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Kitchen Associate Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Associate

Aurora, IL

$14 - $18/hr

Kitchen Associate Factor_ a brand of HelloFresh is seeking a Kitchen Associate. Team Members are responsible for accurately preparing and packing ingredients for at-home recipe meal kits. Shifts-1st, ...

Kitchen Associate Factor_ a brand of HelloFresh is seeking a Kitchen Associate. Team Members are responsible for accurately preparing and packing ingredients for at-home recipe meal kits. Shifts-1st, ...

New

Kitchen Associate Factor_ a brand of HelloFresh is seeking a Kitchen Associate. Team Members are responsible for accurately preparing and packing ingredients for at-home recipe meal kits. Shifts-1st, ...

Kitchen Associate Factor_ a brand of HelloFresh is seeking a Kitchen Associate. Team Members are responsible for accurately preparing and packing ingredients for at-home recipe meal kits. Shifts-1st, ...

Kitchen Associate

Bannockburn, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Our culture is rooted in an associate-first philosophy , placing a strong emphasis on the well ... Acquire and share knowledge of Kitchen Department. * Monitor and maintain all food handling and ...

New

Kitchen Team

Batavia, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Kitchen Team Associate 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 ...

New

Kitchen Team

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$17.15 - $20.15/hr

Kitchen Team Associate 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 ...

New

Kitchen Team

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$17.15 - $20.15/hr

Kitchen Team Associate 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 ...

New

Kitchen Team

Batavia, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Kitchen Team Associate 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 ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

Schaumburg, IL

$17.15 - $20.15/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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 Elgin, IL salary details

$9

$18

$31

How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Elgin, IL is $18.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $19.95 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 Elgin, IL?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:


HelloFresh
Food Services and Drinking Places • 1 - 5K employees

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 24 rated food delivery companies

Paid breaks

Recommended by parents

Uninterrupted breaks


$14 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Kitchen Associate

Factor_ a brand of HelloFresh is seeking a Kitchen Associate. Team Members are responsible for accurately preparing and packing ingredients for at-home recipe meal kits. 

Shifts-1st, 2nd and 3rd

You will...

  • Perform cold food prep (chopping, slicing, portioning) 
  • Portion ingredients into individual food packaging
  • Delicately pack weekly recipe ingredients into a standard shipping box 
  • Sticker, construct, and organize packaging materials
  • Follow GMP policies 
  • Promptly communicate all safety related issues and concerns
  • Clean and general warehouse maintenance
  • Perform any and all other functions as determined by management 

You are...

  • Able to stand on your feet and work between 8-12 hours per shift
  • Able to grasp objects and lift up to 50lbs.
  • Able to work in a cold prep area located in a walk-in refrigerator kept at 35 degrees
  • Able to withstand temperatures ranging from 30 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit 

You have...

  • High School Diploma or equivalent 
  • Attention to detail and quality control 
  • Able to work as part of a team and individually 
  • Ability to read, write, and understand English 
  • Must be at least 18 years old.

You'll get...

  • Competitive salary, 401k with company match that vests immediately upon participation,
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits with options at $0 monthly, effective first day of employment
  • Up to 85% discount on subscriptions to HelloFresh meal plans (HelloFresh, Green Chef, Everyplate, and Factor_)   
  • Access to 7 different Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) including those for BIPOC, women, veterans, parents, and LGBTQ+
  • Inclusive, collaborative, and dynamic work environment within a fast-paced, mission-driven company that is disrupting the traditional food supply chain

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities. However, the Company reserves the right to adjust, modify, or reassign work tasks and responsibilities as needed to meet changing business needs, operational requirements, or other factors.

#factor


HelloFresh logo

About HelloFresh

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

HelloFresh is a meal-kit company based in Berlin, Germany. It is the largest meal-kit provider in the United States and also has operations in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, as well as Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Italy, Ireland, Spain and Scandinavia). HelloFresh’s mission is to change the way people eat forever by helping consumers save money with every meal, democratizing access to high-quality food, allowing everyone to enjoy a varied and tasty diet, and reducing food waste through CO2 neutral delivery of every box.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US


What HelloFresh employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom