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Kitchen Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pala Band of Mission Indians

Kitchen Helper

Pala, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

Kitchen Helper Department/Division: Kitchen Status: Part-Time / Hourly (Monday - Friday, 7:30AM to 1:00PM) Supervisor: Senior Director; Kitchen Supervisor Subordinates: None POSITION SUMMARY: Under ...

Pala Band of Mission Indians

Kitchen Helper

Pala, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

Kitchen Helper Department/Division: Kitchen Status: Part-Time / Hourly (Monday Friday, 7:30AM to 1:00PM) Supervisor: Senior Director; Kitchen Supervisor Subordinates: None POSITION SUMMARY: Under the ...

Pala Band of Mission Indians

Kitchen Helper

Pala, CA

$14.75 - $17/hr

Kitchen Helper Department/Division: Kitchen Status: Part-Time / Hourly (Monday - Friday, 7:30AM to 1:00PM) Supervisor: Senior Director; Kitchen Supervisor Subordinates: None POSITION SUMMARY: Under ...

Sutter Health

Kitchen Helper

Castro Valley, CA

$31.73 - $35.51/hr

Performs general kitchen duties including food preparation and storage, cleaning and storing dishes, utensils, pots, and performing general department sanitation. Follows clearly defined department ...

99 Ranch Market

#62 Kitchen Helper

Fremont, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Previous kitchen, culinary, deli, restaurant, kitchen management, cooking or customer service ... For helpful guidance on identifying job scams, visit this link provided by the Indeed website ...

Compass Health Inc

Kitchen Help

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$18.90 - $19.50/hr

Our Skilled Nursing Facility is currently hiring a Dietary Aide/ Kitchen help to join our dietary team! We are looking for someone who enjoys working in a team environment, takes pride in their work ...

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Kitchen Helper information

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How much do kitchen helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen helper in California is $15.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Kitchen Helper?

As a kitchen helper, you perform a variety of duties in a restaurant, cafe, or large commercial kitchen. You use food service skills to assist chefs, wait staff, and restaurant managers with a variety of tasks to keep the kitchen functioning smoothly and safely. Although there are no formal qualifications required for this career, you typically have some form of previous restaurant work experience, such as dishwashing or bussing tables. You do not interact directly with customers, although your job may be near customer areas. Kitchen helpers must be detail oriented and capable of multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.

What are kitchen helpers?

Kitchen helpers are support staff in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments who assist chefs and cooks with basic food preparation and kitchen maintenance tasks. Their duties often include washing dishes, cleaning kitchen surfaces, preparing ingredients, and organizing supplies. Kitchen helpers ensure the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently by maintaining cleanliness and helping with routine tasks. This role is essential for keeping food preparation areas sanitary and organized, ultimately contributing to the overall quality of service.

What are some common challenges faced by kitchen helpers and how can they be managed?

Kitchen helpers often work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where multitasking and efficiency are crucial. Common challenges include standing for long periods, managing time effectively during busy service hours, and maintaining cleanliness while juggling multiple tasks. To manage these challenges, it's important to wear comfortable, non-slip footwear, stay organized by following a prep list, and communicate clearly with team members to coordinate tasks smoothly. Adhering to kitchen safety and hygiene protocols also helps minimize stress and ensures a productive workflow.

What is the difference between Kitchen Helper vs Dishwasher?

AspectKitchen HelperDishwasher
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, organizingLoading, operating, and cleaning dishwashing equipment
Required SkillsBasic kitchen knowledge, ability to follow instructionsAbility to operate dishwashing machines, attention to cleanliness
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food prep areasKitchen, dishwashing stations
CertificationsNone typically requiredNone typically required

While both roles support kitchen operations, a Kitchen Helper assists with a variety of tasks including food prep and cleaning, whereas a Dishwasher focuses primarily on cleaning dishes and kitchenware. Both positions are entry-level and essential for maintaining efficient kitchen workflows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kitchen Helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kitchen Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen sanitation standards, and the physical stamina to handle standing for long periods. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and safe food handling certifications, such as a food handler's permit, are often required. Strong teamwork, time management, and a positive attitude help you excel in a fast-paced and collaborative kitchen environment. These skills are important to maintain safety, efficiency, and high-quality food service in any culinary operation.
More about Kitchen Helper jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in California? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Helper jobs in California? For Kitchen Helper jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Helper jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Helper jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Kitchen Helper jobs? Cities in California with the most Kitchen Helper job openings:
Kitchen Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Helper job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,256 per year, or $15 per hour.
Kitchen Helper

Kitchen Helper

Pala Band of Mission Indians

Pala, CA • On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

PALA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
HUMAN RESOURCES PMB#50, 35008 Pala Temecula Rd. PALA, CA 92059
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Kitchen Helper
Department/Division: Kitchen
Status: Part-Time / Hourly (Monday - Friday, 7:30AM to 1:00PM)
Supervisor: Senior Director; Kitchen Supervisor
Subordinates: None
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Director and Kitchen Supervisor, the Kitchen Helper will assist with the preparation and storing and serves food in accordance with the ENP Provider Administrative requirements and the Aging and Independence Serves guidelines.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assists in the preparation and provision of snacks and meals in accordance with planned menus and USDA meals requirements.
  • Assists staff members in carrying out daily activities.
  • Assists in the upkeep and cleanliness of the kitchen/dining area. - Serves meals to Pala Seniors and employees during lunch time.
  • Moves boxes, kitchen equipment and food products in kitchen area and stockroom as needed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, CERTIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES:
  • Ability to perform physical activities that require activities such as climbing, lifting, and standing for an extended period of time.
  • Ability to frequently lifting up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to interpret food service requirements from the ENP Provider Administrative and Aging and Independence Service.
  • Must have or willing to obtain a CPR certification, Food Handling card, and First Aid card.
  • Ability to pass an annual physical and TB test.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • At least one year of previous experience in food service industry.
  • Must have a valid California Driver's License in good standing.
  • Must successfully pass a Fingerprint-based background check of potential employees, volunteers, and contractors pursuant to Public Law 101-630 - Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act
  • Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a Drug-Free workplace (including marijuana) as a condition of employment with the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment.
  • Indian Preference will apply. The Pala Band of Mission Indians will give hiring preference to fully qualified applicants that are Pala Tribal Members. Pala Band of Mission Indians is an equalopportunity employer.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
All employees are expected to follow the Tribal Employee Handbook of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and must adhere to any additional applicable addendum.
HOW TO APPLY
PLEASE SUBMIT A RESUME AND APPLICATION TO:
Pala Band of Mission Indians
Human Resources Department
PMB#50 35008 Pala Temecula Road
Pala, CA 92059
Email hr@palatribe.com Or lbryant@palatribe.com

Apply