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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

... assist with special event menus • Support guest satisfaction by solving problems quickly and professionally What We're Looking For • 5+ years of high-volume kitchen experience • 2+ years of BOH ...

Cook

Hadley, MA · On-site

$17 - $19.50/hr

Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies. * Interact positively with residents, staff, and ...

Cook

Holyoke, MA

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies. * Interact positively with residents, staff, and ...

Kitchen Manager

Hadley, MA · On-site

$5.2K/mo

As a Kitchen Manager your responsibilities would include: * Supervising and overseeing the ... Assisting with the development of all key employees, assistant managers, and hourly employees by ...

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

Kitchen Designer

Wilbraham, MA · On-site

$20.50/hr

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

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Kitchen Assistant information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Springfield, MA is $15.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $16.54 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 Springfield, MA?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,935 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Floater Kitchen Assistant - JOB ID# 13908

Capitol Region Education Council

Hartford, CT

$14 - $17.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Kitchen Assistant - Various Locations
Position Purpose: 
Under the direction of the CREC's Food Service Manager and Kitchen Manager, the kitchen assistant will assist in the daily preparation, serving, accounting and the clean-up of any part of breakfast or lunch service provided at the food service site.  Assignments vary on a daily basis as the menu changes or as required by the activity at the food service location assigned.



Essential Job Functions:

  • Assists in the preparation of all lunches, breakfasts, adult meals, catering activities and a la carte meal items. The Kitchen Assistant will assist in the preparation of any part of the meal as assigned by the supervisor with assignments varying on a daily basis as the menu changes.
  • Operates safely and efficiently all Food Service equipment in the kitchen to which he/she is assigned.
  • Assists in the service of meals to students and adults. (This may involve transporting food, setting up and serving on the serving line, returning food to storage, and cleaning the service counter and area.)
  • Instructs and interacts with other full-time and part time food service workers.
  • Cleans the kitchen, related areas and equipment - washing and drying counters, pots, pans, utensils and equipment. (These examples are meant to illustrate the types of cleaning one ordinarily expects in an institutional food service kitchen; however, other cleaning may be required by the supervisor.)
  • Assists in providing a catering type service to school and community groups, as required.
  • Maintains production and service records related to his/her work as required by the supervisor.
  • Provides cashiering services
  • May supervise students in the feeding area, as needed.
  • Additional duties as directed by supervisor

Additional Duties:

  • Additional duties as directed by supervisor

Equipment:

  • Experience using kitchen equipment, i.e. ovens, toasters, slicing machines, cash registers

Travel Requirements:

  • Travel not require unless directed by supervisor

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Successful completion of a probationary work period.
  • Must be able to lift/move heavy boxes & materials 50lbs or more independently
  • Experience in quantity food production, a related commercial restaurant experience or a combination of both is desirable.
  • Knowledge in the use of food service equipment in a safe and efficient manner. (desirable)
  • Demonstrate the ability to work independently and effectively communicate verbally and in writing with supervisor and other department employees.
  • Demonstrate the ability to deal effectively and courteously with students, food service department staff and school personnel.
  • Demonstrate a general knowledge of safe food handling principles as well as personal hygiene.
  • Demonstrate a general knowledge of quantity food production. (desirable)

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards: 

  • Ability to stand on feet for long periods of time
  • Must be able to lift/move heavy boxes & materials 50lbs or more independently

Qualifications Profile: 

  • High school diploma and previous food service experience required
  • Food Protection Certification Program (ServSafe)/Certified Food Protection Manager desirable.
  • Nutrikids System a plus, but not required
  • Proficient computer skills

FLSA Status: Non-exempt
To access the job description and salary range please click https://www.crec.org/careers/jobs.php