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Kitchen Associate Jobs in Lancaster, PA (NOW HIRING)

A Dining Associate at Country Meadows plays a key role in our residents' dining experience. Here ... Dining room/ Kitchen-related experience preferred. * A positive customer service attitude ...

Seafood Sales Associate

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Meat Sales Associate

Mount Joy, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Meat Sales Associate

Manheim, PA · On-site

$12.50 - $17/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Meat Sales Associate

Mount Joy, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Seafood Sales Associate

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Seafood Sales Associate

Gap, PA · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Meat Sales Associate

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Seafood Sales Associate

Manheim, PA · On-site

$12.50 - $17/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Seafood Sales Associate

Red Lion, PA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Meat Sales Associate

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Seafood Sales Associate

York, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Meat Sales Associate

Manheim, PA

$12.50 - $17/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Seafood Sales Associate

York, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Seafood Sales Associate

Red Lion, PA

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Seafood Sales Associate

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

Looking for a company that treats associates with respect, understanding, and appreciation? Looking ... Adheres to all food and personal safety codes when handling product or utilizing kitchen tools.

Showing results 21-40

Kitchen Associate information

See Lancaster, PA salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Lancaster, PA is $18.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $19.62 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 Lancaster, PA? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Lancaster, PA are:
What cities near Lancaster, PA are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs? Cities near Lancaster, PA with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:

Dining Associate

Country Meadows

Wyomissing, PA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Pay starts at $15/hour, with the opportunity to earn more based on experience.
A Dining Associate at Country Meadows plays a key role in our residents' dining experience. Here, you will receive a consistently set paycheck, benefits and paid vacation. We are seeking individuals who value the company of older adults, hold high standards for quality service and thrive in creating personalized experiences all while enjoying themselves. We are located in the Wyomissing (Reading) area.
Current Opportunity: 7am-2pm FT & Per Diem/Flex schedule, picking up shifts when available.
Our investment in you:
  • Competitive pay with the opportunity to earn more based on experience
  • Length of service bonus awards
  • PayActiv On-Demand Pay - Work today, get paid tomorrow
  • Comprehensive benefits including Highmark Blue Shield for medical
  • Excellent vision and dental
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Generous paid time off and roll over of unused time
  • Paid holidays including your birthday and a Personal Day of Meaning
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • Company-paid short-term disability
  • Supplemental short- and long-term disability plans
  • Family and medical leave
  • Paid bereavement and jury duty leave
  • Wellness reimbursement incentives
  • $2 meals on our campuses including a main dish, a side, drink and dessert

Our support for you:
  • Family-owned, private company based in Hershey, Pa.
  • Direct access to your supervisory team
  • Incentivized career paths and tuition reimbursement
  • On-the-job training and continuing education
  • Employee assistance program for you and your family
  • Co-worker Foundation (grants for in time of need)
  • Helping Hand interest-free loans

Dining Associate Responsibilities:
  • Engage with residents by getting to know their preferences, special accommodations, personal interests and friendly exchanges.
  • Prepares dining room for meals.
  • Keeps all dining areas clean/maintains cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Assists residents with menu selector sheets.
  • Properly cleans and sanitizes the dishes and silverware per company standards.
  • Is responsible for floor maintenance in the dish room, kitchen and dining areas.
  • Maintains a clean, organized work environment.

Dining Associate Requirements:
  • Dining room/ Kitchen-related experience preferred.
  • A positive customer service attitude demonstrating respect, friendliness and willingness to serve others.
  • Ability to work and collaborate well with others.
  • Multi-tasking capabilities
  • Ability to perform the physical tasks required in this type of role.
  • Have the ability to understand and speak English at a level which allows the safe, efficient performance of the job.

About Country Meadows:
We have over 2500 co-workers who are serving our residents with meaning, thriving with purpose and leading our company with innovation! We have been serving seniors for over 30 years, and we invite you to join our vision for making lives better.
This position is located at our Wyomissing campus, in the Reading area.
EOE
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.