Careers · Food Preparation Workers · District of Columbia
Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia
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. In District of Columbia the median pay is $39,600 a year, 12% above the national median of $35,320.
$39,600median pay in District of Columbia, per year
$38,070–$44,040middle half earn
3,970employed in District of Columbia
$35,320U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food preparation workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food preparation workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Who is hiring in District of Columbia
1open role like this on employer career sites, 0 in District of Columbia or remote
1employer hiring
0posted in the last 7 days
OHwhere most openings are
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Active ListeningService OrientationTime ManagementSpeakingCoordinationCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionSocial Perceptiveness
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceFood ProductionProduction and Processing
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Food Preparation Workers.
Licenses and training in District of Columbia
Food Preparation Workers pay in other states
Washington · $40,910California · $39,350Colorado · $38,960Massachusetts · $38,900Hawaii · $38,160Oregon · $37,450North Dakota · $36,800New Hampshire · $36,780Arizona · $36,750Connecticut · $36,650
Related occupations
Cooks, Fast FoodCooks, Institution and CafeteriaCooks, Private HouseholdCooks, RestaurantCooks, Short OrderCooks, All OtherChefs and Head CooksFirst-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food preparation workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, District of Columbia, annual.