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School Kitchen Help Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Cafe Cook

Waterford, MI · On-site

$17/hr

Prefer High School diploma or (GED) * Three years of experience as kitchen helper or other food preparation. * Prefer experience and knowledge with computers and software programs SALARY / SCHEDULE ...

Oxford Community Schools Cafeteria Helper - 3.75 Hours Oxford High School 2026-27 School Year ... Cross-trained in kitchen positions and able to work in all district kitchens. * Completion of ...

Kitchen Aide

White Cloud, MI · On-site

$13.73 - $15.84/hr

Cleaning tables and chairs in the dining room, preparing vegetables for the salad bar, helping with ... High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Experience: Six (6) months of prior experience in a food ...

Kitchen Aide

White Cloud, MI · On-site

$13.73 - $15.84/hr

Cleaning tables and chairs in the dining room, preparing vegetables for the salad bar, helping with ... Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. * Experience: Six (6) months of prior ...

Showing results 21-40

School Kitchen Help information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$13

$17

How much do school kitchen help jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for school kitchen help 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a school kitchen help, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Kitchen Help, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, commercial dishwashers, and sometimes a food handler certification is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions efficiently are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, timely, and nutritious meal service to students while maintaining a hygienic kitchen environment.

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

School Kitchen Help often encounter challenges such as managing time effectively during busy meal periods, maintaining strict food safety standards, and working efficiently within a team environment. To manage these challenges, it’s important to develop strong organizational skills, communicate clearly with coworkers, and stay updated on food handling procedures. Being adaptable and willing to assist in various tasks, from food preparation to cleaning, also helps ensure a smooth workflow and a positive dining experience for students.

How do you become a school kitchen help?

To become a school kitchen help, you typically need to be at least 16 years old, pass a background check, and have basic food safety knowledge. Some schools may require a food handler's permit or training in food preparation and sanitation. No formal education is usually necessary, but reliability and the ability to work in a team are important.

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

AspectSchool Kitchen HelpSchool Cook
CredentialsNone typically required, basic food handling knowledgeFood safety certifications, culinary skills often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssist in food prep, cleaning, and serving in school kitchensPrepare, cook, and oversee meal production in school kitchens
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in schools, part-time or support rolesFull-time or lead roles in school food services

School Kitchen Help generally involves assisting with food prep and cleaning, requiring minimal certifications. In contrast, School Cooks are responsible for preparing meals and may need food safety certifications. Both roles operate within school food service environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What does a school kitchen help do?

A School Kitchen Help assists in preparing and serving meals to students and staff in a school cafeteria. Their duties often include washing dishes, cleaning kitchen areas, helping cooks with food preparation, and making sure food safety standards are followed. They may also be responsible for setting up serving lines, replenishing supplies, and ensuring a clean and safe environment. This role is vital in making sure students receive nutritious meals in a timely and hygienic manner.
Infographic showing various School Kitchen Help job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,932 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

General Helper - 2.25 hours - Frost Middle School

Wayne County Schools Employment Network

Wayne, MI

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description


LOCATION:               Frost Middle School 

REPORTS TO:           Food Service Supervisor
DATE AVAILABLE:   2026 2027 School Year

POSTING DATES:    July 16 through July 22, 2026 (or until filled)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Livonia Public Schools is seeking a Kitchen General Helper (2.25 Hours) to assist with food preparation and serving of meals to students.  Because of the nature of the work, a spirit of cooperation with all others in the building is essential.  Other duties associated with this position may be assigned by the supervisor.  Specific details of the position will be discussed with the administrator during the interview process.  Training will be provided.
DISTRICT OVERVIEW:
Livonia Public Schools employs approximately 1,900 staff members, serving approximately 13,300 students pre-K post secondary. There are 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 career technical center, 1 early childhood center, and 1 vocational and transition center in the school district. The annual budget for Livonia Public Schools is $175 million, with a state funding of $9,608 per pupil.
FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES JOB DESCRIPTION GENERAL KITCHEN HELPER









