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Dietary assistant vs kitchen staff

The differences between dietary assistants and kitchen staff can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a kitchen staff has an average salary of $29,816, which is higher than the $28,234 average annual salary of a dietary assistant.

The top three skills for a dietary assistant include patients, food service and meal trays. The most important skills for a kitchen staff are food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards.

Dietary assistant vs kitchen staff overview

Dietary AssistantKitchen Staff
Yearly salary$28,234$29,816
Hourly rate$13.57$14.33
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs12,812154,513
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

What does a dietary assistant do?

A dietary assistant is in charge of the food preparation of individuals in various settings. Dietary aides, dietary assistants cook food, check the compliance of proper procedure in safety and health measures, and maintain a clean environment in the kitchen. The assistants may work part-time or full-time, and during holidays, weekends, or evenings to accommodate customers. People in this position are expected to have experience in food preparation, strong teamwork, and customer-oriented approaches.

What does a kitchen staff do?

The kitchen staff consists of preparation workers who execute several routine tasks as directed by chefs, food service managers, and cooks. These works should have the ability to follow cooking instructions and deliver well-prepared meals. Their responsibilities include the cleanup of dishes, cooking equipment, and the working stations. They also take charge of food safety regulations, storing and sorting of ingredients, and preparing foodstuff.

Dietary assistant vs kitchen staff salary

Dietary assistants and kitchen staff have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dietary AssistantKitchen Staff
Average salary$28,234$29,816
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $35,000Between $23,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityEverett, WARedwood City, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyLifespanThe Road Home
Best paying industryHospitalityEducation

Differences between dietary assistant and kitchen staff education

There are a few differences between a dietary assistant and a kitchen staff in terms of educational background:

Dietary AssistantKitchen Staff
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Dietary assistant vs kitchen staff demographics

Here are the differences between dietary assistants' and kitchen staff' demographics:

Dietary AssistantKitchen Staff
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 29.4% Female, 70.6%Male, 56.5% Female, 43.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 7.4% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 7.0% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between dietary assistant and kitchen staff duties and responsibilities

Dietary assistant example responsibilities.

  • Prepare trays for patients within the hospital's care, taking into consideration dietary requirements and allergies.
  • Enhance communication skills by providing assistance, companionship and compassion to patients.
  • Prepare and serve food to visitors and staff upholding HACCP standards.
  • Insure that patient s food allergies, and intolerance are taken care of and note.
  • Provide janitorial services to maintain high safety standards and cleanliness.
  • Develop and deliver exceptional meal services to all patients and visitors through cafeteria operations and individual deliveries.
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Kitchen staff example responsibilities.

  • Assist the catering manager to manage, prepare, cook and deliver each day s caterings.
  • Present an enjoyable and positive atmosphere while preparing an outstanding product, manage inventory, and maintain cleanliness
  • Conduct daily inspections for overall cleanliness of all areas and proper sanitizing of food preparation surfaces.
  • Increase sales by upselling and signing customers up for discount cards
  • Prep food for dinner dishes, bar back, work on fryers, and wash dishes.
  • Cook, wash dishes, serve customers, prepare food for caterings, and stock shelves.
  • Show more

Dietary assistant vs kitchen staff skills

Common dietary assistant skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • Food Service, 11%
  • Meal Trays, 9%
  • Food Handling, 8%
  • Food Preparation, 7%
  • Customer Service, 7%
Common kitchen staff skills
  • Food Handling, 25%
  • Cleanliness, 21%
  • Sanitation Standards, 13%
  • Quality Food, 9%
  • Food Products, 7%
  • Meal Preparation, 5%

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