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Kitchen Associate Jobs in Cleveland, OH (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Associate

Hudson, OH · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

  • PTO

Culturally, we are an associate-first company that emphasizes quality of life for every associate ... Acquire and share knowledge of Kitchen Department. * Monitor and maintain all food handling and ...

Kitchen Associate

Bedford, OH · On-site

$15/hr

As a FriendShip Kitchen Associate , you'll be at the center of the action, helping create great experiences for customers every day. Whether you're preparing and serving fresh food, connecting with ...

As a FriendShip Kitchen Associate , you'll be at the center of the action, helping create great experiences for customers every day. Whether you're preparing and serving fresh food, connecting with ...

As a FriendShip Kitchen Associate , you'll be at the center of the action, helping create great experiences for customers every day. Whether you're preparing and serving fresh food, connecting with ...

Kitchen Associate

Aurora, OH · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

  • PTO

Culturally, we are an associate-first company that emphasizes quality of life for every associate ... Acquire and share knowledge of Kitchen Department. * Monitor and maintain all food handling and ...

A FriendShip Retail Sales Associate is responsible for delivering amazing customer service ... Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and prep area in compliance with Company and ...

As a FriendShip Kitchen Associate , you'll be at the center of the action, helping create great experiences for customers every day. Whether you're preparing and serving fresh food, connecting with ...

Kitchen Associate

OH · On-site

$15/hr

As a FriendShip Kitchen Associate , you'll be at the center of the action, helping create great experiences for customers every day. Whether you're preparing and serving fresh food, connecting with ...

Kitchen Associate

Bedford, OH · On-site

$15/hr

  • Retirement

Our Retail Sales Associates are the heart of our stores - delivering Wicked Awesome Customer ... Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and prep area in compliance with Company and ...

Kitchen Associate

Avon, OH · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

  • PTO

Culturally, we are an associate-first company that emphasizes quality of life for every associate ... Acquire and share knowledge of Kitchen Department. * Monitor and maintain all food handling and ...

Kitchen Associate

Chagrin Falls, OH · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

  • PTO

Culturally, we are an associate-first company that emphasizes quality of life for every associate ... Acquire and share knowledge of Kitchen Department. * Monitor and maintain all food handling and ...

Kitchen Team

Northfield, OH

$17 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

Kitchen Team

Mentor, OH

$17 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

Kitchen Team

Cuyahoga Falls, OH

$17 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Kitchen Associate information

See Cleveland, OH salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Cleveland, OH is $18.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.57 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 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 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.

Can I work in a kitchen as a Kitchen Associate with no experience?

Kitchen Associate positions often do not require prior experience, as employers typically provide on-the-job training for tasks like food preparation and cleaning. Basic skills such as teamwork, reliability, and a willingness to learn are valued, and some roles may require food safety certifications which can be obtained quickly. Entry-level roles are suitable for individuals new to the industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Cleveland, OH?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Cleveland, OH are:

What cities near Cleveland, OH are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs?

Cities near Cleveland, OH with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description


Hourly Pay starting at $15.00!  Base pay increases every 90 days during the first two years!  


Weekly Pay | Flexible Hours | Promotions | Bonuses | Benefits

Apply today and join the FriendShip Family!

Why Work at FriendShip? 


Want a career with room for growth where you can make money, gain experience, and actually have a stake in the company's success? At FriendShip, every employee is an owner. We're all about teamwork, growth, and creating opportunities for people who want to work hard, have fun, and build something meaningful together.


As a FriendShip Kitchen Associate, you'll be at the center of the action, helping create great experiences for customers every day. Whether you're preparing and serving fresh food, connecting with guests, or working alongside an awesome team, no two shifts are exactly the same. In this hands-on role, you'll prepare, cook, and serve food items according to established recipes and presentation standards while maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment. This is a great opportunity to build valuable customer service, food preparation, and teamwork skills, stay active throughout your shift, and make a real impact. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment, meeting new people, and being part of a team that supports each other, FriendShip is the place for you!


We're looking for friendly, dependable people who love working with others that want to be a part of creating great customer experiences. People who bring positive energy, put safety first, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy being part of a team. If you're eager to learn, ready to grow, and take pride in a job well done, you'll feel right at home at FriendShip!


Skills & Qualifications:


Required:

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Experience working in a fast-paced retail or customer-facing environment

Availability to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays 

Basic math and reading proficiency with strong attention to detail 


Preferred:

Experience in retail, convenience, customer-facing roles, or quick-service restaurants 

Familiarity with food preparation or food-safety procedures

Requirements

Physical Demands and Environmental Condition:


Frequent

  • Walking, standing, bending, stooping, climbing, squatting
  • Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.
  • Pushing/pulling
  • Reaching, grasping, and using hands for extended periods
  • Speaking with guests, vendors, and team members
  • Exposure to hot and cold temperatures
  • Exposure to outdoor weather (emptying trash, handling deliveries, clearing walkways of snow, etc.)
  • Working in general store conditions (noise, aromas, refrigerated areas)

Occasional

  • Extended cleaning tasks
  • Occasional ladder use
  • Periods of higher physical exertion during deliveries or peak business time