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Kitchen Prep Assistant Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Kamari LLC

Team Member - Kitchen Prep

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Transport prepped items to event venues as needed * Assist with general kitchen and prep area organization and restocking General * Follow all food safety, sanitation, and quality standards * Label ...

Oakland Athletic Club

Prep Cook

Oakland, CA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Do you enjoy being the backbone of a busy kitchen, setting the team up for success before the rush ... * Assist with basic cooking tasks and ensure all prep items are ready for service * Maintain a ...

PINX LLC

Porter / Kitchen Support

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen, prep, storage, and back-of-house areas * Receive ... Lift, move, and store supplies and equipment safely and efficiently * Assist chefs and kitchen ...

Salted

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Hayward, CA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Assistant Kitchen Manager Requirements ● Solid foundation in culinary skills, including knife/prep work, flat-top cooking, and more ● Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs ...

Salted

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Hayward, CA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Assistant Kitchen Manager Requirements • Solid foundation in culinary skills, including knife/prep work, flat-top cooking, and more • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs ...

Salted

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Hayward, CA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Assistant Kitchen Manager Requirements ● Solid foundation in culinary skills, including knife/prep work, flat-top cooking, and more ● Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs ...

Salted

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Hayward, CA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Assistant Kitchen Manager Requirements ● Solid foundation in culinary skills, including knife/prep work, flat-top cooking, and more ● Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs ...

Salted

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Hayward, CA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Assistant Kitchen Manager Requirements ● Solid foundation in culinary skills, including knife/prep work, flat-top cooking, and more ● Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs ...

California Pizza Kitchen

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

At California Pizza Kitchen, R.O.C.K.S is our philosophy for a culture that rocks! For over 35 ... They assist in the receiving of goods, daily inventory of prepared foods, and maintain proper ...

STK San Francisco

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Previous experience as a Prep Cook, Kitchen Assistant, or similar role in a high-volume kitchen preferred * Strong knife skills and understanding of basic culinary techniques * Ability to multi-task ...

STK San Francisco

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Previous experience as a Prep Cook, Kitchen Assistant, or similar role in a high-volume kitchen preferred * Strong knife skills and understanding of basic culinary techniques * Ability to multi-task ...

Lucania

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA

$19.61 - $25/hr

Properly clean and care for kitchen equipment and tools. * Communicate clearly with chefs and other team members regarding prep levels, product quality, shortages, and production needs. * Assist Line ...

Lucania

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA

$19.61 - $25/hr

Properly clean and care for kitchen equipment and tools. * Communicate clearly with chefs and other team members regarding prep levels, product quality, shortages, and production needs. * Assist Line ...

Lucania

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Properly clean and care for kitchen equipment and tools. * Communicate clearly with chefs and other team members regarding prep levels, product quality, shortages, and production needs. * Assist Line ...

California Pizza Kitchen

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.18 - $21.18/hr

At California Pizza Kitchen, R.O.C.K.S is our philosophy for a culture that rocks! For over 35 ... They assist in the receiving of goods, daily inventory of prepared foods, and maintain proper ...

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All JobsKitchen Prep JobsKitchen Prep Assistant JobsKitchen Prep Assistant Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Kitchen Prep Assistant information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do kitchen prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen prep assistant in Berkeley, CA is $18.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $20.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen prep assistant?

Kitchen Prep Assistants are entry-level professionals who support chefs and cooks by preparing ingredients and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment. Their duties typically include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, portioning food, and ensuring that cooking stations are stocked and ready for service. They also help with basic cooking tasks and are responsible for keeping work areas sanitary to comply with food safety standards. This role is essential for the smooth operation of a restaurant or food service kitchen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen prep assistant?

To thrive as a Kitchen Prep Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, proper knife handling, and food safety certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure food is prepared safely and consistently, supporting the overall efficiency and quality of the kitchen operation.

What are some common challenges faced by kitchen prep assistants, and how can they be managed?

Kitchen Prep Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where time management and multitasking are essential. One common challenge is maintaining efficiency while ensuring food safety and cleanliness standards. To manage these pressures, it's important to stay organized, communicate effectively with chefs and other kitchen staff, and consistently follow proper food handling procedures. Adapting to varying workloads and being proactive about preparing ingredients can also help minimize stress during peak hours.

What is the difference between Kitchen Prep Assistant vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchen Prep AssistantLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesAssists with basic food prep, ingredient organization, and cleaningPrepares and cooks menu items during service
CredentialsMinimal certifications, food safety knowledge preferredFood handler permits, culinary training often required
Work EnvironmentKitchen support roles, less fast-pacedHigh-pressure, fast-paced during service
Industry UsageCommon entry-level support role in restaurantsCore cooking position in kitchens

While both roles work in restaurant kitchens, the Kitchen Prep Assistant focuses on supporting food prep and organization, whereas the Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service. The roles differ mainly in responsibility level and pace, with the Prep Assistant serving as a foundational support role.

What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs?

Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,240 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Team Member - Kitchen Prep

Kamari LLC

San Leandro, CA • On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

As a Team Member, Kitchen Prep, you'll keep the engine room of Kamari Coffee running — primarily managing drip coffee service and preparing the cold foams and house-made syrups that go into our drinks, both in the cafe and at events. Working behind the scenes, you'll batch-brew and maintain drip coffee, prep and portion foams and syrups to recipe, and make sure the bar and event teams always have what they need, prepped fresh and ready to go.


Key Responsibilities


Drip Coffee Service
• Brew and maintain drip coffee batches to company standards throughout the day
• Monitor freshness and brew times; rotate and discard coffee per standards
• Clean and maintain drip brewers, airpots, and dispensers
• Restock drip coffee stations with cups, lids, sleeves, and condiments


Drink Prep
• Prepare drink items to recipe specifications, including flavor variations
• Batch and prepare house-made syrups and flavorings following standardized recipes
• Measure, label, date, and store prepped syrups and foams per food safety guidelines
• Monitor shelf life and rotate stock (first in, first out) for all prepped items
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of prep stations, tools, and storage containers


Event & Cafe Support
• Prepare and package drip coffee, cold foams, and syrups for events and off-site service
• Coordinate with event teams to ensure adequate prepped supply during peak times
• Transport prepped items to event venues as needed
• Assist with general kitchen and prep area organization and restocking


General
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and quality standards
• Label and date all prepped items accurately
• Maintain a clean and organized prep area at all times
• Remain composed and efficient in a fast-paced environment
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management


Qualifications
• High school diploma or GED
• Prior kitchen, food prep, or barista experience preferred
• Basic food safety knowledge; Food Handler certification 
• Strong attention to detail and consistency in following recipes and measurements
• Ability to work efficiently and independently 
• Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends
• Reliable transportation


Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift up to 40–50 lbs.
• Ability to push up to 50–100 lbs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during prep shifts
• Ability to bend, kneel, and reach to manage prep, storage, and supplies