Kitchen Helper: Jobs in Hospitality

Want to earn money on the side without making major compromises when it comes to planning your day? Then a kitchen helper job is what you’re looking for. Whether it’s taking in and storing fresh produce, prepping ingredients or cleaning kitchen equipment, as a kitchen helper you’re the backbone of the hospitality industry, working closely with the rest of the kitchen team to make sure every dish reaches the table on time. 

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  • Up to 100€ / shift

    earn as your kitchen helper pay

  • 18,200 completed shifts 

    by Zenjobber as part-time kitchen helpers in the last 12 months

  • Ø  6 hour shifts

    for hospitality support staff

  • Storage and prep 

    A kitchen helper job can involve taking in fresh food deliveries and keeping track of stock levels. That means counting, checking and correctly storing food, both chilled and dry goods.

  • Supporting the service

    During regular service, kitchen helpers might help prepare dishes by measuring out ingredients, washing vegetables and prepping simple dishes and sauces.

  • Organisation and cleaning 

    (Final) clean-up is part of a kitchen helper’s job, too. You’ll make sure work stations, kitchen equipment and above all the dishwashing area are thoroughly cleaned.

What you should bring to the job

  • Reliability

    A kitchen runs like clockwork, every second counts. Punctuality and a sense of responsibility are essential.

  • Teamwork

    No kitchen works without teamwork. This is a job for people who can tune into the rhythm of those around them.

  • Health certificate

    To work as a kitchen helper you need a valid health certificate, because you’re in direct contact with food.

Kitchen helper jobs near you: Your workplace

Zenjob has plenty of kitchen helper positions on offer. Above all, that means different jobs at different times in different locations. So whether you’re chopping vegetables in a hotel kitchen, prepping sauces in a restaurant or washing dishes in a café, every kitchen has a lively buzz to it, especially at peak times. Boredom is definitely not on the menu. Some of the most sought-after kitchen helper jobs come up on public holidays and at weekends.

Dishwashing jobs: An essential part of kitchen work

Think washing plates is no big deal? Think again. As a kitchen support worker you’ll quickly notice how important it is that everyone has clean dishes and cooking utensils. Dishwashing staff operate the dishwashers, clean delicate kitchen equipment by hand and keep the dishwashing area in good shape. So let’s be honest: without dishwashing staff, nothing in hospitality runs at all.

What our Zenjobber say

"Great concept. In my opinion the app is still far too little known. Super straightforward application. Huge choice of different jobs across all kinds of areas. I'm impressed." - Antonia

Frequently asked questions

What is my job as a kitchen helper? 

As a kitchen helper you support the kitchen team with preparing food and with general tasks around the kitchen. That includes chopping vegetables, prepping simple dishes, washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen. Your exact tasks can vary depending on the venue and its needs.

How much do you earn as a kitchen helper at Zenjob? 

Kitchen helper jobs at Zenjob pay above minimum wage: around €16.66 per hour on average, or about €100 for a typical six-hour shift. Rates can vary by region and venue, but never fall below the statutory minimum.

What qualifications do you need to have as a kitchen helper? 

Zenjob gives students the chance to work as a kitchen helper without any prior experience. You simply need to upload a valid health certificate, because you’re in direct contact with food. Hands-on kitchen experience and an understanding of how a hospitality business runs are a plus.

Do I need to speak German to work as a kitchen helper? 

Kitchen jobs are among the most accessible roles if your German is still a work in progress. Most of the work is hands-on and you’ll be shown what to do on site. A few basic words help, but you don’t need fluent German to do the job well. Every shift in the Zenjob app lists the language requirements for that specific venue, so you know what to expect before you book.

What should I wear and bring to a kitchen shift? 

Closed, flat, non-slip shoes are a must, as kitchen floors get wet and things get dropped. Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting stained, tie long hair back and leave rings, bracelets and watches at home for hygiene reasons. Bring a water bottle, because kitchens get hot. Aprons and other protective gear are usually provided by the venue, and the shift details in the app will tell you if anything specific is needed.

Still have questions? 

Find out how to register with Zenjob and how to make a success of your first kitchen helper job.

Zenjob Help Centre