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Kitchen Floater Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

All JobsKitchen Floater JobsKitchen Floater Jobs in Portland, OR

Kitchen Floater information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do kitchen floater jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen floater in Portland, OR is $16.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.60 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Floater jobs in Portland, OR?

For Kitchen Floater jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Floater jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Floater jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Kitchen Floater jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Kitchen Floater job openings:

Kitchen Floater jobs near you

Bus driver/ Center floater

Sunshine Early Learning Center

Milwaukie, OR • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Sunshine Early Learning is looking to hire for a substitute teacher position that would also support with kitchen and bus duties. This job would be a fun and dynamic position that provides a variety of environments and experiences from day to day. We are looking for a flexible and reliable person to fill this position.

Duties include:
  • Driving a 14 passenger bus with students preschool school age. This requires 3yrs clean driving record and must be 25 years or older.
  • Sub for cooks at various locations when needed. Cook USDA recipes and standards, distribute lunches.
  • Float/support teacher breaks and lunches in classrooms 6 weeks12 years old. At least 1yr experience in Certified Childcare setting to be teacher qualified, or willing to obtain teacher qualification.

    • Must be registered in the Central Background Oregon Registry before consideration: https://www.oregon.gov/delc/providers/pages/cbr.aspx