Food Preparation Workers
Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.
Common Job Titles
- Cook
- Deli Clerk (Delicatessen Clerk)
- Dietary Aide
- Food Service Worker (FSW)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onPerform food preparation tasks including slicing meat, preparing cold foods, and brewing beverages using commercial kitchen equipment under time constraints in fast-paced food service environments.Developing
- Hands-onOperate commercial food processing equipment including slicers, grinders, blenders, and mixers following food safety protocols and equipment operating procedures.Developing
- Hands-onHandle food items and ingredients measuring portions accurately using scales and measuring utensils while maintaining sanitation standards.Developing
- KnowledgeApply food production and processing procedures to prepare menu items according to established recipes and specifications.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate time management skills to coordinate multiple food preparation tasks prioritizing work based on order volume and service timing requirements.Developing
- MindsetEngage with supervisors and team members communicating preparation status and coordinating workflow in collaborative kitchen environments.Developing
- MindsetRespond to customer service needs and special requests maintaining a service-oriented approach when interacting with customers or front-of-house staff.Developing
- Hands-onExecute sanitation and cleaning procedures for equipment and work areas using commercial dishwashers and cleaning systems to maintain food safety compliance.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify food quality standards and compliance requirements through visual and sensory inspection during preparation and storage.Emerging
- KnowledgeExplain food preparation techniques and safety procedures to new workers supporting training and onboarding in team-based kitchen settings.Emerging
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Food Preparation Workers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
888,770
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $23,490. 25th percentile: U.S. $28,740. 50th percentile: U.S. $34,220. 75th percentile: U.S. $37,540. 90th percentile: U.S. $44,260. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $23,490 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $44,260 |
| Workers on average earn | $33,940 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service3.3/5
- Food Production2.9/5
- Production and Processing2.7/5
- English Language2.4/5
- Administration and Management2.3/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
Technology Skills
- Barrington Software CookenPro Commercial
- CBORD Foodservice Suite
- CBORD NetRecipe
- Culinary Software Services ChefTec
- EGS CALCMENU
- Master Cook Deluxe Professional Cook
- Mealmaster Cookbook Wizard
- MicroBlast Recipe Wizard for Windows
Tools & Equipment
- Belt conveyors
- Blenders
- Bread slicers
- Brick ovens
- Cappuccino machines
- Charbroilers
- Choppers
- Coffee brewing machines