1

Substitute Kitchen Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substitute Kitchen Helper

Madison, NE · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

Substitute Kitchen Helper - Lunchtime Solutions Location: On-site at Madison School District ... Maintain food safety and compliance Follow food-safety steps, complete basic logs, assist with ...

Substitute Kitchen Helper

Flandreau, SD · On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

Substitute Kitchen Helper - Lunchtime Solutions Location: On-site at Flandreau School District ... Maintain food safety and compliance Follow food-safety steps, complete basic logs, assist with ...

Substitute Kitchen Helper

York, NE · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Substitute Kitchen Helper - Lunchtime Solutions Location: On-site at York Public Schools Schedule ... Maintain food safety and compliance Follow food‑safety steps, complete basic logs, assist with ...

Substitute Kitchen Helper

Janesville, MN · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Substitute Kitchen Helper - Lunchtime Solutions Location: On-site at Janesville Waldorf School ... Maintain food safety and compliance Follow food-safety steps, complete basic logs, assist with ...

SD · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Substitute Kitchen Helper - Lunchtime Solutions Location: On-site at Dakota Valley School District ... Maintain food safety and compliance Follow food-safety steps, complete basic logs, assist with ...

Substitute Kitchen Helper

Atkinson, NE · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Substitute Kitchen Helper - Lunchtime Solutions Location: On-site at West Holt School District ... Maintain food safety and compliance Follow food-safety steps, complete basic logs, assist with ...

Substitute Kitchen Helper

Murdo, SD · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Substitute Kitchen Helper - Lunchtime Solutions Location: On-site at Jones County School District ... Maintain food safety and compliance Follow food-safety steps, complete basic logs, assist with ...

Substitute Kitchen Helper

Spearfish, SD · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Substitute Kitchen Helper - Lunchtime Solutions Location: On-site at SCHOOL DISTRICT Schedule ... Maintain food safety and compliance Follow food-safety steps, complete basic logs, assist with ...

Showing results 41-60

Substitute Kitchen Assistant information

See salary details

$8

$16

$25

How much do substitute kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute kitchen assistant in the United States is $16.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substitute kitchen assistant?

Substitute kitchen assistants are temporary staff members who fill in for regular kitchen personnel in settings such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias when they are absent. Their duties typically include assisting with food preparation, serving meals, cleaning kitchen areas, and following food safety guidelines. Substitute kitchen assistants must be adaptable and able to quickly learn the routines and standards of different kitchens. This role is essential for maintaining smooth kitchen operations and ensuring that meal services are not disrupted.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substitute kitchen assistant?

To thrive as a Substitute Kitchen Assistant, you should have basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling protocols, and sometimes a food handler's permit are typically required. Reliability, flexibility, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for adapting to different kitchen environments and supporting staff. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining food quality, safety, and smooth operation in busy or changing kitchen settings.

What are some common challenges faced by a substitute kitchen assistant, and how can I prepare for them?

As a Substitute Kitchen Assistant, you may face challenges such as quickly adapting to different kitchen environments, learning new routines on the spot, and managing time efficiently during busy meal periods. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential, as you’ll often work with various team members and supervisors at different locations. Preparing by familiarizing yourself with basic food safety protocols and efficient kitchen workflows can help you perform confidently and contribute positively, even when stepping into unfamiliar settings.

What is the difference between Substitute Kitchen Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectSubstitute Kitchen AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationUsually no formal certification needed
Work EnvironmentSchools, hospitals, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, institutional kitchens
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and healthcare institutionsFood service establishments and restaurants
Job RoleAssists in food prep, cleaning, and supporting kitchen staffPerforms basic food prep, cleaning, and assisting cooks

The Substitute Kitchen Assistant and Kitchen Helper roles share similar duties like food prep and cleaning, but the Substitute Kitchen Assistant often works in institutional settings and may require food safety certifications. The Kitchen Helper typically works in restaurants or cafeterias with less formal credential requirements. Both roles support kitchen operations but differ mainly in work environment and certification needs.

What is the difference between a kitchen helper and a substitute kitchen assistant?

A substitute kitchen assistant is a temporary worker who fills in for regular staff as needed, often with specific training or certifications. A kitchen helper typically performs routine tasks such as cleaning, prepping, and basic food preparation under supervision, and may be a regular or part-time employee. The main difference is that the substitute role is temporary and flexible, while a kitchen helper may have a more consistent, ongoing position.

What cities are hiring for Substitute Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Substitute Kitchen Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Substitute Kitchen Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Substitute Kitchen Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Substitute Kitchen Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,721 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Substitute Kitchen Helper

Lunchtime Solutions, Inc.

North Sioux City, SD • On-site

$13.75 - $16/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Lunchtime Solutions rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Substitute Kitchen Helper – Lunchtime Solutions
Location: On-site at Dakota Valley School District
Schedule: Monday–Friday Available to work a variable schedule as needed basis.
Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable, team‑focused Substitute Kitchen Helper to support our school food service program on an as-needed basis. In this role, you'll step in when regular team members are absent, helping keep meal service running smoothly by assisting with food preparation, serving students, and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen. This is a flexible role that's perfect for someone who enjoys variety, working with different teams, and making a positive impact on students' day.
What You’ll Do
  • Fill in at school kitchens when team members are out, helping ensure meal service continues without interruption.
  • Help prep and serve menu items, keep your station stocked, and follow serving‑size and special‑diet guidelines.
  • Follow simple recipes like fruit and veggie bars or baked goods while keeping kitchen, storage areas, and equipment clean and organized using FIFO.
  • Maintain food safety and compliance Follow food‑safety steps, complete basic logs, assist with production records and help maintain a safe workspace.
  • Communicate supply needs, feedback, and updates to your team and supervisors.
  • Stock and serve items during meal service and help with prep lists and freezer pulls.
  • Adapt to different school locations, teams, and kitchen environments as needed.
  • Jump in where needed from helping teammates, training new team members and assisting when someone is out.
What You Bring
  • Flexibility and willingness to work on an as-needed basis at various school locations.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
  • Ability to follow recipes, measure ingredients, and convert quantities for large batches.
  • Dependability, integrity, and a commitment to excellent customer service.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform frequent standing, bending, twisting, and other physical tasks.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
  • Flexible, as-needed work that fits your availability.
  • Plan for your future with our 401(k) retirement plan
  • Enjoy work life balance with paid time off
  • Eat well enjoy a free, delicious meal every shift.
  • Enjoy your evenings and weekends our Monday–Friday daytime schedule means no late nights, no weekends, and no holidays spent in a kitchen.
Our Values
At Lunchtime Solutions, our success comes from team members who:
  • Take pride in what you do
  • Focus on customer success
  • Be a person of integrity
  • Drive to improve
  • Do it with passion
  • Express gratitude
  • Work as a team
  • Pursue lasting partnerships
  • Embrace a healthy work-life balance
If these values resonate with you, we’d love to meet you!
Lunchtime Solutions performs post offer background investigations prior to starting employment with our company. This background investigation may involve verifying or reviewing any of the following relevant information: criminal convictions and DMV record if appropriate for the position.
Lunchtime Solutions Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. EOE-M/F/Disabled/Vet. View Policy

What Lunchtime Solutions employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom