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Kitchen Associate Jobs in Madera, CA (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Team

Kerman, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $24.50/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 ...

Kitchen Team

Clovis, CA

$21.50 - $24.50/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 ...

Kitchen Team

Madera, CA

$21.50 - $24.50/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 ...

Kitchen Team

Fresno, CA

$21.50 - $24.50/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 ...

Kitchen Team

Fresno, CA

$21.50 - $24.50/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 ...

Kitchen Team

Fresno, CA

$21.50 - $24.50/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 ...

Kitchen Team

Fresno, CA

$21.50 - $24.50/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 ...

Kitchen Team

Fresno, CA

$21.50 - $24.50/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 ...

Kitchen Team

Clovis, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $24.50/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 ...

Kitchen Team

Fresno, CA

$21.50 - $24.50/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 ...

Kitchen Team

Fresno, CA

$21.50 - $24.50/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 ...

Kitchen Team

Fresno, CA

$21.50 - $24.50/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 ...

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Kitchen Associate information

See Madera, CA salary details

$9

$19

$32

How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Madera, CA is $19.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $20.67 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 Madera, CA? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Madera, CA are:
What cities near Madera, CA are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs? Cities near Madera, CA with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:

$21.50 - $24.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

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


Panda Express rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 731 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 106 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

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 supportive work environment with team members who become friends. There’s always something new to learn, do, and accomplish. If you don’t have experience, we’ll train you! You’ll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go. We’re all about giving back, so you’ll also get the chance to impact your community through our Panda Cares initiative. Let’s work together.


Essential Functions for Kitchen Team Associates:

  • Provides exceptional dining experience to Guests – Greeting Guests, Serving food and handling payments at cash register
  • Maintains the cleanliness and appearance of the store
  • Follows Operations Standards and Safety Procedure to serve fresh and quality food
  • Works efficiently in fast paced kitchen environment, and may work at different positions – Front counter, Drive Through or Kitchen 
  • Work effectively with team members to meet daily goals in a fun, positive environment.


Qualification:

  • Friendly and helpful team members 
  • Operations experience is a plus
  • Some high school
  • Food Handler certification may be required depending on local requirements, acquired at your expense


How we reward you:**


  • Flexible schedules
  • Great pay
  • Free meals while working at Panda
  • Medical, Vision, Dental, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Cancer Income Protection insurance for full-time associates
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending accounts
  • 401K with company match
  • Vacation, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave and Leave Share Program for eligible associates 
  • Associate discounts for many brands
  • Referral bonus for eligible associates
  • Opportunity to give back to your community
  • Hands-on paid training to prepare you for success
  • On-Going Career & Leadership Development
  • Opportunities for growth into management positions
  • Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Please refer to https://www.pandacareers.com/files/PRG_HR_Recruiting_Benefits.pdf for details.


**Candidates must meet, and continue to meet if employed, eligibility requirements for each benefit to qualify.

ADA Statement:

While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and work quickly without losing accuracy. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchens are hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and the ability to manage conflicts/difficult situations.

Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You’re wanted here:

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to TASupport@PandaRG.com.

Pay Range: $21.5 per hour - $24.5 per hour


*Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.



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About Panda Express

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panda Express is a leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, specializing in American Chinese cuisine. It was established in 1983 in Glendale, California by Andrew and Peggy Cherng and has grown to become the largest Asian segment restaurant chain in the United States, with in excess of 2,200 locations. Its headquarters are located in Rosemead, California. The eatery offers a variety of menu items, including their signature dish, Orange Chicken, along with other favorites like Kung Pao Chicken and Beef and Broccoli. Guided by their mission to "deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences," Panda Express is beloved by many for its convenience, consistently high quality, and innovative twists on traditional Chinese dishes.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rosemead, CA, US