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Career Profile

Food Preparation Workers

What they do:

Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.

Also Called:

Cook, Cook Aide, Deli Clerk (Delicatessen Clerk), Diet Aide, Dietary Aide, Food Prep (Food Preparer), Food Service Aide, Food Service Worker (FSW), Line Cook, Nutrition Aide, Cook, Cook Aide, Deli Clerk (Delicatessen Clerk), Diet Aide, Dietary Aide, Food Prep (Food Preparer), Food Service Aide, Food Service Worker (FSW), Line Cook, Nutrition Aide

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$25,810
Starting Salary (2025)
$35,320
Median Salary (2025)
-3.4%
Projected Job Growth
893,600
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.
Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
Portion and wrap food, or place it directly on plates for service to patrons.
Inform supervisors when equipment is not working properly and when food and supplies are getting low, and order needed items.
Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Social
Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Self-Control
Cooperation
Integrity
Social Orientation
Attention to Detail
Dependability

What key skills are needed for this job?

Service Orientation
Coordination
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Time Management
Speaking

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Common Activities

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 1

Little or No Preparation Needed

Education

Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Experience

Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 45%
  • Less than high school 38%
  • Post-master's certificate 13%
  • Bachelor's degree 4%
  • Post-secondary certificate 1%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.