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Kitchen Associate Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

PeopleShare

Production Associate

New Holland, PA

$17 - $18/hr

Any manufacturing, production, assembly line, restaurant kitchen, or similar experience will be ... associate, warehouse pick, order pick, warehouse pick pack, factory pick pack, factory warehouse ...

Redners Markets

Central Kitchen Clerk

West Lawn, PA · On-site

Central Kitchen associates, are expected to: Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision. Interact professionally with other employees, guests and suppliers. Work ...

Redner's

Central Kitchen Clerk

West Lawn, PA · On-site

Central Kitchen associates, are expected to: Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision. Interact professionally with other employees, guests and suppliers. Work ...

Redners Markets

Central Kitchen Cook

West Lawn, PA

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Central Kitchen associates, are expected to: * Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision. * Interact professionally with other employees, guests and suppliers. * Work ...

Redner's

Central Kitchen Cook

West Lawn, PA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Central Kitchen associates, are expected to: * Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision. * Interact professionally with other employees, guests and suppliers. * Work ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team

Temple, PA · 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

Pottstown, PA · 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

Pottstown, PA · 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 (P1-1377654-2)

Temple, PA · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/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 ...

Lucky Strike

Kitchen Manager

Sinking Spring, PA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

... Associates and nearly $1.4 billion in annual revenue. Hospitality is our core and we strive to ... Overview The Role As a Kitchen Manager at Lucky Strike Entertainment, you will lead the back of ...

Lucky Strike

Kitchen Manager

Sinking Spring, PA

$50K - $60K/yr

... Associates and nearly $1.4 billion in annual revenue. Hospitality is our core and we strive to ... Overview The Role As a Kitchen Manager at Lucky Strike Entertainment, you will lead the back of ...

Lucky Strike

Kitchen Manager

Sinking Spring, PA

$50K - $60K/yr

... Associates and nearly $1.4 billion in annual revenue. Hospitality is our core and we strive to ... Overview The Role As a Kitchen Manager at Lucky Strike Entertainment, you will lead the back of ...

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All JobsKitchen Associate JobsKitchen Associate Jobs in Reading, PA

Kitchen Associate information

See Reading, PA salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Reading, PA is $18.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $19.38 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 Reading, PA?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Reading, PA are:

What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs?

Cities near Reading, PA with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:

Kitchen Associate jobs near you

Production Associate

PeopleShare

New Holland, PA

$17 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

PeopleShare is NOW HIRING 1st Shift and Midday Shift Food Production Associates $17 - $18 per hour PLUS weekly bonus pay opportunity near New Holland, PA!
APPLY NOW or text Misty at 717-581-1005 TODAY!
Job Details for 1st Shift Production Worker:
  • Starting Pay Rate:
    • $17 - $18 per hour based on job title and experience level
    • + $3 Shift Differential for Saturday hours
  • Schedule:
    • 1st Shift: Mon-Saturday 7am-3:30pm Or 12pm-8:30pm
    • 5 day schedule with 1 weekday off
    • $3 per hour bonus for any Saturday hours worked
    • OT Available
  • Weekly pay via direct deposit
Job Responsibilities for 1st Shift Production Worker:
  • Machine Operation - Operate and maintain industrial food prep and cooking machinery
  • Use handheld tools to prep food - peel, chop, slice etc.
  • Follow written instructions to weigh, measure, assemble, and arrange food product
  • Closely follow GMP and FDA principles for safe food handling and contamination prevention
  • Walk, stand, bend, and lift up to 50lbs regularly throughout shift
  • Label, inspect, and stock food products and rotate product according to FIFO
Job Requirements for 1st Shift Production Worker:
  • REQUIRED: RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION - This position is not bus accessible
  • REQUIRED: For SAFETY reasons – MUST be able to speak, read, write, and understand English
  • REQUIRED: Must be available to work Saturdays frequently
  • PREFERRED: 1+ year of previous experience strongly preferred – food manufacturing preferred but not required. Any manufacturing, production, assembly line, restaurant kitchen, or similar experience will be considered
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift items up to 50 lbs. and work in varying temperatures for extended periods.
If you feel you have MOST of the above qualifications, please apply! We want to speak with you.
PeopleShare is the leading Staffing Agency in the region and has temporary to hire and permanent jobs in the central Pennsylvania (PA) area - Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Lemoyne, York, Lancaster, Carlisle, Chambersburg, Middletown, Leola, Shippensburg, Ephrata and Mechanicsburg, as well as northern Maryland (MD) - Hagerstown, Maugansville, Williamsport, Boonsboro, Smithsburg, and Hancock. We have openings for warehouse, assembly, production, Nordstrom, amazon, order selectors, pickers, packers, warehouse associate, warehouse pick, order pick, warehouse pick pack, factory pick pack, factory warehouse, warehouse production, production warehouse, warehouse production worker, warehouse assembly line, production assembly line, production picking packing, packaging associate, pick packer, loader helper, driver helper, forklift, machine operators, shipping, receiving, shipping and receiving, manufacturing, material handler, machine operator, machine setup operator, machine operator specialist, machine operation, machine operating, high reach, reach truck, general laborer and maintenance mechanics, warehouse, production, restaurant, cook, cooking, prep, food prep, prep cook, line cook, kitchen, kitchen warehouse, kitchen associate, kitchen cook, food prep, food assembly, food production, production, production cook, food assembly, assembly, production, Nordstrom, amazon, order selectors, pickers, packers, packaging associate, pick packer, loader helper, driver helper, forklift, machine operators, shipping, receiving, shipping and receiving, manufacturing, material handler, machine operator, high reach, reach truck, general laborer and maintenance mechanics, cherry picker, freezer cooler picker, order selector, forklift operation, material handler, machine operator, high reach, reach truck, general laborer and maintenance mechanics, cherry picker, freezer cooler picker, order selector, forklift operation.
PeopleShare provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category or class under federal, state, and/or local laws. This policy applies to all locations and all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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About PeopleShare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whether you’re a job seeker or a hiring manager, we have the experience, expertise and resources to provide hiring solutions that work for you. We specialize in temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire staffing roles in the clerical, financial and light industrial sectors. PeopleShare connects employers and temporary employees who hit the ground running on day one.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Collegeville, PA, US

Year founded

2005

Social media

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