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Kitchen Prep Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Lot 54

Utility Worker

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18/hr

Kitchen Cleanliness: Maintain clean, safe, and sanitized work areas throughout the shift, including ... Basic Food Prep: Assist the culinary team with light prep work during downtime (e.g., peeling ...

Foodlink Inc

Prep Cook- Senior Meals

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19.50/hr

Prep Cook- Senior Meals Department: Community Kitchen Operations Reports to : Sous Chef 2 Status ... Cross-trains and assist in various areas of the kitchen as assigned * Maintains a professional ...

Foodlink Inc

Prep Cook- Senior Meals

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19.50 - $20/hr

Prep Cook- Senior Meals Department: Community Kitchen Operations Reports to : Sous Chef 2 Status ... Cross-trains and assist in various areas of the kitchen as assigned * Maintains a professional ...

Foodlink Inc

Prep Cook- Senior Meals

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19.50 - $20/hr

Prep Cook- Senior Meals Department: Community Kitchen Operations Reports to : Sous Chef 2 Status ... Cross-trains and assist in various areas of the kitchen as assigned * Maintains a professional ...

Foodlink Inc

Prep Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19.50/hr

Prep Cook/Expo Department : Kitchen Operations Reports to : Executive Chef Status : Full-time, ... Cross-trains and assist in various areas of the kitchen as assigned * Maintains a professional ...

Foodlink Inc

Prep Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19.50/hr

Prep Cook/Expo Department : Kitchen Operations Reports to : Executive Chef Status : Full-time, ... Cross-trains and assist in various areas of the kitchen as assigned * Maintains a professional ...

Foodlink Inc

Prep Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19.50/hr

Prep Cook/Expo Department : Kitchen Operations Reports to : Executive Chef Status : Full-time, ... Cross-trains and assist in various areas of the kitchen as assigned * Maintains a professional ...

Popeyes

Prep Cook / Back of House Team Member

Webster, NY · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Opening for a Prep Cook / Back of House Team Member Are you looking for a fun, dynamic kitchen ... Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures strictly * Assist with dishwashing, trash, and end ...

Popeyes

Prep Cook / Back of House Team Member

Webster, NY · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Opening for a Prep Cook / Back of House Team Member Are you looking for a fun, dynamic kitchen ... Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures strictly * Assist with dishwashing, trash, and end ...

Chick-Fil-A

Prep Team Leader

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18.50/hr

Monitor product quality, freshness, and waste to maximize efficiency. * Assist with inventory ... Communicate effectively with kitchen leadership to ensure seamless operations throughout the day.

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Kitchen Prep Assistant information

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How much do kitchen prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen prep assistant in Rochester, NY is $15.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $16.35 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 are popular job titles related to Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,620 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Utility Worker

Rochester, NY • On-site

Lot 54
See more jobs at Lot 54external

$18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description: About Lot 54

At Lot 54, we are passionate about delivering exceptional food, high-energy service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We believe that a smooth-running restaurant starts with a strong, organized backbone in the heart of the kitchen.

At Lot 54, we work hard, but we don't take ourselves too seriously. We're looking for teammates who bring good vibes, keep the team dynamic fun, and aren't camera-shy! We love featuring our crew in behind-the-scenes social media content, hype videos, and team highlights. If you love good food, good energy, and having a blast with your team, this is the job for you.

Position Overview

We are seeking reliable, hard-working, and positive Utility Workers to join our team. In this hybrid role, you are the backbone of our heart-of-house operations—handling high-volume dishwashing, light food prep, and maintaining overall kitchen cleanliness and sanitation across morning, afternoon, or evening shifts.

Shift Availability:
Hiring across all shifts (Mornings/Daytime and Evenings/Closing). Open availability is a huge plus!Key Responsibilities
  • Dish Pit Operations: Efficiently scrape, wash, sanitize, and organize all dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, pans, and kitchen utensils using commercial dishwashing equipment and manual washing stations.
  • Kitchen Cleanliness: Maintain clean, safe, and sanitized work areas throughout the shift, including taking out trash/recycling, sweeping, mopping floors, and sanitizing high-touch surfaces.
  • Basic Food Prep: Assist the culinary team with light prep work during downtime (e.g., peeling, chopping, washing produce, portioning ingredients, and basic prep stock).
  • Restocking & Organization: Put away food, supply, and chemical shipments safely, following FIFO (First-In, First-Out) food rotation practices, and keeping storage areas organized.
  • Vibe & Culture: Bring a positive work ethic, help keep kitchen morale high, and participate in fun, behind-the-scenes social media content and kitchen crew showcases.
Qualifications & Skills
  • Experience: Previous restaurant, dishwasher, or kitchen cleaning experience is preferred, but we are happy to train anyone with the right attitude and work ethic!
  • Punctuality & Reliability: Show up on time ready to work and support the team.
  • Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, bend, stoop, and move quickly for extended periods, and comfortably lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Personality: Positive attitude, strong team-first mindset, camera-friendly, and a good sense of humor.
  • Safety Mindset: Ability to follow food safety, sanitation, and chemical safety guidelines properly.
What We Offer
  • Competitive hourly pay + potential shift perks
  • Flexible scheduling (Daytime or Evening shifts)
  • A fun, supportive, and inclusive kitchen culture
  • Clear opportunities to learn culinary skills and grow into line cook roles
Requirements: