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Kitchen helper vs bakery associate

The differences between kitchen helpers and bakery associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a bakery associate has an average salary of $28,963, which is higher than the $25,796 average annual salary of a kitchen helper.

The top three skills for a kitchen helper include food handling, food service and wash dishes. The most important skills for a bakery associate are customer service, donuts, and food preparation.

Kitchen helper vs bakery associate overview

Kitchen HelperBakery Associate
Yearly salary$25,796$28,963
Hourly rate$12.40$13.92
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs80,20252,105
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

What does a kitchen helper do?

Kitchen helpers perform various kitchen tasks in restaurants, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. Their duties and responsibilities include assisting cooks in the preparation of meal ingredients, helping other staff with unloading food items from delivery trucks, and washing and drying the utensils, dishes, and cookware. Kitchen helpers are also responsible for removing and replacing garbage bags and storing ingredients and food supplies in compliance with food safety standards. The requirements for this position may include a high school diploma, a license in food handling, and knowledge of food safety standards.

What does a bakery associate do?

A bakery associate is responsible for assisting bakery chefs in producing baked goods and pastries, organizing the stock, maintaining the cleanliness of the storage area, and processing customers' orders and payments. Bakery associates monitor the inventory and request bakery ingredients and supplies from trusted suppliers and third-party vendors. They also pitch on recommending promotional campaigns and research on current bakery trends to update the menu, meeting public demands to increase sales and revenues. A bakery associate should have excellent communication and analytical skills to respond to customers' inquiries and operate the cash register.

Kitchen helper vs bakery associate salary

Kitchen helpers and bakery associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Kitchen HelperBakery Associate
Average salary$25,796$28,963
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $32,000Between $17,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CitySaint Paul, MNSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateMinnesotaWashington
Best paying companyWilliams InternationalRich Products
Best paying industryRetailRetail

Differences between kitchen helper and bakery associate education

There are a few differences between a kitchen helper and a bakery associate in terms of educational background:

Kitchen HelperBakery Associate
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Kitchen helper vs bakery associate demographics

Here are the differences between kitchen helpers' and bakery associates' demographics:

Kitchen HelperBakery Associate
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 53.3% Female, 46.7%Male, 22.5% Female, 77.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 8.1% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 6.6% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between kitchen helper and bakery associate duties and responsibilities

Kitchen helper example responsibilities.

  • Experience on grill, broiler, slicers, fryers etc.
  • Cook food using servsafe guidelines.
  • Use of POS system and cash register.
  • Maintain multiple kitchens while following ServSafe and HACCP.
  • Be aware of certain allergies and avoid cross contamination.
  • Inquire about any allergies to the ingredients of the dishes.
  • Show more

Bakery associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage and complete sales transactions via POS register system.
  • Handle cash, check, WIC check, credit card and other card transactions.
  • Prepare delivery orders for other PCC stores.
  • Brainstorm new recipes and culinary creations to serve in in-store retail.
  • Work with equipment such as ovens, slicers, and wrapping equipment.
  • Apply toppings to bread, run divider, assure quality of product.
  • Show more

Kitchen helper vs bakery associate skills

Common kitchen helper skills
  • Food Handling, 29%
  • Food Service, 22%
  • Wash Dishes, 10%
  • Cleanliness, 10%
  • Culinary, 8%
  • Kitchen Equipment, 3%
Common bakery associate skills
  • Customer Service, 45%
  • Donuts, 16%
  • Food Preparation, 10%
  • Bakery Products, 7%
  • Safety Regulations, 4%
  • Groceries, 2%

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