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Kitchen Floater Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Illinois School District U-46

Floater

Elgin, IL · On-site

$16.97/hr

Cafeteria Floater - Full-Time 7.00 Bargaining Unit: SEIU Department/Location: Food & Nutrition ... Consistent cleaning and maintenance of all kitchen and cafeteria equipment. Passing all internal ...

Illinois School District U-46

Floater

Elgin, IL · On-site

$16.97/hr

Cafeteria Floater Full-Time 7.00 Bargaining Unit: SEIU Department/Location: Food & Nutrition ... Consistent cleaning and maintenance of all kitchen and cafeteria equipment. Passing all internal ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ... Helpful! Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater. Job Requirements: * Work ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

At home in the kitchen. Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ... Helpful. Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater. Job Requirements: Work ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

At home in the kitchen. Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ... Helpful. Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater. Job Requirements: Work ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Chesterton, IN · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

At home in the kitchen. Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school ... Helpful. Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater. Job Requirements: Work ...

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All JobsKitchen Floater JobsKitchen Floater Jobs in Chicago, IL

Kitchen Floater information

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How much do kitchen floater jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen floater in Chicago, IL is $15.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen floater?

A Kitchen Floater is a flexible staff member in a kitchen who assists with various tasks wherever needed. Their responsibilities can include helping with food prep, cleaning, dishwashing, stocking supplies, and supporting cooks or servers during busy periods. They are essential for maintaining efficient kitchen operations and ensuring smooth workflow. Kitchen Floaters often fill in for absent staff or handle peak times, making them valuable team members in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments.

What are the main responsibilities of a kitchen floater?

A Kitchen Floater plays a versatile support role, assisting various stations as needed to ensure smooth kitchen operations. Their responsibilities can include prepping ingredients, restocking supplies, cleaning work areas, and stepping in to help line cooks during busy times. By being flexible and responsive to shifting needs, Kitchen Floaters help reduce bottlenecks and maintain workflow, which is especially valuable during peak service hours. This role is a great way to gain exposure to different kitchen tasks and collaborate closely with multiple team members, making it ideal for those looking to learn and grow in a fast-paced culinary environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen floater?

To thrive as a Kitchen Floater, you need a solid understanding of basic food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation standards, often gained through on-the-job training or entry-level food service experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (such as a food handler card), and inventory management systems are typically required. Flexibility, strong communication, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential soft skills for adapting to various roles and supporting the kitchen team. These skills and qualities ensure smooth kitchen operations, maintain food safety, and help the team deliver consistent service during busy periods.

What is the difference between Kitchen Floater vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectKitchen FloaterKitchen Assistant
CredentialsBasic culinary or hospitality certifications often preferredSimilar certifications, sometimes entry-level
Work EnvironmentMultiple kitchen stations, flexible rolesAssisting chefs, supporting kitchen operations
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering
Search & Comparison IntentRoles with varied tasks, flexible dutiesEntry-level support roles in kitchens

Kitchen Floaters are versatile staff who work across various kitchen stations, often filling in where needed. Kitchen Assistants primarily support chefs and kitchen staff with basic tasks. While both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, Floaters have a broader scope of duties, offering flexibility across the kitchen, whereas Assistants focus on supporting specific kitchen functions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Floater jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Kitchen Floater jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Floater jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Floater jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Kitchen Floater jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Kitchen Floater job openings:

Kitchen Floater jobs near you

Kitchen & Classroom Floater

NORTHWESTERN SETTLEMENT

Chicago, IL • On-site

$18.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Position: Kitchen & Classroom Floater

Reports to: Director of Early Childhood Education

Compensation: $18.50 Hourly

Position Type: Part-time; Monday thru Friday 8am to 1pm

Location: Chicago, IL

For over a century, Northwestern Settlement has been a cornerstone in the West Town community, supporting families through education, social services, and the arts. Our Early Childhood Education program is a vital part of that mission, fostering a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for young children during their most critical years of development and is actively seeking reliable, energetic, and flexible Kitchen & Classroom Floater to support kitchen operations and classroom activities. The ideal candidate is organized, able to work in a fast-paced environment, and comfortable assisting in multiple areas as needed. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with staff are essential.

This position supports the daily operation of the program by assisting with meal preparation and service, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, and supporting teachers with daily classroom routines and activities. Also, helps to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially.

Responsibilities:

  • Follow procedures when daily meals are delivered by the caterer.

  • Prepare and portion catered foods and deliver meals to classrooms.

  • Maintain kitchen logs and documentation for food quality and appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, etc.).

  • Ensure cleanliness and sanitation of dishes, utensils, and kitchen areas.

  • Assist teachers with daily classroom routines and activities.

  • Help create a safe and nurturing environment that supports children’s physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development.

  • Change children’s diapers or clothing as needed while following proper sanitation procedures.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED required

  • Certified Food Service Manager certification preferred

  • Knowledge of food service and young children’s nutritional needs preferred

  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills

  • CPR/First Aid certification preferred or required within the first year

  • Ability to complete all required employment and onboarding forms upon hire in compliance with the licensing standards of the Department of Children and Family Services, the City of Chicago, and Head Start, including:

    • Three letters of recommendation

    • background check fingerprinting process with the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Family and Support Services, and Chicago Public Schools

    • Physical Medical Review 

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

  • Ability to sit, bend, kneel, and move actively throughout the day

  • Manual dexterity for classroom and childcare tasks

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. We offer a robust benefit package. In addition, all staff are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including a dedicated work space, laptop, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Northwestern Settlement is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristics.

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