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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Dave & Buster's

Assistant Kitchen Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Compensation is from $65,000 USD to $70,000 USD per year WHAT IS AN ASSISTANT KITCHEN MANAGER? As the leaders of the Kitchen, AKMs are the culinary experts who keep our Kitchens in pristine operating ...

ROKICA LLC

Kitchen staff

Moonachie, NJ · On-site

$16 - $23/hr

Work fryer stations and assist with other kitchen tasks as needed * Support team members during busy periods * Follow all food safety regulations, sanitation and proper food handling procedures

ROKICA LLC

Kitchen staff

Moonachie, NJ · On-site

$16 - $23/hr

Work fryer stations and assist with other kitchen tasks as needed * Support team members during busy periods * Follow all food safety regulations, sanitation and proper food handling procedures

ROKICA LLC

Kitchen staff

Moonachie, NJ · On-site

$16 - $23/hr

Work fryer stations and assist with other kitchen tasks as needed * Support team members during busy periods * Follow all food safety regulations, sanitation and proper food handling procedures

Cedar grill and pizza

Be Seen First

Kitchen Team Member

Caldwell, NJ · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Duties * Assist in food preparation by chopping, assembling ingredients, and following recipes to ensure quality and consistency * Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen area, including ...

USHG

Kitchen Extern

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18/hr

Kitchen Externs are expected to have a strong passion for food, an eagerness to develop and build ... Work with the prep and receiving team to receive, label, and store market deliveries * Assist line ...

Union Square Cafe

Kitchen Extern

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18/hr

Kitchen Externs are expected to have a strong passion for food, an eagerness to develop and build ... Work with the prep and receiving team to receive, label, and store market deliveries * Assist line ...

Athenian Fresh Grill

Assistant Manager

North Arlington, NJ · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Follow health and safety regulations in the kitchen * Assist with inventory and kitchen cleanliness ... Skills & Qualifications * Passion for cooking and working with fresh ingredients * Ability to work ...

Compass Group

PACK OUT - CENTRAL KITCHEN

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$18/hr

Requirement : Previous kitchen experience is preferred. * Fixed Pay Rate: $18.00 per hour ... The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with ...

Little greece

Be Seen First

Kitchen Team Member

Bronx, NY · On-site

$680/wk

must have some work experience in a commercial kitchen

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

Kitchen Assistant information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Rutherford, NJ is $15.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $16.92 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.
More about Kitchen Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Rutherford, NJ?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:

What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,670 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant

40 Dreams Catering LLC

Westfield, NJ

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Benefits/Perks
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Career Advancement Opportunities
Job Summary
We are seeking a Dishwasher to join our team! In this role, you will be responsible for keeping the kitchen clean. This includes washing dishes, sweeping, mopping, dusting, wiping down equipment, and other tasks as assigned by management. There is also an opportunity to assist the chef with prepping and plating meals. The person in this position will also need to make food deliveries at times or run to the store if necessary. The ideal candidate is hardworking and reliable! If you’re looking for an opportunity to get started in the food industry with a growing company reach out today! 

Responsibilities 
  • Remove food from plates and pans
  • Wash dishes and put items away in proper areas
  • Sweep and mop floors
  • Monitor levels of detergent and cleaning supplies
  • Follow all health and safety guidelines
  • Assist the chef with light food prep/plating
  • Participate in team meetings
  • Perform other cleaning duties, as assigned
  • Run errands when requested
Qualifications
  • Hard worker with a strong work ethic 
  • Positive attitude
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including standing for long periods, walking up and down stairs, carrying 25-50 lbs on occasion, and bending repeatedly 
  • Clean criminal and driving history