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Kitchen Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Rescue Mission Alliance

Kitchen Manager

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Program participants receive practical kitchen training while helping prepare and serve meals. The Kitchen Manager teaches professional food service skills, models strong work ethic, and mentors ...

Yakiya

Kitchen Help - Yakiya

Hacienda Heights, CA

$18.47 - $21.47/hr

... kitchen. Essential Functions: * Prepare all meats, fish and vegetables for cooking according to ... Help to marinate meats and other ingredients according to Company recipe and procedure * Ensure ...

Panda Inn

Restaurant Kitchen Help

Pasadena, CA

$20 - $23/hr

... kitchen. Essential Functions: * Prepare all meats, fish and vegetables for cooking according to ... Help to marinate meats and other ingredients according to Company recipe and procedure * Ensure ...

Panda Inn

Restaurant Kitchen Help

Ontario, CA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

... kitchen. Essential Functions: * Prepare all meats, fish and vegetables for cooking according to ... Help to marinate meats and other ingredients according to Company recipe and procedure * Ensure ...

Yakiya

Kitchen Help - Yakiya

Pasadena, CA

$18.57 - $21.57/hr

... kitchen. Essential Functions: * Prepare all meats, fish and vegetables for cooking according to ... Help to marinate meats and other ingredients according to Company recipe and procedure * Ensure ...

Panda Inn

Restaurant Kitchen Help

La Palma, CA

$19 - $22/hr

... kitchen. Essential Functions: * Prepare all meats, fish and vegetables for cooking according to ... Help to marinate meats and other ingredients according to Company recipe and procedure * Ensure ...

Panda Inn

Restaurant Kitchen Help

Glendale, CA

$20 - $23/hr

... kitchen. Essential Functions: * Prepare all meats, fish and vegetables for cooking according to ... Help to marinate meats and other ingredients according to Company recipe and procedure * Ensure ...

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All JobsKitchen Helper JobsKitchen Helper Jobs in California

Kitchen Helper information

See California salary details

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How much do kitchen helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 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 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.

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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,256 per year, or $15 per hour.

Kitchen Manager

Rescue Mission Alliance

Oxnard, CA • On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee and lead all kitchen operations, food services, and culinary training activities.

  • Plan menus, prepare meals, and ensure food safety and cleanliness standards are maintained.

  • Manage food purchasing, coordinate donations, and develop relationships with food suppliers and community partners.

Job description



Organization

The Rescue Mission Alliance (RMA) is a Christian non-profit organization that has been serving the less fortunate in Southern California through emergency and long-term rehabilitation services since 1972. RMA partners with local churches to meet the spiritual needs of the people we serve.

Summary

The Kitchen Manager oversees all kitchen operations, food services, and culinary training activities for Rescue Mission Alliance Ventura County. This role manages a high-volume kitchen that produces approximately 20,000 meals per month, including meals for residential program participants, outreach meals for community guests, sack lunches, and groceries distributed through outreach and community partners.

In addition to managing kitchen operations, this position leads the Mission’s hands-on Culinary Vocational Training Program. Program participants receive practical kitchen training while helping prepare and serve meals. The Kitchen Manager teaches professional food service skills, models strong work ethic, and mentors participants within a Christian recovery environment.

This is a regular, exempt position reporting to the Director and located in Oxnard, CA. Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Culinary Arts Program Leadership

  • Oversee and lead the Mission’s Culinary Arts training program for Life Recovery Program participants.
  • Teach progressive food preparation, cooking techniques, and food service skills.
  • Instruct participants in menu planning, food ordering, and kitchen budgeting.
  • Prepare men for employment in the food service industry by developing practical job skills and work habits.
  • Assist participants in obtaining California Food Handler Cards when appropriate.
  • Develop kitchen work schedules for program participants.
  • Provide spiritual encouragement and mentorship within a Christian recovery environment.

Kitchen & Food Service Operations

  • Plan and prepare weekly menus for residents, shelter guests, and special events.
  • Oversee meal preparation and service for in-house residents, outreach meal guests, and special events.
  • Ensure meals are prepared efficiently, safely, and in accordance with health regulations.
  • Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness, organization, and safety.

Food Purchasing & Donation Coordination

  • Order food and related supplies while maintaining responsible cost control.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with food retailers, wholesalers, and community partners to increase food donations.
  • Coordinate with food banks and other food donors to arrange and receive donations.
  • Creatively utilize donated food items to maximize resources and reduce food costs.

Volunteer & Team Collaboration

  • Work with volunteers assisting in kitchen and food service activities.
  • Coordinate with staff members to support Mission events and program needs.
  • Collaborate with the Workforce Development Coordinator to develop curriculum and help program participants in job employment preparedness. 
  • Attend regular staff meetings and participate in organizational initiatives.

Qualifications

  • Strong and active Christian faith aligned with RMA’s Statement of Faith. 
  • Min. 5 years’ experience in culinary arts, food service management, or commercial kitchen operations.
  • Experience teaching or mentoring others in a hands-on environment preferred.
  • Ability to train and lead individuals from diverse backgrounds in a recovery setting.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain food budgets and manage inventory effectively.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of Rescue Mission Alliance Ventura County.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight to vocational trainees, volunteers, and kitchen helpers during daily meal preparation and special events. 

Requirements

  • Valid driver’s license and ability to be insured under Rescue Mission Alliance vehicle policy.
  • Manager Serve Safe Certificate – 5 year (current)
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
  • Ability to attend required safety and driver training.

Skills

  • Strong leadership and communication skills.
  • Ability to manage high-volume kitchen operations.
  • Ability to creatively utilize food donations and manage food costs.
  • Strong organizational and scheduling ability.

Software

PC knowledge including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook 

  • Physical Demands
  • Ability to work extended periods in a commercial kitchen environment.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods during meal preparation and service.

Equipment

Commercial kitchen equipment including dishwasher, ovens, tilt pans, fryer, steam table, mixer, bone saw, food preparation tools, and basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, and printers.

Work Environment

This position primarily functions within a commercial kitchen environment serving program participants and community guests. As part of normal duties, this position will interact with an at-risk population where errant behavior and risk of infectious disease may be present. Appropriate safety precautions must be followed.

This role involves periodic travel to other Rescue Mission Alliance sites for training, pick up supplies, and provide support as needed.