Food Preparation Workers
Food preparation workers handle tasks like slicing meat, preparing cold foods, and brewing beverages in kitchens and food service settings. They work in restaurants, delis, catering companies, and other food service establishments, performing essential prep work that supports cooks and kitchen operations.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food preparation workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves preparing ingredients before service begins—slicing meats, washing vegetables, portioning foods, and setting up workstations. Workers follow recipes and food safety guidelines, maintain cleanliness of prep areas, and organize supplies. Tasks repeat daily with variations based on the menu and customer demand. Physical work is constant, including standing, lifting, and repetitive cutting motions.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCS. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer structured, hands-on work with clear procedures and measurable results. You're detail-oriented and systematic, comfortable following established methods and working efficiently within an organized kitchen environment, and you value straightforward tasks with immediate, visible outcomes.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $35,880 | $40,910 | $47,390 | 19,510 |
| District of Columbia | $38,070 | $39,600 | $44,040 | 3,970 |
| California | $37,010 | $39,350 | $44,540 | 112,750 |
| Colorado | $34,690 | $38,960 | $44,740 | 12,080 |
| Massachusetts | $36,060 | $38,900 | $44,580 | 13,620 |
| Hawaii | $33,310 | $38,160 | $46,920 | 5,950 |
| Oregon | $35,100 | $37,450 | $42,860 | 11,860 |
| North Dakota | $31,510 | $36,800 | $38,430 | 980 |
| New Hampshire | $31,000 | $36,780 | $39,330 | 3,420 |
| Arizona | $34,220 | $36,750 | $39,160 | 16,590 |
| Connecticut | $35,340 | $36,650 | $40,210 | 12,250 |
| Vermont | $35,220 | $36,550 | $42,920 | 1,350 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- AMSA Food Safety & Science Certification — American Meat Science Association
- ServSafe Food Handler — National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 7 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food preparation workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 35-2021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.