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Food Prep Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Prep

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, prep areas, and walk-ins. * Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries properly. * Organize and restock supplies, including dry goods ...

Maintain cleanliness and organization of dish area and kitchen spaces * Assist with basic food prep to support the talented kitchen team * Help with trash removal and general kitchen upkeep during ...

Culinary Prep

Richmond, VA · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, prep areas, and walk-ins. * Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries properly. * Organize and restock supplies, including dry goods ...

Culinary Prep

Danville, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, prep areas, and walk-ins. * Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries properly. * Organize and restock supplies, including dry goods ...

Culinary Prep

Richmond, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, prep areas, and walk-ins. * Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries properly. * Organize and restock supplies, including dry goods ...

Culinary Prep

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, prep areas, and walk-ins. * Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries properly. * Organize and restock supplies, including dry goods ...

Prep

Manassas, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

... Assist with cleaning dishes, utensils, and other food containers in the dish area as needed ... PREP COOK • Vision (other) - Ability to distinguish between and among colors. Ability to exercise ...

Prep

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

... Assist with cleaning dishes, utensils, and other food containers in the dish area as needed ... PREP COOK • Vision (other) - Ability to distinguish between and among colors. Ability to exercise ...

Prep

Bristol, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

... Assist with cleaning dishes, utensils, and other food containers in the dish area as needed ... PREP COOK • Vision (other) - Ability to distinguish between and among colors. Ability to exercise ...

Prep Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Description At bartaco , food is our passion-but people are our purpose. We invest in our team ... Keep the kitchen stocked with fresh, high-quality ingredients for service * Assist with receiving ...

Prep Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

At bartaco , food is our passion--but people are our purpose. We invest in our team because they're ... Keep the kitchen stocked with fresh, high-quality ingredients for service * Assist with receiving ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Prep Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do food prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep assistant in Virginia is $14.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

How to become a food prep assistant?

To become a food prep assistant, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic cooking or food handling skills. On-the-job training is common, and knowledge of food safety standards and proper sanitation is important. Some employers may prefer previous experience in food service or culinary skills.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Food Prep Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,089 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

$14 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Kickback Jack's rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Culinary Prep team member ensures the kitchen is clean, well-stocked, and organized to support daily operations. This role is vital in maintaining health and safety standards and ensuring all prep and utility areas are operating efficiently to support line cooks and culinary leader.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, prep areas, and walk-ins.
  • Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries properly.
  • Organize and restock supplies, including dry goods, produce, and kitchen tools.
  • Set up workstations and ensure all prep stations are clean and ready for service.
  • Follow all safety and sanitation procedures in accordance with health codes.
  • Communicate with the culinary team to ensure timely preparation and replenishment.
  • Ensures all food is produce to standard following recipes and 100% recipe standards following

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