Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Australia are a golden doorway into the country’s fast-growing hospitality industry 🍽️. Restaurants, hotels, cafes, and catering services constantly need reliable kitchen staff to keep operations smooth. As Australia faces ongoing labor shortages in hospitality, employers are increasingly open to hiring international workers, and in some cases, offering visa sponsorship.
In 2026, there are thousands of kitchen assistant (also called kitchen hand) job openings across Australia, especially in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane . These roles are ideal for beginners and those looking to start a career in the food industry.
Kitchen assistants support chefs and cooks by preparing ingredients, cleaning kitchen areas, and ensuring smooth daily operations. It’s a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment where teamwork and hygiene are key.
Job Details
| Job Country | Australia |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Kitchen Assistant / Kitchen Hand |
| Education Minimum | Not Required |
| Experience | Not Mandatory (Preferred) |
| Language Required | Basic English |
| Visa Sponsorship | Available (Limited Cases) |
| Salary | AUD $24 – $35 Per Hour |
💡 Average pay for kitchen assistants is around $29 per hour or $57,000 annually
⚠️ Important Note About Visa Sponsorship
Kitchen Assistant roles are generally considered low-skilled, and full visa sponsorship is not always guaranteed under Australia’s skilled visa programs
👉 However, you can still work through:
- Employer sponsorship (in some cases)
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462)
- Transition from kitchen helper → cook/chef (higher chance of sponsorship)
Also Check: Cook Helper Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship 2026
What is a Kitchen Assistant?
A kitchen assistant is a support worker who helps chefs and cooks with food preparation and kitchen maintenance. They ensure the kitchen runs efficiently by handling basic tasks like cleaning, cutting ingredients, and organizing supplies.
Kitchen assistants work in:
- Restaurants 🍝
- Hotels 🏨
- Cafes ☕
- Catering companies 🎉
- Fast food chains 🍔
Basic Requirements
To apply for Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Australia:
✔ Minimum age 18 years
✔ Valid passport
✔ Basic English communication
✔ Physically fit for kitchen work
✔ Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
✔ Willingness to work shifts (weekends/night shifts)
✔ Basic food handling knowledge (preferred)
✔ Clean criminal record
✔ Medical fitness certificate
✔ Job offer from employer (for sponsorship cases)
Required Documents
Applicants need:
• Valid passport
• Passport-size photos
• Updated CV / Resume
• Experience certificates (if any)
• Educational documents (optional)
• Job offer letter
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical certificate
• Visa application documents
Types of Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Australia
Different roles are available depending on the workplace:
Restaurant Kitchen Assistant
Support chefs in preparing meals and cleaning kitchen areas.
Fast Food Kitchen Worker
Assist in quick meal preparation and maintaining hygiene.
Hotel Kitchen Assistant
Work in large kitchens serving hotel guests and events.
Catering Assistant
Help prepare food for events, parties, and functions.
Dishwasher / Back-of-House Staff
Focus on cleaning dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
Duties and Responsibilities
Kitchen assistants usually perform:
• Wash, peel, and cut vegetables
• Assist chefs in food preparation
• Clean kitchen equipment and utensils
• Maintain hygiene standards
• Store food items properly
• Dispose of waste safely
• Help organize kitchen supplies
• Support kitchen team during busy hours
How to Apply for Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Australia
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Search for Jobs
Use platforms like Indeed, SEEK, and Jora.
Step 2: Prepare Resume
Highlight any kitchen or labor experience.
Step 3: Apply Online
Submit applications to restaurants and hotels.
Step 4: Attend Interview
Employers may conduct online or in-person interviews.
Step 5: Get Job Offer
Receive contract with job details.
Step 6: Visa Process
Employer may assist with sponsorship (if eligible).
Step 7: Travel & Start Work
Move to Australia and begin your job.