Kitchen Helper
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Wash dishes, pots, and kitchen tools
- Clean kitchen surfaces and equipment
- Prepare basic ingredients such as washing and cutting produce
- Portion and label food items for storage
- Stock stations with supplies and ingredients
- Handle trash and recycling safely
- Follow food safety and hygiene rules
- Support receiving and storing deliveries
- Assist with simple cooking tasks as directed
- Set up and break down prep areas and service areas
Top Skills for Success
Reliability
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Communication
Cleanliness
Food Safety
Knife Skills
Ingredient Preparation
Dishwashing
Organization
Stamina
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Prep Cook
Line Cook
Dishwasher Lead
Kitchen Supervisor
Transition Opportunities
Baker Assistant
Catering Assistant
Food Service Worker
Restaurant Shift Lead
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Food Safety CertificationKnife SkillsSpeed and EfficiencyBasic Cooking MethodsInventory AwarenessAllergen Awareness
Development SuggestionsAsk for cross-training during slower shifts, practice safe knife handling with supervised prep tasks, and complete a basic food safety course. Build confidence by taking on one new station support task at a time and tracking accuracy and speed improvements weekly.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUS: $13 to $17 per hour
Mid LevelUS: $15 to $20 per hour
Senior LevelUS: $17 to $23 per hour
Growth Trend
Steady demand, with frequent openings in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, and catering. Hiring often increases during busy seasons and in high-traffic locations.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
Marriott InternationalHiltonCompass GroupAramarkSodexoDarden RestaurantsYum BrandsMcDonald’s
Industry Sectors
RestaurantsHotelsHospitalsSenior LivingSchools and UniversitiesCatering CompaniesFood Manufacturing
Recommended Next Steps
1
Get a food safety credential if your area requires it2
Learn proper knife handling and basic cuts from a supervisor or short course3
Volunteer for prep tasks such as washing and chopping produce4
Practice labeling and storage routines to reduce waste and improve safety5
Ask for feedback on speed, cleanliness, and consistency after each shift6
Update your resume with measurable wins such as faster turnaround time or improved station readiness7
Target employers with clear promotion paths such as hotels, healthcare dining, and large restaurant groups