As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Kitchen Helper in the United States is $31,640 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.
However, a Kitchen Helper's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Kitchen Helper's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Kitchen Helper's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Helper | 0-1 years | $31,636 |
| Food Service Operations Team Lead | 1-2 years | $41,170 |
| Food Service Operations Supervisor | 3-5 years | $66,640 |
| Food Service Operations Manager | 5+ years | $85,855 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Kitchen Helpers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 14.61% |
| Foodservice | 2.87% |
| Catering | 1.44% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Generosity
|
$43,663 |
38%
|
|
WFM
|
$35,753 |
13%
|
|
Commitment
|
$35,120 |
11%
|
|
Analysis
|
$33,855 |
7%
|
|
Brand Awareness
|
$33,855 |
7%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$33,538 |
6%
|
Kitchen Helper salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $35,419. While startup companies pay approximate $29,964.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $29,964 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $31,690 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $34,203 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $35,419 |
For Kitchen Helper roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 32% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Kitchen Helper positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Kitchen Helper as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $37,335 | $18.0 | 18% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $36,386 | $17.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $35,437 | $17.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $34,804 | $17.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $34,171 | $16.0 | 8% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Kitchen Helpers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Kitchen Helper with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $31,979 and $34,356).
Kitchen Helper Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 8.8% |
| High School | 50.8% |
| Associates | 24.9% |
| Bachelors | 15.0% |
| Masters | 0.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Kitchen Helper's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Kitchen Helper, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Food Restaurant Shift Supervisor | $34,700 | 10% |
| Gourmet Restaurant Manager - Casino | $59,500 | 88% |
| Culinary Services Supervisor | $40,400 | 28% |
| Food Service Operations Team Lead | $41,200 | 30% |
Salaries for a Kitchen Helper can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $30,803 in 2023 to around $30,299 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Kitchen Helper salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $30,803 |
| 2024 | $30,654 |
| 2025 | $30,299 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Kitchen Helper roles, with salaries approximately 18% above the market median.
Yes, you can be a kitchen assistant with no experience. Flexibility to assist with various tasks is essential. While previous kitchen experience is preferred, a willingness to learn is key. The salary for this position ranges from $30,330 to $40,340, with a mid-salary of $34,300, making it an accessible entry-level opportunity.
The highest paying job in a kitchen is typically the Executive Chef, with an average annual salary of around $95,302. Other notable positions include Food Service Director at $102,175 and Food Science Manager at $119,148. For entry-level roles like Kitchen Helper, salaries range from $30,330 to $40,340, depending on experience and location.
A kitchen helper may also be referred to as a food preparer, busboy, busgirl, or busser. The salary for this position typically ranges from a minimum of $30,330 to a maximum of $40,340, with a mid-range salary of about $34,300.
As of January 2025, Kitchen Helpers in the United States earn between $30,330 and $40,340 annually. The average salary is approximately $34,300. This range reflects entry-level positions to more experienced roles, providing a clear picture of earnings in this field.
The salary for a Kitchen Helper in the USA ranges from a minimum of $30,330 to a maximum of $40,340, with a mid-range salary of $34,300. While the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, many states have higher minimum wage laws, ensuring employees receive the better rate.
The minimum wage for kitchen helpers in the US is approximately $30,330. In 2023, the median salary for kitchen helpers is around $34,300, with the highest-paid 25% earning up to $40,340. This reflects a range of earnings based on experience and location within the industry.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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