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.

Median Annual Wage: $19,560

Education: Less than high school diploma (54%); High school diploma or equivalent (30%); Doctoral degree (7%)

Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)

Related Job Titles: Dietary Aide; Food Service Worker; Prep Cook (Preparation Cook); Nutrition Aide; Diet Aide; Food Service Aide; Dietary Assistant; Food Preparer; Pantry Cook; Slicer

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Food Preparation Workers.

More Food Preparation and Serving Related Careers

  • Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
  • Prepare a variety of foods, such as meats, vegetables, or desserts, according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions, following approved procedures.
  • Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.
  • Wash, peel, and cut various foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to prepare for cooking or serving.
  • Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service, or store them in refrigerated storage cabinets.
  • Portion and wrap the food, or place it directly on plates for service to patrons.
  • Weigh or measure ingredients.
  • Mix ingredients for green salads, molded fruit salads, vegetable salads, and pasta salads.
  • Receive and store food supplies, equipment, and utensils in refrigerators, cupboards, and other storage areas.
  • Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers.
  • Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items.
  • Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
  • Use manual or electric appliances to clean, peel, slice, and trim foods.
  • Inform supervisors when equipment is not working properly and when food and supplies are getting low, and order needed items.
  • Make special dressings and sauces as condiments for sandwiches.
  • Stir and strain soups and sauces.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Food Preparation Workers.

  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Food Preparation Workers.

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