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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Prep/Kitchen Assistant

Phoenixville, PA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

You will also oversee ensuring that the kitchen and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained. Please Note: Within this location, there is no fryer, grill, or vent! Cold prepared food, building ...

Prep/Kitchen Assistant

Phoenixville, PA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

You will also oversee ensuring that the kitchen and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained. Please Note: Within this location, there is no fryer, grill, or vent! Cold prepared food, building ...

The Lead Kitchen Assistant is responsible for food preparation, maintaining clean and sanitary areas of food service and serving daily meals at a supportive housing residence for 16 formerly unhoused ...

Kitchen Utility

Gladwyne, PA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

Wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. * Assist in food preparation tasks as directed by the culinary team. * Support the team in adhering to health and safety regulations. * Take ...

Kitchen Team Member

New Castle, DE · On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

Kitchen Team Member Location: 154 N Pulaski Hwy, New Castle, DE Status: Full-time or Part-time Hourly Pay Rate: $16.50 - $18.00 (+$1 for overnight) Ready to Join Our Sizzling Kitchen Team at Dash In ...

Kitchen Team Member Location: 154 N Pulaski Hwy, New Castle, DE Status: Full-time or Part-time Hourly Pay Rate: $16.50 - $18.00 (+$1 for overnight) Ready to Join Our Sizzling Kitchen Team at Dash In ...

Kitchen Team Member

New Castle, DE · On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

Kitchen Team Member Location: 154 N Pulaski Hwy, New Castle, DE Status: Full-time or Part-time Hourly Pay Rate: $16.50 - $18.00 (+$1 for overnight) Ready to Join Our Sizzling Kitchen Team at Dash In ...

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Kitchen Assistant information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

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How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Philadelphia, PA is $15.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $16.73 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 Philadelphia, PA?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Assistant jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

For Kitchen Assistant jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,339 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant

Hudson Table Holdings LLC

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$16 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

We’re looking for a Kitchen Assistant to join our dynamic team and support our lead chefs during live chef

competitions and private events. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with line cook experience

who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen and enjoys being part of a high-energy, guest-facing atmosphere.


Hands-On Classes: You will use your knowledge to help our guests learn techniques and culinary skills,

set mise en place, assist the chef, and deliver excellent hospitality to create an enjoyable customer

experience.


Catered Events, Public Dinners & Chef Competitions: In addition to helping with hands-on cooking

classes, you will assist the lead chefs in preparing multi-course menus for our private catered events or

public dinners and brunches. You can also have the opportunity to compete as a sous chef in our viral

chef competitions for prize money! You will experience ever-changing menus that evolve with the seasons

and are curated directly for the client.


The role as a Kitchen Assistant is a unique blend of back of house and front of house operations and is

an incredible opportunity to learn from chefs in an educational and fun environment.


Responsibilities:

● Demonstrate ability to prepare foods with efficiency and technique to ensure a quality product for

our guests.

● Set up the kitchen with proper equipment for hands-on cooking classes and events and ensure

that all equipment is clean and functional.

● Prepare mise en place for the workstations, which includes measuring, washing, and preparing

ingredients and equipment.

● Review recipes, lesson plans, and pull sheets to ensure all the ingredients and equipment are in

place and staff is prepared to greet customers.

● During classes, assist the Chef Instructor and guests with the food items and equipment.

● Answer questions raised by students on equipment, processes, recipes, etc. and deferring to the

chef instructor where needed.

● Make sure the kitchen and prep areas remain clean: remove dirty dishes and used equipment as

the class or event progresses and any spills or messes are quickly cleared. Make sure that used

equipment is brought to the dishwasher.

● Return clean dishes, tools and equipment to the designated storage areas in the classroom /

kitchen.

● Break down and clean kitchen areas ensuring all equipment (pots, pans, dishes, silverware and

glasses) are properly cleaned and stored.

● Assist with preparation of a multi-course catered event or public dinner.

● Perform other duties as assigned by the Chef Instructors.


Requirements:

● Prior line cook experience required

● Must have weekend and evening availability

● Comfortable working under pressure and following direction closely

● Friendly, professional demeanor with strong communication skills

● Must understand FOH operations and be able to deliver a good customer experience

● Must possess a strong sense of urgency and attention to detail


Perks:

● Winning team bonuses during chef competitions

● Share in generous event gratuities

● A creative and collaborative culinary environment


If you're a motivated team player with a passion for food, events, and a bit of competition—we want to

meet you!