requires ...

UNITED VISION HEALTHCARE LLC

CNA

Bloomington, IL · On-site

Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Job Summary: An individual who, under professional supervision ... kitchen, dust & vacuum, only those rooms the client uses. - List needed supplies and grocery ...

Hopedale Medical Complex

Dishwasher, PRN

Hopedale, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Sweep and mop kitchen and dish room floors. * Empty trash and recycling containers and maintain a clean work environment. * Assist with additional kitchen and dietary duties as assigned. * Work ...

Arcadia Care Morton

Dietary Aide

Morton, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

Dietary/Kitchen Aide The Dietary/Kitchen Aide is responsible for aiding all food functions as ... Prepare & deliver snacks, etc., as instructed. * Assist in preparation, cooking and clean-up of ...

Arcadia Care Morton

Dietary Aide

Morton, IL

$18 - $24.50/hr

Dietary/Kitchen Aide Job Summary: The Dietary/Kitchen Aide is responsible for aiding all food ... · Assist in preparation, cooking and clean-up of meals and prep areas. Benefits Offered:

Hopedale MC

Dishwasher, PRN

Hopedale, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Sweep and mop kitchen and dish room floors. * Empty trash and recycling containers and maintain a clean work environment. * Assist with additional kitchen and dietary duties as assigned. * Work ...

OnTray

Regional Dietary Consultant

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Ensure that facilities' kitchen are clean, logs are kept, etc .... * Assist with training and overseeing food quality and food presentation program. * Oversee inventory. * Assist with order guides ...

Hopedale MC

PM Food Services Lead

Hopedale, IL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Maintain required kitchen documentation, including refrigerator/freezer temperatures, sanitation logs, thermometer calibration, meal temperatures, and other regulatory records. * Assist with catering ...

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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 Aug 12, 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.

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 Normal, IL? The most popular types of Kitchen 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, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,331 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Kitchen Team Member

Jasons Deli

Normal, IL • On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Jason's Deli rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 106 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

Pay: $15 to $17/hr + tips


Jason's Deli is a family-owned business that has been enjoyed by its communities since 1976. At Jason's Deli, we work hard to ensure that our employees are rewarded with advancement, recognition, and quality of life. We strive to create an opportunity for all of our employees to have a chance to grow with the company. In 2018, we established our Career Path, a self-paced, gradual step program that takes a brand new employee all the way to the managing partner level.


At Jason's Deli, we believe our employees are what makes us a place where people both love to eat and love to work. As our founder, Joe Tortorice Jr. said, "We're in the people business. We just happen to make sandwiches."


Our Kitchen Team Members coordinate with other employees to ensure the production of accurate orders and maintain ticket times, are able to work across multiple positions and assist co-workers through high-volume periods, and have the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while producing high-quality products.


Who We Are:

  • At Jason's Deli, it is our promise to provide a Great Place to Work. We strive to maintain a culture of engagement in which employees can truly be themselves, continuously developing and thriving. Embracing diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do, but it is WHO WE ARE at Jason's Deli.
  • We believe that we are able to hire better employees when we have a diverse applicant pool to select from, and that we make better business decisions when we try to understand our business environment through the eyes of a diverse range of customers.
  • Collaborating with local and national organizations that share our purpose of nourishing hearts and spirits through inclusion and equality is one of the important ways we serve our communities and have an impact.


We Love People Who:

  • Are self-motivated with a drive for growth.
  • Are outstanding individuals who share our passion for serving customers and preparing quality food safely.
  • Are results-oriented and committed to providing Out-of-This-World Hospitality every day.
  • Embrace cultural diversity.
  • Live our Purpose, Mission, and Core Values.


Our People Love:

  • Flexible schedule
  • Competitive pay + Tip pooling
  • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • 401K
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Food discount
  • Free uniforms


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • The ability to stand for extensive periods of time, bend over, reach upwards or outward, twist, turn around, and climb up on ladders in a timely fashion.
  • The ability to perform a variety of jobs at a very rapid pace for extensive periods of time
  • The ability to work in an environment with temperature fluctuations.
  • The ability to maintain regular, predictable attendance.
  • The ability to understand and to follow directions. 


Our Purpose is to Improve The Lives Of Others Through The Nourishment Of The Body, Mind, Heart, and Spirit.

Our Mission is to Make Every Customer Happy.


Check out our Jason's Deli Career Path video to learn about our career path and advancement opportunities!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb5Rbrab_P4&t=11s


Jason's Deli appreciates and values diversity. EOE

What Jason's Deli employees say

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