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Kitchen Associate Jobs in Birmingham, AL (NOW HIRING)

This role will create positive leadership by providing guidance and training to the Kitchen associates in proper preparation techniques, equipment usage, and safety measures. This role will visually ...

Competent use of various Menu Ordering Kiosks, Kitchen Management System, and transaction devices ... Provide responsive communication with store management and fellow associates * Safely and ...

Competent use of various Menu Ordering Kiosks, Kitchen Management System, and transaction devices ... Provide responsive communication with store management and fellow associates * Safely and ...

Store Associate

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$10 - $15/hr

Restaurant Associates are high-energy team players who serve our customers and produce the finest ... Ensures restaurant cleanliness by cleaning and mopping the lobby, restrooms, and kitchen as needed.

Service Team

Alabaster, AL

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Works efficiently in fast paced kitchen environment, and may work at different positions - Front ...

Service Team

Birmingham, AL

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Works efficiently in fast paced kitchen environment, and may work at different positions - Front ...

Service Team

Hoover, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Works efficiently in fast paced kitchen environment, and may work at different positions - Front ...

Service Team (P1-1350032-1)

Hoover, AL · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Works efficiently in fast paced kitchen environment, and may work at different positions - Front ...

Service Team

Birmingham, AL

$13.50 - $18/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Works efficiently in fast paced kitchen environment, and may work at different positions - Front ...

Service Team

Birmingham, AL

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Works efficiently in fast paced kitchen environment, and may work at different positions - Front ...

Showing results 21-40

Kitchen Associate information

See Birmingham, AL salary details

$8

$17

$29

How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Birmingham, AL is $17.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen associate?

Kitchen associates are team members who assist with food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the overall organization of a kitchen. They typically work under the supervision of chefs or kitchen managers and help with tasks such as chopping ingredients, washing dishes, stocking supplies, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Kitchen associates play a vital role in keeping the kitchen running efficiently and supporting the culinary team in delivering quality meals.

What is the difference between Kitchen Associate vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectKitchen AssociateKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredMinimal formal credentials; on-the-job training provided
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesSimilar environments, often assisting kitchen staff
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in restaurants, hotels, catering companiesCommonly used interchangeably with Kitchen Associate in hospitality
Job ResponsibilitiesFood prep, dishwashing, maintaining cleanlinessAssisting with basic food prep, cleaning, stocking supplies

Overall, Kitchen Associates typically have more defined responsibilities and may require basic certifications, while Kitchen Helpers focus on assisting with daily tasks and cleaning. Both roles are essential in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kitchen Associate, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic cooking techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills that set candidates apart. These competencies ensure efficient kitchen operations, compliance with health standards, and consistently high-quality food preparation.

What are some typical challenges a kitchen associate faces during busy service periods, and how can they be managed?

During peak meal times, Kitchen Associates often face challenges such as high order volumes, tight deadlines, and maintaining quality standards under pressure. To manage these, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and prioritize tasks efficiently. Many kitchens operate with a strong sense of teamwork, so supporting colleagues and asking for help when needed can make a big difference. Developing good time management skills and staying calm under pressure are essential for success in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Birmingham, AL? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Birmingham, AL are:
What cities near Birmingham, AL are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs? Cities near Birmingham, AL with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:

Lead Cook $18.00/hr Full-Time

PCH Hotels & Resorts

Birmingham, AL • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

As a member of our hospitality team, the primary responsibility of a Lead Cook is to supervise the kitchen staff in the absence of the Chef and ensure the maintenance of food quality. This role will create positive leadership by providing guidance and training to the Kitchen associates in proper preparation techniques, equipment usage, and safety measures. This role will visually inspect and select the freshest ingredients for menu items, follow recipes, and prepare requisitions for supplies. A crucial part of this role is monitoring production flow, adhering to cost and quality control procedures, maintaining menu specifications and recipes, updating production forecasts, and ensuring compliance with health regulations for receiving, storage, and rotation of foods.

  • Train and supervise kitchen staff in the proper preparation of menu items, equipment handling, and adherence to safety measures. Regularly evaluate their performance and provide guidance as needed to maintain the production of high-quality products.
  • Conduct sensory evaluations (taste, smell, and visual inspection) of all products and mise en place before service to ensure only top-quality ingredients and correct recipes are used.
  • Promptly report any substandard or low-quality products to the Supervisor or Chef, ensuring immediate attention and resolution.
  • Ensure accurate timing and pace during service to guarantee that guests receive their food in a timely and appropriate manner.
  • Ensure the schedule of culinary staff is followed, and when modifications are necessary, follow the direction of culinary supervisors and chefs.
  • Observe production flow and make adjustments to adhere to cost and quality control procedures.
  • Monitor and enforce proper receiving, storage (including temperature setting), and rotation of food products to comply with Health Department regulations, including proper labeling, dating, and storage containers to maintain product freshness.
  • Conduct daily taste panels to verify that all dishes are perfectly seasoned and suitable to be served.
  • Assign specific duties to all kitchen employees under the supervision of the kitchen supervisor to ensure efficient kitchen operations and service.
  • Maintain, update, and ensure adherence to all menu specifications, recipes, and production forecasts. Also, ensure that all kitchen equipment is clean, properly maintained, and promptly report any equipment in need of repair to culinary supervisors and chefs.
  • Foster positive working relationships with all team members in the department and throughout the hotel, promoting a culture of teamwork and collaboration.
  • Handle and store all equipment properly, keeping the service line and related areas clean at all times by following the clean as you go policy. Utilize sanitizers to disinfect all food contact surfaces.
  • Prioritize proper setup of workstations before all meal functions to maximize efficiency during food service.