  • The Food & Nutrition Services General Kitchen Helper will work scheduled hours as determined by the Kitchen Manager.   
  • A Helper's job is to assist with food preparation and serving student lunches, as well as Kitchen Cleanup after Meal Service is complete.   
  • The General Helper must be able to read, understand and follow directions.  They should have good memory recall, learning where food items are kept, how to use kitchen equipment, basic start-to-finish daily job duties, as well as building orientation.
  • Good communication skills are essential, as are time-management skills, meeting time deadlines for meal service.
  • Food Preparation may involve repetitive motions like washing / cutting fresh fruit or vegetables, cooking/baking, cupping small quantities of foods or sauces for student trays, counting pieces such as chicken nuggets for student meals.
  • The employee should be able to stand for long periods of time.
  • Kitchen Cleanup will involve washing pots/pans and serving utensils, as well as sanitizing counters and service areas. Proper measurement of cleaning solutions is a necessary daily task.      Protocols must be followed for safe food handling practices.
  • The General Helper may be asked to assist with receiving and putting away food and/or milk deliveries.  This may involve lifting up to 50-pound food and supply cases and crates of milk, as well as bending, twisting, stooping, stretching and reaching up overhead or down to the floor.
  • The General Helper may be asked to work extra hours to learn how "Breakfast Service" works, IF they would be able to/interested in covering in the event of the Kitchen Manager's absence.       
  • The employee may also be asked to learn how to operate the register by scanning student cards to account for the meals they are serving.
  • Food & Nutrition Services Employees must have the ability to check and read daily emails.
  • They need to perform basic computer skills as required for completing timesheets and other required documents.     
  • Staff are responsible for discussing prearranged absences with both their Kitchen Manager and the Food & Nutrition Services Administrator.
  • It is of utmost importance that all Food & Nutrition Services Employees are able to work well with others and to treat students and staff with respect.


BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH LIVONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
Newly hired public school employees are eligible for a traditional pension and tax-deferred retirement savings accounts with an employer matching contribution. The pension component guarantees you monthly retirement benefit payments over your lifetime once you meet age and service requirements. Additionally, as a new public-school employee, you will be automatically enrolled in a Personal Healthcare Fund (PHF), which is a portable, tax-deferred investment account that can be used to pay for healthcare expenses in retirement. Livonia Public Schools will contribute a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 2% you contribute.
As an employee of Livonia Public Schools, you will be a part of a team working together in a positive work climate and a culture of mutual respect to support the successful education of children. Beyond the satisfaction of knowing you're helping thousands of students grow and learn, you will also have the satisfaction of knowing you are a team member with Livonia Public Schools, which means you will have the following perks of employment available to you:







  • Medical insurance, including prescription drug coverage:
    • The district's contribution is the maximum allowed by Michigan law.
    • Family coverage eligibility for employees working 30 hours or more per week.
    • Single coverage eligibility for employees working 20 hours but less than 30 per week.
    • Optional "cash in lieu" of medical insurance for those who qualify.
  • Dental, vision, and life insurance:
    • The district pays 100% of the premium for all employees.
  • Long-term disability coverage:
    • The district pays 100% of the premium for employees working 20 hours or more per week.
  • Employee Assistance Program for employees and their eligible family members.
    • Completely confidential, short-term counseling service that utilizes a practical approach toward problem resolution and is available 7 days a week, with no cost to the employee.
  • Paid holidays; earned vacation, sick, and bereavement days.
  • Longevity pay.
  • Annual work clothing allowance.
  • Earn overtime pay beyond 8 hours per day.
  • Paid "act of God" days, such as snow days.
  • Opportunity for career advancement.


Additionally, the children of employees living outside the district's attendance boundaries are eligible to attend Livonia Public Schools via schools of choice.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The work year, salary, and fringe benefits will be consistent with the current agreement between the Board of Education and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees.   This position will remain open until the position is filled.
APPLICATIONS:
All applicants, including current LPS employees, must complete and submit an application through Applitrack which can be accessed through the Livonia Public Schools webpage.  All applicants must also upload a cover letter, professional resume, copies of educational documents (transcripts/certificates), and three current letters of recommendation to their online application.
The Livonia Public Schools School District prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, or disability in any of its educational programs or activities.  The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, and marital status-Director of Human Resources, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at (734) 744-2566.  The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding discrimination based on handicap or disability-Director of Student Services, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at (734) 744-2524.
Livonia Public Schools uses the applicant tracking system from Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.