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School Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Assistant

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Kitchen Assistants support the culinary team by preparing and executing food as directed by the ... High school or vocational school coursework in kitchen basics such as food safety, preferred.

Kitchen Assistant

Hartford, MI · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

High school diploma or G.E.D. preferred. SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Strong organizational skills required. This position requires a Level 4 Gaming License. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and ...

Kitchen Assistant

Hartford, MI · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

High school diploma or G.E.D. preferred. SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Strong organizational skills required. This position requires a Level 4 Gaming License. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and ...

Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $15/hr

Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant At Resthaven, we believe care is more than a profession - it's a ... Education, Training, Experience High school diploma or GED required. Pay Range: $13.25 - $15.00 per ...

Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $15/hr

Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant At Resthaven, we believe care is more than a profession -- it's a ... Education, Training, Experience ✔ High school diploma or GED required.

Kitchen Lead

Holland, MI · On-site

$14 - $19.25/hr

Kitchen Lead Posting # 4002 -Macatawa Bay Middle School Posting Dates: Immediately Until Filled ... leads to assist in planning balanced, appealing, and compliant school menus. * Cash Handling ...

Showing results 21-40

School Kitchen Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$13

$17

How much do school kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for school kitchen assistant in Michigan is $13.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $14.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a school kitchen assistant?

School kitchen assistants help prepare and serve food to students and staff in educational settings. Their duties typically include assisting with meal preparation, cleaning kitchen equipment, setting up serving areas, and ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are maintained. They may also help with receiving deliveries, storing supplies, and supporting cooks or chefs as needed. School kitchen assistants play a key role in providing nutritious meals and maintaining a clean, safe kitchen environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a school kitchen assistant?

To thrive as a School Kitchen Assistant, you generally need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food hygiene, and sometimes a Level 2 Food Safety certificate. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, portion control systems, and cleaning protocols is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and good communication skills help you work efficiently and maintain a positive environment. These skills ensure that meals are prepared safely and efficiently, supporting students' health and the smooth operation of the school kitchen.

What challenges do school kitchen assistants face and how can they be managed?

School kitchen assistants often face challenges such as working efficiently during busy lunch periods, maintaining strict food safety standards, and adapting to varying dietary needs among students. Effective management involves strong time-management skills, teamwork, and staying up to date with food hygiene training. Many schools offer on-the-job guidance and ongoing support to help kitchen assistants succeed, making it a great environment for those who enjoy a fast-paced, collaborative workplace.

What is the difference between School Kitchen Assistant vs School Cook?

AspectSchool Kitchen AssistantSchool Cook
CredentialsBasic food safety certification, on-the-job trainingFood safety certification, culinary skills, possibly culinary or nutrition qualifications
Work EnvironmentAssist in food prep, serve meals, clean kitchen areasPrepare, cook, and oversee meal production in school kitchens
Employer & IndustrySchools, educational institutionsSchools, educational institutions
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a School Kitchen Assistant and a School Cook lies in their responsibilities and required skills. The School Kitchen Assistant primarily supports food prep, serving, and cleaning, often with minimal certifications. In contrast, the School Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking meals, often requiring culinary skills and certifications. Both roles work within school environments and are essential for student meal services, but the School Cook typically has a more advanced role in meal preparation.

What are the duties of a School Kitchen Assistant?

A School Kitchen Assistant is responsible for preparing and serving meals, cleaning kitchen equipment and dining areas, and ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are maintained. They may also assist with inventory management and follow health and safety regulations in a school environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of School Kitchen jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of School Kitchen jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for School Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most School Kitchen Assistant job openings:

$13.73/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Carman-Ainsworth is looking for Kitchen Assistants, interested qualified candidates should contact the Food Service department at 810-591-3220 to apply.  
Kitchen Assistant
Reports To
Supervisor of Food Service
Supervises
N/A
Job Purpose and Focus
Provides a safe and sanitary work environment.  Must be a team player and maintain a good rapport with co-workers, students, and staff.
Essential Qualifications and Requirements
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job-related experience
Ability to:
  • perform food preparation
  • heavy lifting up to fifty pounds
  • carry out written and oral instructions quickly and accurately with little instruction
  • perform basic arithmetic calculations
  • operate and maintain an institutional kitchen
  • use standard kitchen and office equipment
  • stand for prolonged periods of time
  • operate a computer terminal and use district software
  • deal with people using tact, patience, and courtesy
Knowledge of:
  • nutritional requirements
  • sanitation principles
  • health codes
  • modern methods of food preparation
 Essential Functions and Representative Duties
  • Implement food service operations at an assigned school sight
  • Assure that the preparation, serving, and storage of food is in accordance with established guidelines and procedures
  • Serving of meals to students, teachers and other staff, assuring compliance with serving size requirements.  May include assembling salads and sandwiches, vegetables, fruit, etc., wrapping cookies, cakes, and desserts
  • Stock and serve food offerings
  • Assure proper cleanliness and maintenance of equipment and supplies, assuring compliance with safety regulations
  • Operate a variety of equipment and machines used in the school cafeteria
  • Perform tasks such as clean up and dishes
  • Assure accuracy of daily cash receipts
  • Perform other duties as assigned
 
Terms of Employment
Pay rate starts at $13.73 per hour.
Work Environment
Food service environment:  subject to heat from ovens, cold from walk-in refrigerators and freezer.  Exposure to very hot foods, equipment, and metal objects.  Exposure to sharp knives and slicers.  Exposure to cleaning agents and pesticides.  Job may require lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling moderately heavy objects; standing and walking for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate kitchen equipment; carrying, pushing or pulling food trays, carts, materials and supplies; reaching overhead; bending at the waist.
Evaluation/Performance Measurements
Food Service managers will be evaluated annually.  Criteria for performance include but are not limited to:
 
  • Attendance record
  • Demonstration of interpersonal, time, conflict, and stress management skills
  • Demonstration of fiscal and organization management skills
  • Demonstration of strong commitment to customer service
  • Demonstration of other abilities as listed in this position description
  • Production and efficiency related to job duties
  
Intent and Function of Position Descriptions
Job descriptions assist organizations in ensuring that the hiring process is fairly administered and that qualified employees are selected.  They are also essential to an effective appraisal system and related promotion, transfer, layoff, and termination decisions.
All descriptions reflect essential functions and basic duties.  Peripheral tasks have been excluded.  Requirements, skills, and abilities are the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions.  In no instance should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all-inclusive.  Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as appropriate, in keeping with collective bargaining agreements and law.
Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools does not discriminate on the bases of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.