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Kitchen Associate Jobs in Frankfort, KY (NOW HIRING)

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team

Lexington, KY · On-site

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 ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team

Lexington, KY

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 ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team

Lexington, KY

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 ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team

Frankfort, KY

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 ...

Applebee's

Kitchen Manager

Nicholasville, KY · On-site

As the Kitchen Manager, you would be responsible for the back of the house and all of its functions ... This position will direct the activities of back-of-the-house hourly associates, ensuring ...

Applebee's

Kitchen Manager

Georgetown, KY · On-site

As the Kitchen Manager, you would be responsible for the back of the house and all of its functions ... This position will direct the activities of back-of-the-house hourly associates, ensuring ...

Applebee's

Kitchen Manager

Georgetown, KY · On-site

As the Kitchen Manager, you would be responsible for the back of the house and all of its functions ... This position will direct the activities of back-of-the-house hourly associates, ensuring ...

Applebee's

Kitchen Manager

Lexington, KY · On-site

As the Kitchen Manager, you would be responsible for the back of the house and all of its functions ... This position will direct the activities of back-of-the-house hourly associates, ensuring ...

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Kitchen Associate information

See Frankfort, KY salary details

$8

$16

$27

How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Frankfort, KY is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $17.55 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 Frankfort, KY?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Frankfort, KY are:

What cities near Frankfort, KY are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs?

Cities near Frankfort, KY with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:

Kitchen Associate jobs near you

STEPS Teaching Kitchen Associate

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

$17/hr

Temporary

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 629 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
STEPS Teaching Kitchen Associate
Requisition Number
TE09490
Department Name
81500:Dietetics and Human Nutrition
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Salary Range
$17.00/hour
Type of Position
Temporary
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
Required Related Experience
Required License/Registration/Certification
Physical Requirements
Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs., working teaching kitchen environment with exposure to smells and heat.
Shift
Work Shift
7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
Expected # of Hours Per Week
40
Job Summary
Are you passionate about food, education, and creating memorable experiences? Join our team as the STEPS Teaching Kitchen Associate and play a key role in bringing culinary education to life! This position is the heartbeat of the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition's Teaching Kitchen, serving as the primary contact for educational and outreach programming.
In this dynamic role, you'll work hands-on in the kitchen to support meal preparation and collaborate closely with students and community members in interactive culinary and nutrition activities. You'll help maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment while ensuring events run smoothly and participants feel supported and inspired.
Beyond the kitchen, you'll take on administrative responsibilities such as scheduling, training, and coordinating participants, while fostering strong relationships with internal and external partners. This is an opportunity to combine organizational skills with culinary creativity to make a real impact on campus and in the community.
If you love food, enjoy working with people, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, this role is for you!
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Project management, culinary skills, ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain) interpersonal and oral communications, time management and task prioritization.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply
09/03/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

What University Of Kentucky employees say

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About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865

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