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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

THE SHEPHERDS TABLE, INC

Kitchen Assistant

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Kitchen Assistant FLSA Status : Non-Exempt Reporting Requirement: Essential Assists Chef on duty to prepare nutritious meals Operation of cargo van to make daily meal deliveries, as needed. Greets ...

Dash In

Kitchen Assistant Manager

Pasadena, MD · On-site

$22.50 - $27/hr

Description Join the Dash In Team as our Kitchen Assistant Manager! Who We Are: Dash In is more than a convenience store-it's a community-focused brand that's part of the Wills Group family. With ...

Dash In

Kitchen Assistant Manager

Pasadena, MD · On-site

$22.50 - $27/hr

Join the Dash In Team as our Kitchen Assistant Manager! Who We Are: Dash In is more than a convenience store--it's a community-focused brand that's part of the Wills Group family. With over 50 ...

Dash In

Kitchen Assistant Manager

Pasadena, MD

$22.50 - $27/hr

Join the Dash In Team as our Kitchen Assistant Manager! Who We Are: Dash In is more than a convenience store--it's a community-focused brand that's part of the Wills Group family. With over 50 ...

Dash In

Kitchen Assistant Manager

Pasadena, MD · On-site

$22.50 - $27/hr

Description Position at Dash In Join the Dash In Team as our Kitchen Assistant Manager! Who We Are: Dash In is more than a convenience store-it's a community-focused brand that's part of the Wills ...

Dash In

Kitchen Assistant Manager

Pasadena, MD

$22.50 - $27/hr

As a Kitchen Assistant Manager, You Will: Leada team to ensure the smooth operation of our food service department, overseeing food preparation, inventory, and compliance with safety and quality ...

Dash In

Kitchen Assistant Manager

Pasadena, MD · On-site

$22.50 - $27/hr

As a Kitchen Assistant Manager, You Will: Leada team to ensure the smooth operation of our food service department, overseeing food preparation, inventory, and compliance with safety and quality ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC

Kitchen Assistant information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Washington, DC is $17.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a kitchen assistant a good first job?

A kitchen assistant is often a suitable first job because it provides basic skills such as food preparation, cleaning, and teamwork. It typically requires minimal prior experience and can help develop work ethic and time management in a fast-paced environment.

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 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 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 are needed to be a kitchen assistant?

Kitchen assistants typically do not require formal qualifications but should have basic cooking skills, good hygiene, and the ability to follow safety procedures. Some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, and relevant experience or certifications in food safety can be advantageous.

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 kitchen environment. They may wash dishes, organize supplies, and assist chefs or cooks as needed, often working in a fast-paced setting. Basic food safety and hygiene knowledge are important for this role.

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, teamwork, and knowledge of kitchen tools are important, and some positions may require food safety certifications. Flexibility with shifts and physical stamina are also beneficial for this role.
More about Kitchen Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Assistant jobs in Washington, DC? For Kitchen Assistant jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Washington, DC are:
Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,297 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Kitchen Assistant

THE SHEPHERDS TABLE, INC

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description:

Job Title: Kitchen Assistant

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reporting Requirement: Essential


Assists Chef on duty to prepare nutritious meals

Operation of cargo van to make daily meal deliveries, as needed.

Greets all donors professionally with respect and ensures that all donations are recorded and appropriately stored and organized in a timely manner to ensure food safety.
Ensures the cleanliness and maintenance of the kitchen equipment

Provides support and guidance to volunteers in the kitchen during mealtimes and encourages other ST volunteer involvement opportunities

Ensures that the kitchen/equipment/food and volunteers are fully in compliance with health regulations

Ensures the cleanliness of the kitchen, dining room, dish room, prep area, storage area, laundry room and utility room
Washes pots, pans and dishes, as needed

Secures the kitchen at all times

Ensures all trash is removed from the kitchen

Supports ST fundraising efforts through participation in events and other ways as needed

Assists in clean-up of the kitchen area and dining room as needed

Requirements:

Required: Minimum of 1 year experience working in a kitchen or dining room environment.

Preferred: High School Diploma or GED. Minimum 1 year experience working in a kitchen or dining room environment with food preparation skills. Experience working with vulnerable populations

Required License/Certification: Valid Driver's License. Food Handler certification