Kitchenhand
An entry-level position in a commercial kitchen providing assistance to kitchen and service staff.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Kitchenhand?
- How to become a Kitchenhand
- Latest Kitchenhand jobs
- Top skills and experience for Kitchenhands
- Is Kitchenhand the right role for you?
- Kitchenhand role reviews
What's it like to be a Kitchenhand?
Kitchen Hands perform tasks such as washing dishes and utensils, cleaning, and restocking in commercial kitchens. They may also assist Chefs, Line Cooks and service staff with food preparation and storage.Did you find this video helpful?
Tasks and duties
- Cleaning and maintaining cooking utensils, dishes, cutlery and other equipment.
- Assisting with food preparation or assembly and food storage as required.
- Perform general cleaning to maintain a safe and hygienic work environment.
How to become a Kitchenhand
There are no formal qualifications required to work as a Kitchen Hand, as training is often provided on-the-job. A vocational qualification in kitchen operations may be advantageous and will provide a foundation in safe kitchen practices.
- Consider completing a Certificate II in Hospitality (SIT20316) or Certificate II in Kitchen Operations (SIT20416) to gain foundational skills and knowledge in safe food and kitchen practices.
- Gain work experience in a Kitchen Hand role.
- Seek out opportunities to gain new skills and learn about other hospitality roles. Kitchen Hands may work their way up into different positions. You may decide to supplement your experience with some formal training, such as a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30816).
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Kitchenhands.Latest Kitchenhand jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Kitchenhand jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Kitchenhand employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Food Preparation
Hygienic
Cleaning
Dishwashing
Food Safety
Cooking
Washing
Kitchen Operations
Food Hygiene
Restocking
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Kitchenhand reviews
Feb 2025
Being a kitchen hand is a fast-paced, physically demanding job that requires teamwork and resilience, but it’s rewarding to be part of a busy kitchen and learn valuable skills along the way.
Reviewer's QualificationCertificate IV in Commercial Cookery
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeMedium (20-199 employees)
SpecialisationHospitality & Tourism
The good thingsThe Good Things
If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and being part of a team, being a kitchen hand can be a rewarding job. You play a crucial role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly,...
The challengesThe Good Things
If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and being part of a team, being a kitchen hand can be a rewarding job. You play a crucial role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly,...
Read more
Jan 2025
My experience as a kitchen hand has been rewarding and fast-paced, offering valuable skill development and teamwork, but it can be physically demanding and occasionally underappreciated.
Reviewer's QualificationCertificate III in Automotive (Electrical)
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeSmall (1-19 employees)
SpecialisationHospitality & Tourism
The good thingsWorking as a kitchen hand is both rewarding and challenging. The role offers a sense of teamwork and camaraderie as you work closely with chefs and other staff, and it provides opportunities to develo...
The challengesAs a kitchen hand, some aspects of the role can be less enjoyable. The physical demands, such as long hours of standing, heavy lifting, and repetitive tasks, can be exhausting. The fast-paced environm...
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
