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Kitchen Helper Jobs in Independence, KS (NOW HIRING)

Opaa!

Kitchen Staff

Independence, KS · On-site

$10.75 - $13.75/hr

Perform all positions within the kitchen. Opaa! Food Management, Inc. operates across 10 states. Our pay rates vary depending on state and position. Please apply, and a Hiring Manager will discuss ...

Advena Living of Cherryvale

Be Seen First

Dietary Cook / Aide - Part Time

Cherryvale, KS · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

We are currently seeking a reliable and caring Food Service Cook/Aide to join our kitchen team and help provide nutritious, home-style meals for our residents. This position is a great stepping-stone ...

Parkside Memory Care

Dietary Aide

Chanute, KS · On-site

$11.50 - $14.25/hr

Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment, maintaining sanitary conditions * Set and clear ... Join Americare Senior Living and help deliver quality meals and warm hospitality to residents in ...

Americare Senior Living

Dietary Aide

Chanute, KS

$11.50 - $14.25/hr

Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment, maintaining sanitary conditions * Set and clear ... Join Americare Senior Living and help deliver quality meals and warm hospitality to residents in ...

Parkside Memory Care

Dietary Aide

Independence, KS · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment, maintaining sanitary conditions * Set and clear ... Join Americare Senior Living and help deliver quality meals and warm hospitality to residents in ...

Compass Group

DISHWASHER

Coffeyville, KS · On-site

$12/hr

Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: Application Deadline: applications are ... Maintains dishes, pots, pans, trays, kitchen, work areas, equipment and utensils in orderly and ...

Compass Group

COOK

Coffeyville, KS · On-site

$15/hr

Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: Application Deadline: applications are ... Cleans kitchen after preparation and serving, maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Stores or ...

SEK-CAP

Substitute Cook

Parsons, KS · On-site

Maintain cooking area and equipment by cleaning and disinfecting the kitchen and tables, cleaning appliances and utensils. * Assure a child helper is assigned to assist cleaning dining area. * Review ...

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Kitchen Helper information

See Independence, KS salary details

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$12

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How much do kitchen helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen helper in Independence, KS is $12.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.49 and $13.27 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 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.

Is a kitchen helper a stressful job?

A kitchen helper role can be physically demanding and requires working in a fast-paced environment, which may contribute to stress. However, it generally involves routine tasks like cleaning, prepping, and assisting chefs, and stress levels depend on the workplace and workload. Good organizational skills and teamwork can help manage job-related stress.
More about Kitchen Helper jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Independence, KS? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Independence, KS are:
What cities near Independence, KS are hiring for Kitchen Helper jobs? Cities near Independence, KS with the most Kitchen Helper job openings:
Kitchen Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Helper job openings in Independence, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $26,082 per year, or $12.5 per hour.

Kitchen Staff

Opaa!

Independence, KS • On-site

$10.75 - $13.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
Prepare breakfast and/or lunch offerings and assist with serving lines. Participate in occasional catering functions. Perform all positions within the kitchen.
Opaa! Food Management, Inc. operates across 10 states. Our pay rates vary depending on state and position. Please apply, and a Hiring Manager will discuss pay with you in more detail.
Functions of the Job
Essential Functions Production
  • Assist with the set-up of serving lines daily and make sure that all food is held at the required temperature. Milk coolers are stocked and ready for service.
  • Assist in the preparation of foods in accordance with the menu plan and Opaa! recipes, as required. Plan and prep ahead for the next day's menus.
  • Operate slicers, mixers, grinders, and other equipment with proper certification.
  • Keep work areas neat, clean, and organized.
  • Clean kitchen and cafeteria areas including equipment and dishes.
  • Keep inventory stock organized and practice First In/First Out (FIFO) procedures. Keep cooler/storage racks clean and free from debris.
  • Clean, monitor chemical usage, and maintain equipment in the dishwashing area. Remove clean dishes from the machine and store them in serving areas.
  • Requisition appropriate amounts of food and supplies through the Kitchen Manager.
  • Prepare bread, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods as required by the menu plan. Present to customers in an appealing manner.
  • Batch cooking to maintain a quality product and excellent food presentation.
  • Set up serving/bar lines and ensure all food is held at the proper temperatures. Clean and restock items as needed.
  • Serve items as needed with proper serving sizes and utensils. Quality presentation and hospitality are required.
  • Keep serving lines/condiments supplied with food items, napkins, silverware, and dishes as needed to customers.
Compliance
  • Prepare foods for meal service in strict compliance with the menu plan and Opaa! recipes.
  • Convert and follow a standardized recipe to ensure a consistent, high-quality product.
  • Recognize a Reimbursable Meal and follow the Meal Pattern according to HHFKA and CACFP regulations.
  • Keep and Maintain accurate daily production records per grade group as planned.
  • Follow HACCP processes and procedures with daily, weekly, and monthly food safety logs. Record temperatures of all hot and cold food.
  • Obey safety rules as outlined in Opaa's "Safety Procedure Manual" and exercise caution in all work activities.
  • Report any unsafe working conditions to the appropriate supervisor. Participates in the safety incentive program.
  • Participate in the "Daily Dish".
  • Attend all required meetings and in-services. Complete the required yearly continued training hours according to HHFKA.
  • Demonstrate and promote Opaa!'s Core Values of "Always Act in the Best Interest of the Students, Schools, and Communities We Serve", "Be Honest", "Have a Passion to Serve Others", and "Commit to Continuous Improvement".
  • Maintain strict compliance with the Opaa! Food Management, Inc. Timekeeping Policy
Administrative
  • Handle customer monies at service time, as required. Make changes as well as run a cash register or computer. Require that only reimbursable meals are allowed through the POS system.
  • Complete necessary paperwork, tray counts, and meal reconciliation tasks on a daily basis.
  • Submit all hours worked by clocking in and out in ADP or by submitting an edit sheet for any missing time
  • Notify DNS 24 hours in advance of inability to cover an assigned shift. In the event of an emergency, notify the DNS as soon as it is administratively feasible.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Physical/Visual Activities or Demands
Physical/visual activities or demands that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, squat, climb, balance, kneel, crawl, push, pull, grasp, feel, taste, smell, talk, hear, and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee must exert over 60 pounds of force occasionally and/or be able to frequently lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include concentrated attention, depth perception, the ability to bring objects into sharp focus, and color vision.

Working Conditions
Working conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job:
  • Inside and outside working conditions.
  • Frequently works around moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and extreme heat.
  • Occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and extreme cold.
  • The noise level is usually loud.

Position Qualifications
Education:
High School Diploma or GED, preferred; or up to one-month related experience, training, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Language Skills:
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
Mathematical Skills:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, commons fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Machines, Tools, Equipment, and Work Aids:
Dishwasher, Steamer/Kettle, Mixer, Oven, Stove, Fryers, Slicer, Thermometers, Gauges, Knives, Box Cutters, Meal Counting Software, Desktop PCs, Calculator, Telephone, Fax, Scanner, Copier, Printer.
Opaa! is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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