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Kitchen Associate Jobs in Woodruff, SC (NOW HIRING)

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 (P1-1376731-1)

Greer, SC · On-site

$13.50 - $16.50/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 (P1-1352581-1)

Easley, SC · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/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 ...

Clean and sanitize kitchen areas, equipment, and utensils after each meal * Operate kitchen ... In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other ...

Supervises hourly kitchen associates, including interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training, counseling, participating in reviews and recommending disciplinary action. * Efficiently prepares high ...

Supervises hourly kitchen associates, including interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training, counseling, participating in reviews and recommending disciplinary action. * Efficiently prepares high ...

Supervises hourly kitchen associates, including interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training, counseling, participating in reviews and recommending disciplinary action. * Efficiently prepares high ...

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Kitchen Associate information

See Woodruff, SC salary details

$8

$17

$29

How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Woodruff, SC is $17.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in a kitchen?

The highest paying jobs in a kitchen typically include executive chef and head chef positions, which require extensive experience, culinary skills, and management abilities. These roles often offer higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and leadership duties within the kitchen environment.

How to work in a kitchen with no experience?

A Kitchen Associate role often requires minimal experience, making it suitable for beginners. Start by learning basic food safety and sanitation practices, and be prepared to perform tasks like cleaning, prep work, and assisting more experienced staff. On-the-job training is common, and a positive attitude and willingness to learn are important for success.

What do kitchen associates do?

Kitchen associates perform tasks such as preparing ingredients, cleaning work areas, and assisting with food service in a kitchen environment. They often handle basic food prep, dishwashing, and maintaining cleanliness to support kitchen operations and ensure food safety standards.

What qualifications do I need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

To be a Kitchen Assistant, there are typically no formal educational requirements, but basic food safety knowledge and good communication skills are important. Some employers may prefer previous experience in food service or a relevant certification such as a food handler's permit. Physical stamina and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also beneficial.

What are kitchen associates?

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 cities near Woodruff, SC are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs? Cities near Woodruff, SC with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


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.


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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