1

School Kitchen Help Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dishwasher/Kitchen Help

Spokane, WA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

As a dining aide in our community dining, you help create an incredible dining experience, build ... High School Diploma or equivalent. * Food service experience preferred, but NOT required. * Food ...

Be Seen First

Kitchen Helper

Millstone Township, NJ · On-site

$110 - $130/day

The Kitchen Helper plays an essential role in supporting a small kitchen team of 1 to 5 members by ... High school diploma or equivalent * Knowledge of food safety standards * Basic cooking techniques

New

Be Seen First

Kitchen Helper

Millstone Township, NJ · On-site

$110 - $130/day

The Kitchen Helper plays an essential role in supporting a small kitchen team of 1 to 5 members by ... High school diploma or equivalent * Knowledge of food safety standards * Basic cooking techniques

New

Be Seen First

Kitchen Helper

Millstone Township, NJ · On-site

$110 - $130/day

The Kitchen Helper plays an essential role in supporting a small kitchen team of 1 to 5 members by ... High school diploma or equivalent * Knowledge of food safety standards * Basic cooking techniques

New

KITCHEN HELPER

Puyallup, WA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.25/hr

Emerald Ridge High School Date Available: 26/27 SCHOOL YEAR Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED Posting : AP7745 Location : Emerald Ridge High School Position : Kitchen Helper Rate : Food Service - Level ...

KITCHEN HELPER

Puyallup, WA · On-site

$16 - $18.50/hr

Stahl Junior High Date Available: 26/27 SCHOOL YEAR Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED Posting : AP7746 Location : Stahl Jr High Position : Kitchen Helper Rate : Food Service - Level B Hours: 2 hours ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

School Kitchen Help information

See salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do school kitchen help jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for school kitchen help 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 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.

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.
More about School Kitchen Help jobs
What cities are hiring for School Kitchen Help jobs? Cities with the most School Kitchen Help job openings:
What states have the most School Kitchen Help jobs? States with the most job openings for School Kitchen Help jobs include:
Infographic showing various School Kitchen Help job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,047 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

$11.75 - $16/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position Purpose:
A hands-on working position that supports the mission of a profitable and efficient kitchen operation by striving to ensure product cleanliness standards and quality. Work in kitchen dish area or assist food preparation.
Essential Functions:
• Work in kitchen dish area washing and storing dishware, pots and pans according to standards.
• Proper dish area set up, stocking, cleanup, and tear down procedures.
• Display proper professional attitude, demeanor and cooperation toward peers, management and guests.
• Handle kitchen supplies and equipment to achieve property food expense guidelines.
Qualifications:
The individual must possess the job knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job. This being with or without reasonable accommodation, using a combination of knowledge, skills and abilities.
Education: High School Diploma or GED preferred. Experience: Three months kitchen experience necessary. One-year cooking school education certificate preferred.
Specific job knowledge, skills and abilities:
• Ability to read, write and speak basic English in order to read recipes, process information and communicate with other staff.
• Good inter-personal and group social skills, perform as a team member.
• Good organizational skills and multi-tasking skills.
• Exercise good judgment and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of food recipes, menus, preparation and presentation.
• Follow detailed instructions with minimal supervision at times.
• Possess basic knife handling skills and experience.
• Basic skill and experience with kitchen equipment, such as stovetops, ovens, steamers, slicers, mixers, broilers, grills and dish machines.
• Possess basic computational ability. Physical Requirements:
• Stand, sit, walk, climb, bend, crouch/stoop, twist and reach for extended periods of time.
• Have moderate to high level of energy and physical stamina.
• Able to exert well-paced ability to reach other departments of the restaurant, kitchen and banquet rooms on a timely basis.
• Most work tasks are performed indoors. Temperature is moderate to high, and are somewhat controlled by kitchen environmental systems. Kitchen temperatures can be extremely hot at times.
• Noise level, in the kitchen, may be moderate at times. Must have good hearing ability.
• Have good vision to be able to read recipes and par lists.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis.