Food Internship information
See salary details
$10.47 - $11.80
2% of jobs
$11.80 - $13.13
3% of jobs
$13.13 - $14.47
17% of jobs
$14.55 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.47 - $15.80
18% of jobs
The median wage is $16.51 / hr.
$15.80 - $17.13
16% of jobs
$17.13 - $18.47
11% of jobs
$18.89 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$18.47 - $19.80
20% of jobs
$19.80 - $21.13
6% of jobs
$21.13 - $22.47
3% of jobs
$22.47 - $23.80
2% of jobs
How much do food internship jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for food internship in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
To excel as a Food Intern, you typically need a background in culinary arts, nutrition, or hospitality, often supported by relevant coursework or enrollment in a related degree program. Hands-on familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and inventory management systems is important. Strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, and effective teamwork help interns stand out in busy kitchen or food service environments. These skills ensure interns contribute to efficient operations, maintain safety standards, and develop professionally for future roles in the food industry.
A food internship is a temporary position designed to give students or aspiring professionals hands-on experience in the food industry. Interns may work in restaurants, food production companies, catering businesses, or related areas, assisting with tasks such as food preparation, research, quality control, or menu development. These internships provide practical training, industry exposure, and networking opportunities that can help launch a career in the culinary or food science fields.
During a food internship, you'll typically gain practical experience in various aspects of food preparation, kitchen operations, and sometimes even menu development or food safety protocols. Interns often rotate through different stations, assisting chefs with ingredient prep, cooking, plating, and clean-up, while also learning about inventory management and kitchen hygiene standards. Depending on the establishment, you may have opportunities to shadow experienced culinary professionals, participate in team meetings, and contribute to special events or projects. This immersive environment is great for building foundational skills and understanding the fast-paced nature of the food industry.
What cities are hiring for Food Internship jobs?
Cities with the most Food Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food jobs?
The most popular types of Food jobs are:
What states have the most Food Internship jobs?
States with the most job openings for Food Internship jobs include:
