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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Phoenix House

Kitchen Assistant (57627)

Queens, NY · On-site

$17.78 - $26.68/hr

As a Kitchen Assistant at Phoenix House, you will assist with prep work in the kitchen and supports the cook in providing three meals per day for all patients. If this sounds like you, we invite you ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ

Kitchen Assistant information

See Ridgewood, NJ salary details

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How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Ridgewood, NJ is $15.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Most jobs that pay $2,000 a day are high-level positions such as specialized surgeons, corporate executives, or successful entrepreneurs. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, or significant responsibilities, and often involve long hours or high stress. Such earnings are uncommon for entry-level or standard roles like a kitchen assistant.

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 or certifications in food safety or hygiene, such as a food handler's certificate, can be beneficial. Good communication skills, the ability to work in a team, and physical stamina are also important for the role.

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 kitchen cleanliness. They may assist chefs by organizing ingredients, washing dishes, and ensuring the kitchen meets health and safety standards. Basic cooking skills and knowledge of sanitation are often required for this role.

How much is the salary of a Kitchen Assistant?

The average salary of a Kitchen Assistant typically ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and the employer. Entry-level positions may start at minimum wage, and some roles offer additional benefits or opportunities for advancement.
More about Kitchen Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Ridgewood, NJ? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Ridgewood, NJ are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Ridgewood, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Ridgewood, NJ are:
What cities near Ridgewood, NJ are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities near Ridgewood, NJ with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Ridgewood, NJ as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,425 per year, or $15.6 per hour.
Kitchen Asst-Resident Camp

Kitchen Asst-Resident Camp

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges

New Milford, NJ • On-site

$2.0K - $2.5K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Kitchen Assistant is responsible for assisting the cooks and Food Service Director in the kitchen and dining halls ensuring the kitchen is clean and efficiently operational. The Kitchen Assistant may assist in preparation of ingredients under the guidance of cooks and Food Service Director.

YMCA of Greater Bergen County operates traditional day and resident camps in Harriman State Park, NY, along Lake Kanawauke, providing a beautiful natural setting. The camp is 45 minutes from Hackensack, where our YMCA is located; all counselors and campers are bused to camp from the YMCA. Camp activities include swimming, boating, fishing, arts & crafts, sports & games, archery, nature, hiking, rock climbing, and challenge/low ropes course.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Works as part of team to ensure food preparation areas are clean and hygienic.
  • Prepare cruiser car with necessary dishes, silverware, trays, etc., and sets up dining hall for each meal including dirty dish rack, rag and silverware buckets, brooms, and dust pans.
  • Assists in food preparation of meals according to the cook, which includes salad preparation and all items for salad bar, condiments, bread, butter, juice, water, milk, etc., desserts and other items as required.
  • Serves food from serving counter putting out all necessary items for consumption.
  • After meals, returns unused portions of food to kitchen counters and assist with organization of leftovers according to cook.
  • Clean up serving areas including sanitizing, scrubbing counters, bringing in dirty dish racks, silverware and buckets, unused dishes, sweeping and mopping serving area and disposal of garbage.
  • Adhere to procedures and rules of dish machine operation and while at the sink for pots.
  • Daily and weekly cleaning as assigned ensuring kitchen, dining and storage areas are safe, clean and orderly.
  • Follow and abide by the state health codes when handling food.
  • May assist unloading shipment of food and supplies as needed.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Requirements:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School Diploma, college credits/degree in Education preferred.
  • Basic understanding of food preparation, culinary arts, kitchen equipment and hygienic processes.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communication with all levels.
  • Ability to problem solve and take initiative that adhere to the purpose, mission and goals of the YMCA.
  • Ability to work as part of a team, as a role model and take initiative to identify potential risk factors and take measures to reduce them.
  • First-Aid, CPR and AED certification may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDSMust be capable of being on your feet for long periods and move about the kitchen easily and quickly. Must be capable of bending, kneeling, squatting and lifting 30 pounds. Must be able to use kitchen equipment safely; operate electrical and mechanical equipment. Must be able to hear whistle or alarms.