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Kitchen Prep Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Foodworks Hospitality Group

Kitchen Prep

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for ... Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service. * Assist with basic ...

Foodworks Hospitality Group

Kitchen Prep

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for ... Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service. * Assist with basic ...

Foodworks Hospitality Group

Kitchen Prep

Barrington, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for ... Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service. * Assist with basic ...

Foodworks Hospitality Group

Kitchen Prep

Barrington, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for ... Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service. * Assist with basic ...

De Novo HR Consulting

Be Seen First

Food Prep Assistant

Trenton, NJ · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Our Food Prep Assistant is responsible for maintaining a clean, orderly, and efficient kitchen, as well as, assisting with food prep, packaging, and storage. There are no front of house facilities ...

Gourmet Gorilla Inc.,

Kitchen Prep/Packing

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05/hr

Kitchen Prep/Packing This position will work primarily out of our commissary kitchen but will be on call from the kitchen. Duties: * Help with kitchen prep and production * Packing truck with ...

New

Old Carolina Barbecue Co.

Kitchen Prep Supervisor

Stow, OH · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Kitchen Prep Supervisor Old Carolina Barbecue Company (BBQ) Full-Time or Part-Time Hourly Position ... • Assist with ordering and inventory counts • Organize, label, and prepare bulk orders • ...

PEN MART INC

Kitchen Prep Cook

Dallas, PA

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Description Jays Famous is seeking a Kitchen Prep Cook position to assist with food prep, keep areas clean, and support the kitchen staff. This role is part of a great team and culture of Pen Mart ...

PEN MART INC

Kitchen Prep Cook

Dallas, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Job Type Part-time Description Jays Famous is seeking a Kitchen Prep Cook position to assist with food prep, keep areas clean, and support the kitchen staff. This role is part of a great team and ...

Froggy's Sandwiches

Kitchen/Prep

Somers, NY · On-site

$17/hr

Join the vibrant team at Froggy's Sandwiches as a Kitchen/Prep member! In this role, you'll play a ... Maintain a clean and organized kitchen workspace to ensure food safety. * Assist in inventory ...

Froggy's Sandwiches

Kitchen/Prep

Somers, NY

$17/hr

Join the vibrant team at Froggy's Sandwiches as a Kitchen/Prep member! In this role, you'll play a ... Maintain a clean and organized kitchen workspace to ensure food safety. * Assist in inventory ...

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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 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen prep assistant in the United States is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.59 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.
More about Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen Prep jobs? The most popular types of Kitchen Prep jobs are:
What states have the most Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs include:
Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,047 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Kitchen Prep

Foodworks Hospitality Group

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Description:

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the overall efficiency of the kitchen. Your role is essential in ensuring that the line cooks and chefs have everything they need to execute dishes quickly and consistently.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and portion ingredients, including chopping vegetables, butchering proteins, and making sauces.
  • Follow recipes and kitchen prep lists to ensure consistency.
  • Maintain a clean and organized workstation, following food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Assist with receiving and storing deliveries, ensuring proper food rotation (FIFO).
  • Label and date all prepped items to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
  • Operate kitchen equipment safely, including slicers, mixers, and food processors.
  • Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service.
  • Assist with basic cooking tasks as needed, such as blanching, roasting, and marinating.
  • Follow all health and safety regulations, including proper knife handling and allergen awareness.
  • Assist with kitchen closing duties, including cleaning and organizing prep areas.


Ayudante de Cocina Resumen del Puesto Como Ayudante de Cocina en una cocina de alto volumen, serás responsable de la preparación de ingredientes y del soporte general en la eficiencia de la cocina. Tu rol es fundamental para garantizar que los cocineros y chefs tengan todo lo necesario para ejecutar los platos de manera rápida y consistente.

Responsabilidades Principales:

  • Preparar y porcionar ingredientes, incluyendo picar verduras, cortar proteínas y elaborar salsas.
  • Seguir recetas y listas de preparación para garantizar la consistencia.
  • Mantener una estación de trabajo limpia y organizada, cumpliendo con los estándares de seguridad alimentaria e higiene.
  • Ayudar con la recepción y almacenamiento de entregas, asegurando la rotación adecuada de alimentos (FIFO).
  • Etiquetar y fechar todos los productos preparados
  • Operar de manera segura equipos de cocina
  • Apoyar a los cocineros y chefs manteniendo las estaciones listas para el servicio.
  • Seguir todas las regulaciones de salud y seguridad, incluyendo el manejo adecuado de cuchillos y la conciencia sobre alérgenos.
  • Ayudar con las tareas de cierre de la cocina,
Requirements:

Qualifications:

  • Previous experience as a prep cook or in a similar kitchen role preferred.

Requisitos:

  • Experiencia previa como ayudante de cocina o en un puesto similar (preferido).