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Food Prep Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Chicken Salad Chick

Dishwasher/Prep Assistant

Bristol, TN

$11 - $14.25/hr

Maintain a clean work environment by cleaning kitchen machines and appliances (coffee makers, pans, pots, mixers, stoves). * Assist the Prep Team with various food recipes. Dishwasher We have a ...

Sage Dining

Food Prep/ Server

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • PTO

Use proper food handling, storage, and sanitation techniques always (HACCP). * Assist in training ... Experience as a Prep Cook or Cook preferred, but not required. * Ability to understand and execute ...

Chick-fil-A

Food Prep Team Member

Bristol, TN

$14 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Food prep of cold and hot fast food menu items. * Assist with all back of house stations including fries, breading, assembling, boards, and food prep. * Stock BOH inventory as needed to ensure smooth ...

Chick-fil-A

Food Prep Team Member

Bristol, TN

$14 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Food prep of cold and hot fast food menu items. * Assist with all back of house stations including fries, breading, assembling, boards, and food prep. * Stock BOH inventory as needed to ensure smooth ...

Local Goat

Line Cook / Prep Cook

Ooltewah, TN · On-site

$16/hr

... assist with the daily operation of our restaurant's kitchen ... The Kitchen Staff will be responsible for preparing and cooking food, maintaining a clean and ...

Local Goat

Line Cook / Prep Cook

Pigeon Forge, TN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

... assist with the daily operation of our restaurant's kitchen ... The Kitchen Staff will be responsible for preparing and cooking food, maintaining a clean and ...

Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment

AM Prep Cook

Nashville, TN

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Prep / Pantry Location: All Locations Reports to: Executive Chef Company Overview: The Jeff ... To assist the chefs by preparing ingredients, keeping kitchen clean and orderly, and by performing ...

Trinity Services Group

Food Service Supervisor

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Supervise inmate labor and/or team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation ...

Trinity Services Group

Food Service Supervisor

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Supervise inmate labor and/or team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation ...

Trinity Services Group

Food Service Worker

Whiteville, TN · On-site

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Supervise inmate labor and/or team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation ...

Trinity Services Group

Food Service Worker

Hartsville, TN

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Supervise inmate labor and/or team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation ...

Trinity Services Group

Food Service Worker

Hartsville, TN · On-site

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Supervise inmate labor and/or team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation ...

Trinity Services Group

Food Service Supervisor

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Supervise inmate labor and/or team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Prep JobsFood Prep Assistant JobsFood Prep Assistant Jobs in Tennessee

Food Prep Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do food prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep assistant in Tennessee is $13.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $14.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food prep assistant?

To thrive as a Food Prep Assistant, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and sometimes a food handler’s certification are important technical requirements. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial to maintaining kitchen efficiency, ensuring food safety, and supporting smooth meal preparation in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Food Prep Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Prep AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsNone required or basic food safety certificationsNone required
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, catering
Job DutiesPreparing ingredients, assembling dishes, basic food prepAssisting with cleaning, basic prep, support tasks

Food Prep Assistants focus on preparing ingredients and assembling dishes in professional kitchens, often requiring basic food safety knowledge. Kitchen Helpers typically perform support tasks like cleaning and basic prep, with less emphasis on food preparation. While both roles work in similar environments, Food Prep Assistants have more specialized responsibilities related to food preparation.

What are some common challenges faced by food prep assistants in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Food Prep Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining speed and accuracy during busy meal periods, adhering to strict hygiene and safety standards, and efficiently managing multiple prep tasks simultaneously. Adapting to last-minute menu changes and effectively communicating with chefs and other kitchen staff are also key to ensuring smooth kitchen operations. Developing strong organizational skills and staying calm under pressure can help overcome these common challenges and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

How to become a food prep assistant?

To become a food prep assistant, typically no formal education is required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Relevant skills include basic food safety knowledge, ability to follow instructions, and good time management. Some employers may require food handler's permits or certifications, and on-the-job training is common.

What is a food prep assistant?

Food Prep Assistants are entry-level workers in kitchens who help chefs and cooks by preparing ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, and organizing supplies. Their tasks often include washing, chopping, and measuring food items, as well as ensuring workstations are sanitary. They play a vital role in keeping kitchen operations running smoothly and efficiently, especially during busy periods. This position is a common starting point for those interested in advancing to more skilled culinary roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Prep jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Food Prep jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Prep Assistant jobs in Tennessee?

For Food Prep Assistant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Prep Assistant jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Assistant jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Food Prep Assistant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Food Prep Assistant job openings:

Food Prep Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,313 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

Dishwasher/Prep Assistant

Chicken Salad Chick

Bristol, TN

$11 - $14.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Chicken Salad Chick rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 20 rated casual dining restaurants

Job description

Main Responsibilities for a Dishwasher:
  • Consistently ensure the availability of clean dishes by washing flatware, dishes, pans, and pots.
  • Maintain a clean work environment by cleaning kitchen machines and appliances (coffee makers, pans, pots, mixers, stoves).
  • Assist the Prep Team with various food recipes.
Dishwasher Job Description:

We have a vacant spot for a well-organized and committed dishwasher. Our culinary environment is fast-paced and we expect you to be able to work as part of a team. Your main duties will include removing dishes and washing them.

Our goal is to employ a person with excellent time management and communication skills. You should be able to prioritize tasks. You will be working in a kitchen for most of your workday. This means that you will also have to abide by food safety procedures and regulations.

Responsibilities of a Dishwasher:
  • Maintaining a clean and well-organized working environment
  • Maintaining the availability of clean dishes at all times
  • Cleaning kitchen appliances and machines
  • Helping other team members to unload and store deliveries
  • Assist other staff members with tasks when the need arises
  • Adhere to food safety procedures and regulations
  • Taking out the trash
Dishwasher Job Requirements:
  • Must have minimal work experience as a dishwasher
  • Must be proficient in operating with different types of dishes
  • Must know and follow all food safety procedures
  • Must have communication skills
  • Must be able to prioritize tasks

Chicken Salad Chick is THE place for chicken salad lovers to rejoice! We’ve taken this Southern favorite to a whole new level with over twelve flavors! We also offer tasty soups, sides, and desserts in addition to the chicken salad that started it all.
Want to be a part of the Chick? Looking for a restaurant career like no other you have ever experienced? One in which life balance is a part of our culture. Yep, we are closed on Sundays, and have no early morning late night hours of operations. Looking for a great opportunity to be in on a ground floor opportunity with one of the fastest growing regional chains in the Quick Casual Restaurant segment?

What Chicken Salad Chick employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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