Kitchen porter
Also known as: dish washer, kitchen steward, KP, pot and pan washer, kitchen hand
About this occupation
Kitchen porters wash and clean kitchen areas, including pots, pans, utensils, cutlery and dishes. They prepare the kitchen area before service, and receive and store supplies.
Essential skills and knowledge
- clean kitchen equipment
- ensure cleanliness of food preparation area
- handover the food preparation area
- handle glassware
- maintain a safe, hygienic and secure working environment
- clean surfaces
- report on possible hazards
- comply with food safety and hygiene
- dispose waste
- handle chemical cleaning agents
- operate dishwashing machine
- follow control of substances hazardous to health procedures
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Dishwashers (O*NET 35-9021.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.
- Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition.
- Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.
- Sweep or scrub floors.
- Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.
- Clean or prepare various foods for cooking or serving.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Social
Top skills: Operation and Control, Coordination, Active Listening, Time Management, Speaking, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$34,810 a year (2025), 477,450 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
- Food Preparation Workers
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
- Fast Food and Counter Workers
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
- Cooks, Short Order
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.