ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kitchen Assistant Jobs in State College, PA (NOW HIRING)

Home Depot

Kitchen Designer

State College, PA · On-site

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 ...

Home Depot

Kitchen Designer

State College, PA · On-site

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 ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

State College, PA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and sauté vegetables. You are responsible for making sure our food is absolutely delicious. You'll order the ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

State College, PA

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and sauté vegetables. You are responsible for making sure our food is absolutely delicious. You'll order the ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Huntingdon, PA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and sauté vegetables. You are responsible for making sure our food is absolutely delicious. You'll order the ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Bellefonte, PA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and sauté vegetables. You are responsible for making sure our food is absolutely delicious. You'll order the ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

State College, PA

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and sauté vegetables. You are responsible for making sure our food is absolutely delicious. You'll order the ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

State College, PA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and sauté vegetables. You are responsible for making sure our food is absolutely delicious. You'll order the ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Huntingdon, PA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and sauté vegetables. You are responsible for making sure our food is absolutely delicious. You'll order the ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

State College, PA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and sauté vegetables. You are responsible for making sure our food is absolutely delicious. You'll order the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in State College, PA

Kitchen Assistant information

See State College, PA salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in State College, PA is $15.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $16.20 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 State College, PA?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in State College, PA are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in State College, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in State College, PA are:

What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities near State College, PA with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,342 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Part-time Research Assistant - Petersen Kitchen

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Dr. Kristina Petersen's lab in the Department of Nutritional Sciences is seeking dynamic part-time research assistants to join our highly productive research kitchen for the summer (May to August 2026). The Kitchen produces tightly controlled meals and diets for research studies conducted at Penn State. The position involves preparing, cooking, and packing research meals and snacks according to standard protocols and recipes. In addition, the position involves engaging with research participants to provide instructions and assess adherence to the research protocol, research-related administrative tasks, and data entry. We seek candidates that are proactive, task- orientated, attentive to detail, and have excellent communication and organizational skills. Prior experiences in customer service or hospitality a plus, but a positive attitude, love of food and a willingness to learn and work as an individual or as part of a team depending on the task is the main requirement. Applicants must be willing to undertake training in human subjects research (training will be provided). The successful candidate will be available to work for at least 20 hours per week during the summer. This is an in-person job in State College, Pennsylvania. Applicants must submit a resume/CV and cover letter indicating their interest in the position and availability for the position during the summer.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines

What Penn State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply