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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Vangst

Kitchen Support

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Support edible or kitchen production teams with daily prep and production tasks * Assist with measuring, weighing, mixing, and portioning ingredients as directed * Package, label, and prepare ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Professional

Hillsboro, OR

$17 - $19/hr

As a Back of House Team Member at Chick-fil-A, you'll play a vital role in what makes our kitchen hum. Whether you're prepping ingredients or plating up a guest's favorite meal, you help create the ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Professional

Beaverton, OR

$17 - $19/hr

As a Back of House Team Member at Chick-fil-A, you'll play a vital role in what makes our kitchen hum. Whether you're prepping ingredients or plating up a guest's favorite meal, you help create the ...

Din Tai Fung

Kitchen Prep Associate - Apps

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.50/hr

As a Kitchen Prep Associate - Apps, you play a key dual role in bringing the Din Tai Fung (DTF) experience to life behind the scenes. You'll prepare all beverages at the Boba station, plate appetizer ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR

Kitchen Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$16

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How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Portland, OR is $16.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.55 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Assistant jobs in Portland, OR? For Kitchen Assistant jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Portland, OR 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 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,924 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant/Dishwasher

Artportunity Knocks

Portland, OR

$20 - $25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

Childpeace Montessori School is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Kitchen Assistant/Dishwasher to support our school kitchen. This role is essential to maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen environment that serves as the food preparation hub for our entire community.

This position is primarily focused on dishwashing and kitchen sanitation and involves consistent physical activity throughout the shift. In addition, the role may support basic food preparation and should be comfortable stepping in for meal prep if the Kitchen Manager is unavailable.


Key Responsibilities

  • Wash dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment throughout the day
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, dishwashing area, and food prep spaces
  • Perform general cleaning duties, including wiping surfaces, sweeping, and mopping floors
  • Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards
  • Assist with basic kitchen tasks, including light food preparation and organizing supplies
  • Support meal preparation as needed and step in to assist if the Kitchen Manager is out
  • Support kitchen staff in maintaining an efficient workflow

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand and move continuously for extended periods
  • Frequent bending, reaching, and lifting
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 30 40 pounds
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced, physically active environment

Qualifications

  • Prior kitchen or dishwashing experience preferred but not required
  • Basic cooking skills and comfort with food preparation
  • Ability to follow simple recipes and kitchen instructions
  • Strong attention to cleanliness and organization
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Reliable, punctual, and consistent attendance

Required Training & Certifications

The following trainings and certifications are required for this role. Time spent completing required trainings will be paid.

  • Background Check / Enrollment in the Central Background Registry
  • Adult & Pediatric CPR / First Aid Certification (Red Cross or other local providers)
  • Oregon Food Handlers Card https://www.efoodcard.com/or/
  • Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse (RRCAN)
  • Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety (ICCHS)

Compensation

  • Hourly position; pay dependent on experience
  • This part-time position is not eligible for benefits


About Childpeace Montessori School

Childpeace is a nonprofit Montessori school serving children from toddler through middle school. Our community is collaborative, mission-driven, and committed to creating a supportive environment for both students and staff.


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