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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Aceituno's Mexican Food

Kitchen Assistant

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Seeking Part Time job ? With or without experience, welcome to apply. Potential full time. If you are interested in scheduling an interview, send a text with your name to 425-305-0693. Please mention ...

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Din Tai Fung

Kitchen Prep Associate - Apps

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22.25/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 ...

Din Tai Fung

Kitchen Prep Associate - Apps

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$22.25/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 Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Renton, WA

Kitchen Assistant information

See Renton, WA salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Renton, WA is $17.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you be a Kitchen Assistant with no experience?

Yes, many entry-level Kitchen Assistant positions do not require prior experience. Employers often provide on-the-job training and look for basic skills such as reliability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. Having a positive attitude and good hygiene can also improve your chances of getting hired without experience.

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 are kitchen assistants?

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 do you need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

Kitchen assistants typically do not require formal qualifications but should have basic literacy and numeracy skills. Relevant experience in food handling, cleanliness, and safety procedures is beneficial, and some employers may prefer food safety certifications such as a Level 1 Food Hygiene certificate.

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 cleanliness of kitchen equipment and work areas. They may also assist with serving food, organizing supplies, and following safety and hygiene standards. The role often requires good communication skills and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

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, attention to detail, and the ability to operate kitchen equipment are important. Some positions may require food safety certifications or prior experience in a kitchen setting.
More about Kitchen Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Renton, WA? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Renton, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Renton, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,048 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Central Kitchen Assistant

Central Kitchen Assistant

Seattle Public Schools

Seattle, WA

$21.35 - $25.70/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Seattle Public Schools rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 559 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Overview of Position This position's responsibility, under the direction of the Central Kitchen Lead or designee, is to assist in the preparation/distribution of nutritious and wholesome food items following District procedures and standards; may be required to substitute in school location on an emergency basis. Essential Functions Assists in the preparation, packaging and distribution of nutritious and wholesome food items that are of high quality, have eye appeal and meet cost parameters following standardized procedures and in accordance with established work schedules; follows recipes, production sheets, portioning standards; uses appropriate equipment. Assists in cleaning, maintaining and troubleshooting kitchen equipment; troubleshoots equipment issues immediately to minimize and avoid downtime and/or repair; reports malfunctions immediately to supervisor.

Completes daily work activities in assigned food preparation areas, tray line or dispersion in time allocated under direction of Lead or designee. May be assigned to work in school location when needed. Complies with all food safety and sanitation procedures; understands HACCP procedures and assists in maintaining HACCP records.

Rotates and assists unit employees in food preparation, tray line and dispersion tasks; participates in on-the-job training to maintain the operation of the central kitchen. Promotes SPS and Nutrition Services Department Vision, Mission and Goals Participates in food safety and sanitation training yearly OTHER FUNCTIONS Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS Works under general supervision of the Central Kitchen Lead or designee.

WORKING CONDITIONS Required to shift tasks and priorities; required to stand and walk for prolonged periods; performs repetitive tasks; experience frequent interruptions; required to think logically and creatively; requires mental concentration; requires flexibility and adaptability; requires effective decision-making and problem solving; requires individual initiative and teamwork; required to communicate clearly with diverse audiences; required to operate commercial kitchen equipment; requires mechanical aptitude to master operation of complex equipment; required to lift objects weighing up to 25 pounds in accordance with established guidelines; required to assume positions, perform movements, and demonstrate stamina and exertions needed to prepare meals. May be exposed to general cleaning chemicals. May work in freezer and/or refrigeration units for extended periods of time.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of: Food preparation techniques and procedures Food Safety and Sanitation Basic Math Modern methods of food preparation, including recipe adjustment Acceptable product standards, including quality and sanitation aspects Basic math Basic computer operation Skill in: Use English communication orally and in writing Team work Ability to: Do simple mathematical calculations Follow instructions and use fundamentals of food preparation techniques and procedures following approved safety and sanitation requirements Learn Federal, State and Local requirements for the National School Lunch Programs Operate all types of commercial kitchen equipment, including a mechanical aptitude for operating/adjusting complex equipment Establish and maintain good working relationships with a variety of employees Work under supervision Typical Qualifications LICENSES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Valid Food Handler's Permit Must possess a valid WA Food Handler's Permit

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