What is a kitchen porter?
A kitchen porter (KP) is a back-of-house worker responsible for washing dishes, cleaning kitchen equipment, maintaining hygiene standards, and supporting chefs with basic food prep. Kitchen porters are entry-level BOH staff and a critical part of any commercial kitchen team.
What Does a Kitchen Porter Do? (Daily Duties)
- Wash dishes, pots, and utensils throughout service
- Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces, floors, and equipment
- Assist chefs with basic food prep (peeling, chopping, portioning)
- Manage waste disposal and recycling
- Receive and store food deliveries
- Maintain stock of cleaning supplies
Kitchen Porter Pay: What to Expect in 2026
- US: $14–$18/hr depending on city and establishment type
- Canada: CAD $16–$20/hr in major markets
- High-demand cities (NYC, Toronto, Vancouver): $18–$22/hr
- Most positions are W-2 hourly with no tips
Kitchen Porter vs Dishwasher: What's the Difference?
- Dishwasher focuses solely on warewashing
- Kitchen porter has broader duties including cleaning and food prep
- Many restaurants use the terms interchangeably
- Kitchen porter is the preferred term in Canada and UK
How to Hire a Kitchen Porter Fast
- Traditional job boards: 2–4 weeks to fill
- On-demand staffing platforms: same-day confirmation
- W-2 staffing eliminates payroll tax liability
- DishwasherHero+ places kitchen porters in 30+ cities
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