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Kitchen Prep Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Upper Crust Food Service

Kitchen Assistant

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

Kitchen Assistants support the culinary team by preparing and executing food as directed by the ... Preferred Education and Experience: * 2+ years in a full-service restaurant as a prep/line cook.

Kickback Jack's

Culinary Prep

Durham, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, prep areas, and walk-ins. * Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries properly. * Organize and restock supplies, including dry goods ...

Kickback Jack's

Culinary Prep

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, prep areas, and walk-ins. * Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries properly. * Organize and restock supplies, including dry goods ...

Kickback Jack's

Culinary Facility Prep

Durham, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, prep areas, and walk-ins. * Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries properly. * Organize and restock supplies, including dry goods ...

Kickback Jack's

Culinary Facility Prep

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, prep areas, and walk-ins. * Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries properly. * Organize and restock supplies, including dry goods ...

NAPA Bistro & Wine Bar - Glenwood

Prep Cook

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Gracious Hospitality - We foster a respectful, team-focused kitchen where collaboration is key ... Maintain a clean and organized workstation, following food safety protocols. * Assist with ...

Drive Shack

Prep Cook

Raleigh, NC

$16 - $18/hr

Prep Cooks play a key role in supporting kitchen operations and ensuring food is prepared ... * Assist in training new kitchen team members when requested * Perform additional duties as ...

Cooper's Hawk

Kitchen Manager

Cary, NC · On-site

As Kitchen Manager, you will help lead the way in our fast-paced, high-volume, scratch kitchen ... Be accountable for prep and line knowledge to drive financial and operational results * Assist with ...

Combined Caterers, Inc.

UNC Event/Prep Cook

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Key Responsibilities Kitchen Preparation & Production * Follow prep lists accurately, efficiently ... * Assist with load-in and load-out duties as needed Team Communication * Review each event menu ...

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Kitchen Prep Assistant information

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How much do kitchen prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen prep assistant in Raleigh, NC is $14.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kitchen Prep Assistant, and why are they important?

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 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 does a food prep assistant do?

A food prep assistant is responsible for preparing ingredients, such as chopping vegetables, measuring portions, and assembling dishes according to recipes. They work in kitchen environments, often using tools like knives and food processors, and must follow safety and sanitation standards to ensure food quality and safety.

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 are Kitchen Prep Assistants?

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 does a Kitchen Assistant do?

A Kitchen Assistant supports food preparation and kitchen operations by cleaning utensils, chopping ingredients, organizing supplies, and assisting chefs. They often follow safety and hygiene standards and may use tools like knives and cleaning equipment to maintain a clean and efficient workspace.

Can you be a Kitchen Assistant with no experience?

Kitchen Prep Assistant roles often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Employers typically look for reliability, willingness to learn, and the ability to follow safety and hygiene standards. Basic skills like time management and teamwork can be helpful for success in this position.

What qualifications do I need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

To be a Kitchen Prep Assistant, relevant qualifications typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, basic food safety knowledge, and the ability to follow hygiene standards. Prior experience in food service or kitchen work can be beneficial, and some employers may require food handler certifications. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment are also important.
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen Prep jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Kitchen Prep jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings:
Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,153 per year, or $15 per hour.
Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant

Upper Crust Food Service

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Upper Crust Food Service rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Proudly serving Sororities and Fraternities, Upper Crust Food Service is known for freshness, quality, variety, and excellent customer service. Upper Crust Food Service began with a vision to solve a problem that many Fraternity and Sorority houses face. That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students across the country.
Kitchen Assistants support the culinary team by preparing and executing food as directed by the Head Chef and Sous Chef. They maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen, ensure equipment is in order, and stock supplies. Additionally, they assist with fostering a positive atmosphere with coworkers and customers.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Prepare food as directed by Head Chef and/or Sous Chef.
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen and dining room including but not limited to tables, shelves, grills, broilers, fryers, pasta cookers, sauté burners, convection oven, flat top range, refrigeration equipment, and floors.
  • Wash kitchen utensils, equipment and dishes, etc.
  • Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.
  • Assist in unloading and putting away deliveries.
  • Maintain a positive and professional attitude with coworkers and customers.
  • Sort and remove the trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.
  • Communicate regularly with management via calls, emails, and texts.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Required Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to work well as part of a team.
  • Understand various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and procedures.
  • Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with a variety of personalities and under pressure.
  • Be familiar with the industry's best practices.

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • 2+ years in a full-service restaurant as a prep/line cook.
  • Ability to pass a background check.
  • Have a valid food safety handler and sanitation certification in accordance with state and local regulations or obtain one within 30 days of employment.
  • High school or vocational school coursework in kitchen basics such as food safety, preferred.

Special Demands:
  • The work environment can be loud and busy. There are many kitchen hazards such as hot surfaces and liquids, sharp knives, and slippery floors.
  • Capability to work in a kitchen environment that may involve exposure to extreme heat or cold.
  • Required to stand for long periods, up to 8+ hours, as well as walk, bend and stoop.
  • Must be able to lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds.
  • Exposure to cleaning chemicals.

Upper Crust Food Service provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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