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Kitchen Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

DO & CO

Kitchen Helper

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$19.35/hr

We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL Team! About DO & CO We have a passion for hospitality culinary delights on every banquet floor and ...

doco

Kitchen Helper

Chicago, IL

$19.35/hr

We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL Team! About DO & CO We have a passion for hospitality culinary delights on every banquet floor and ...

doco

Kitchen Helper

Chicago, IL

$19.35/hr

We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL Team! About DO & CO We have a passion for hospitality culinary delights on every banquet floor and ...

Pie Five Pizza

Prep Kitchen Helper

Skokie, IL

$12 - $14/hr

Controls flow of traffic in kitchen * Helps out in other areas of the restaurant when needed * Completes opening and/or closing checklists * Perform other related duties, as assigned by company ...

Pie Five Pizza

Prep Kitchen Helper

Oak Brook, IL

$12 - $14/hr

Controls flow of traffic in kitchen * Helps out in other areas of the restaurant when needed * Completes opening and/or closing checklists * Perform other related duties, as assigned by company ...

Denny's

Dishwasher Service Assistant

Hebron, IN · On-site

$12/hr

About the Job We are seeking a hardworking Dishwasher / Kitchen Helper to play a key role in maintaining a clean and organized back-of-house environment. This is an essential position that supports ...

ATOMS Careers page

Kitchen Ambassador

Chicago, IL

$30/hr

... Help onboard and support courier drivers at the kitchen level Provide feedback to operations leadership on kitchen workflow improvements Leadership Opportunity Leadership ability is a strong plus.

ATOMS Careers page

Kitchen Ambassador

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30/hr

... Help onboard and support courier drivers at the kitchen level Provide feedback to operations leadership on kitchen workflow improvements Leadership Opportunity Leadership ability is a strong plus.

Home Depot

Kitchen Designer

Niles, IL

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

Home Depot

Kitchen Designer

Bolingbrook, IL

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

Home Depot

Kitchen Designer

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

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All JobsKitchen Helper JobsKitchen Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL

Kitchen Helper information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do kitchen helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen helper in Chicago, IL is $15.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $16.59 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Helper jobs in Chicago, IL? For Kitchen Helper jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Helper jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Helper jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Kitchen Helper jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Kitchen Helper job openings:
Kitchen Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Helper job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,625 per year, or $15.7 per hour.
Kitchen Helper

Kitchen Helper

DO & CO

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$19.35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 22 hours ago

Job description

We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL Team!
About DO & CO
We have a passion for hospitality culinary delights on every banquet floor and in the sky. With the three business segments of Airline Catering, International Event Catering, and Restaurants, Lounges & Hotels, we offer gourmet entertainment all over the world. We operate in 33 locations, 12 countries and 3 Continents, maintaining the highest standard of quality in both our products and services. We refine the classics, develop the unknown and grow constantly - sometimes beyond our own expectations.
Responsibilities:
  • Assisting senior team members in running a busy kitchen.
  • Dealing with deliveries and assisting with stock rotation.
  • Ensures all food is prepared and cooked according to specific standards.
  • Maintaining high standards of hygiene.
  • Assist chefs and cooks with basic kitchen tasks, such as preparation of Hot and Cold meals (Halal and/or Non-Halal).
  • Prepare food by washing, chopping, and dicing vegetables using knife or peeling machine.
  • Comply with all food safety and hygiene regulations as stated in the food safety management system handbook.
  • Report problems with the food safety management system to their manager and the hygiene and food safety team

Qualifications:
  • Proactive and self-organization
  • Ability to manage through a substantial workload.
  • Capability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Ability to complete assigned tasks within the given time to meet strict deadlines.
  • Ability to accurately monitor wastage.
  • Ability to work long hours on foot and in environments with varying temperatures.
  • Flexibility to work different shifts (including nights, weekends, and holidays) based on business needs

What We Offer:
  • Pay rate: $19.35 hourly.
  • Daily Complimentary Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
  • FT employees are eligible for 401K and medical benefits: medical, dental, and vision.
  • An organization dedicated to fostering innovation; in pursuit of cultivating creativity, embracing new ideas and leveraging our impeccable standard for hospitality.
  • Genuine career development opportunities, both nationally and internationally.
  • The chance to collaborate and represent a leading force in the luxury global gourmet entertainment industry by attending world-class events.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement
DO & CO provides equal employment opportunities. Applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other protected characteristic.
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