Chef's assistant

What does a kitchen assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A kitchen assistant works in the kitchens of restaurants, schools, elderly care facilities, or other large-scale kitchens and performs practical tasks such as preparing ingredients, washing dishes, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting chefs with simpler cooking tasks. The role often involves responsibilities like peeling, chopping, portioning, and serving food, as well as dishwashing and cleaning. The pace is often fast, especially during lunch and dinner hours, and the work environment is characterized by teamwork, noise, heat, and sometimes heavy lifting. Kitchen assistants work both day and evening shifts, as well as weekends, depending on the employer's hours.

Salary development over time

The salary for kitchen assistants has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,200 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary increased to 26 600 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 5.6%. In 2024, the average salary continued to rise and now amounts to 27 900 SEK, a further increase of approximately 4.9% from the previous year. This salary growth is linked to a general shortage of labor in the restaurant and large-scale catering industry, as well as increased demands for skills and service. The demand for kitchen assistants remains high, especially in urban regions and within the public sector, which helps keep wages high and creates competition for labor. At the same time, a slight gender difference is observed, with men earning somewhat higher wages than women in the profession.

Kitchen assistant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 27 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 24,800 SEK/month (female, private sector, pre-high school education)
• Highest salary: 33,700 SEK/month (male, public sector, less than 9 years of education)
• Hourly wage: 168 SEK/hour (average, based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men 28 300 SEK/month, women 27 600 SEK/month (women earn 98% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on workplace, sector, and region

Education and qualifications

To work as a kitchen assistant, usually no higher formal education is required, but many employers prefer applicants who have completed the high school program in restaurant and food services or have kitchen work experience. Practical skills, service orientation, and the ability to work in a team are highly valued. Some workplaces may require hygiene training or certificates in food handling.

• High school education: Restaurant and Food Services program (3 years)
• Practical training: Work-based learning during education is common
• Experience: Previous work in kitchens or large-scale catering is advantageous
• Hygiene training: May be required by some employers
• Language skills: Basic Swedish is important for work environment and safety

Common benefits and compensations

Kitchen assistants are often offered meal benefits during shifts, access to work clothes, and sometimes evening and weekend supplement pay. Some employers also offer wellness allowances, extra vacation days, or staff discounts on food. Occupational pension and insurance are usually included for employees in the public sector or larger private companies.

Competition and challenges

The market for kitchen assistants is characterized by high demand and relatively many job openings, making it easier to find work. At the same time, challenges include a tough work environment, irregular hours, and physically demanding tasks. Competition for the most attractive positions can be tougher, especially in high-profile restaurants. Many work part-time or seasonally, which makes it difficult to have a stable income year-round. To meet the demands of the labor market, flexibility, stress tolerance, and good teamwork skills are required.

Tips for those who want to become a kitchen assistant

To succeed as a kitchen assistant, it is good to be precise and flexible, as tasks can quickly shift between different activities and the pace is often high. Stress tolerance is an important trait, especially during rush hours or big events, and the ability to cooperate with colleagues facilitates both the work environment and results. Showing initiative and being helpful is appreciated by both employers and colleagues and can lead to more responsibility over time. It is also wise to have a service-oriented attitude towards guests and customers, as customer service often plays a significant role in restaurant environments. Learning basic food hygiene and demonstrating punctuality and work ethic can give an advantage in the recruitment process. Finally, being curious and willing to learn new tasks can help develop within the profession over time.

Key facts about kitchen assistants

• Education level: Often high school, no university required
• Work environment: Fast-paced, noisy, physically active environment
• Work form: Commonly part-time, evening and weekend shifts
• Demand: Great opportunities for jobs, especially in cities and public sector
• Special skills: Basic food hygiene and teamwork ability

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as a kitchen assistant, there are good opportunities to advance to more qualified roles such as kitchen helper with increased responsibility, cold kitchen assistant, or further training as a chef. Many choose to combine work with studies to develop into a kitchen manager or supervisor in large-scale catering. According to the Employment Service's occupational forecast for restaurant and kitchen assistants, job opportunities remain strong nationally, and demand is expected to stay unchanged over the next five years. However, recruitment can be challenging, especially since many positions are part-time and staff turnover is high. There are a large number of available jobs in the industry, providing opportunities for both beginners and experienced workers to find employment.

Frequently asked questions about kitchen assistants

• What is the average salary of a kitchen assistant?
  - The average salary for a kitchen assistant is 27 900 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Men earn on average 28 300 SEK and women 27 600 SEK, which means women earn 98% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a kitchen assistant?
  - Usually, no higher formal education is required, but the high school program in restaurant and food services is advantageous.
• Are there many job openings for kitchen assistants?
  - Yes, there are 123 available jobs in the profession of restaurant and kitchen assistants.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Opportunities for employment are high, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a kitchen assistant?
  - The highest salary is 33,700 SEK and the lowest is 24,800 SEK per month.
• Which personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Attention to detail, stress tolerance, teamwork skills, and service-mindedness are important qualities.