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Kitchen Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Urth Caffe

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Kitchen Helper

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$18/hr

The Kitchen Helper will play a crucial role in supporting the smooth operation of a busy restaurant kitchen. This full-time position requires working weekends and holidays within a medium-sized team ...

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 ...

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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 ...

Tim Ho Wan - Irvine

Kitchen Helper

Irvine, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

Job Summary The Kitchen Helper supports the culinary team in the daily operations of the kitchen, including basic food preparation, cleaning, and maintaining kitchen hygiene. This role ensures that ...

Bombay Curry & Pizzeria

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Kitchen Helper

Gardena, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join our kitchen team! You will be responsible for cutting, cleaning dishes, and organizing the store. We are looking for serious candidates who are able to work the late shift. Freshers are ...

Bombay Curry & Pizzeria

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Kitchen Helper

Gardena, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join our kitchen team! You will be responsible for cutting, cleaning dishes, and organizing the store. We are looking for serious candidates who are able to work the late shift. Freshers are ...

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CG Staffing Solutions

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Kitchen Helper

Seaside, CA · On-site

$24/hr

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: · Helps the Kitchen Supervisor in the production of food. · Sets up dining area and cleans up after lunch. Mops dining room floor. · Maintains kitchen, dish room ...

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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 ...

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Redlands Preschool Inc

COOK / KITCHEN HELPER

Ontario, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

Light cooking and cleaning for preschool kids. Wee Care Learning Center 3876 S. Lytle Creek Loop Ontario, CA 91761 Wee Care Learning Center Powered by JazzHR AafxUKgYWT

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Omakase World Market

Sushi Helper

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Sushi Helper Department: Back of House Reports to: Executive Chef, General Manager Job Location ... Maintain cleanliness and organization of the sushi station, kitchen equipment, and work areas.

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Kitchen Helper information

See California salary details

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$15

$18

How much do kitchen helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,256 per year, or $15 per hour.
Kitchen Helper

Kitchen Helper

Urth Caffe

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

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Job description

The Kitchen Helper will play a crucial role in supporting the smooth operation of a busy restaurant kitchen. This full-time position requires working weekends and holidays within a medium-sized team of 6 to 10 members, operating on fixed shifts. The ideal candidate will assist cooks, maintain cleanliness, and ensure supplies are well-stocked to uphold kitchen efficiency and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

  • Assist cooks with food preparation tasks
  • Maintain cleanliness of kitchen work areas and equipment
  • Wash dishes and kitchen utensils promptly and thoroughly
  • Stock and organize kitchen supplies and ingredients
  • Perform routine equipment maintenance
  • Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines consistently

Preferred Qualifications

  • 1+ years of experience in kitchen helper roles
  • Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills
  • Effective time management abilities

Company Description

Whether you’re looking to lead a team or grow your skills in a fast-paced, quality-driven environment, Urth Caffe offers opportunities to build a long-term career with us.