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Food Prep Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Lot 54

Utility Worker

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18/hr

Basic Food Prep: Assist the culinary team with light prep work during downtime (e.g., peeling, chopping, washing produce, portioning ingredients, and basic prep stock). * Restocking & Organization:

Centers-Health-Car

Food Service Director

Rochester, NY · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

May be requested to assist on tray line at mealtimes. * Coordinates and plans food preparation ... Strong knowledge of large scale & therapeutic food prep. * Solid leadership and supervisory skills.

New

Rochester Center

Food Service Director

Rochester, NY

$65K - $70K/yr

May be requested to assist on tray line at mealtimes. * Coordinates and plans food preparation ... Strong knowledge of large scale & therapeutic food prep. * Solid leadership and supervisory skills.

Wegmans Food Markets

Dishwasher

Fairport, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Support culinary operations by washing dishes, putting away dish loads and performing other kitchen duties as necessary, including some food prep work * Assist with receiving of products, stock ...

Wegmans Food Markets

Dishwasher

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Support culinary operations by washing dishes, putting away dish loads and performing other kitchen duties as necessary, including some food prep work * Assist with receiving of products, stock ...

Wegmans Food Markets

Dishwasher

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Support culinary operations by washing dishes, putting away dish loads and performing other kitchen duties as necessary, including some food prep work * Assist with receiving of products, stock ...

Soar Restaurants

Assistant Manager

Rochester, NY · On-site

Assistant Manager Immediate Supervisor: General Manager/Operating Partner Status: Nonexempt ... food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as necessary during shift to meet operational standards

Soar Restaurants

Assistant Manager

Rochester, NY · On-site

Assistant Manager Immediate Supervisor: General Manager/Operating Partner Status: Nonexempt ... food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as necessary during shift to meet operational standards

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Rochester, NY · On-site

Assistant Manager Immediate Supervisor: General Manager/Operating Partner Status: Nonexempt ... food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as necessary during shift to meet operational standards

Soar Restaurants

Assistant Manager

Rochester, NY

Assistant Manager Immediate Supervisor: General Manager/Operating Partner Status: Nonexempt ... food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as necessary during shift to meet operational standards

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Rochester, NY · On-site

Assistant Manager Immediate Supervisor: General Manager/Operating Partner Status: Nonexempt ... food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as necessary during shift to meet operational standards

Sonic

Assistant Manager

Rochester, NY

Assistant Manager Immediate Supervisor: General Manager/Operating Partner Status: Nonexempt ... food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as necessary during shift to meet operational standards

Sonic

Assistant Manager

Rochester, NY · On-site

Assistant Manager Immediate Supervisor: General Manager/Operating Partner Status: Nonexempt ... food prep, and drive-thru (if applicable)) as necessary during shift to meet operational standards

Foodlink Inc

Prep Cook- Senior Meals

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19.50 - $20/hr

Based on production volumes the Senior Meals team may also assist the Children Meals team. The Prep Cook works in compliance with Foodlink processes and procedures to ensure the highest level of food ...

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Food Prep Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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How much do food prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep assistant in Rochester, NY is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.03 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 Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Food Prep jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Prep Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY?

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

What job categories do people searching Food Prep Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Food Prep Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Food Prep Assistant job openings:

Food Prep Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,333 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Utility Worker

Lot 54

Rochester, NY • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 hours ago

Job description

Description: About Lot 54

At Lot 54, we are passionate about delivering exceptional food, high-energy service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We believe that a smooth-running restaurant starts with a strong, organized backbone in the heart of the kitchen.

At Lot 54, we work hard, but we don't take ourselves too seriously. We're looking for teammates who bring good vibes, keep the team dynamic fun, and aren't camera-shy! We love featuring our crew in behind-the-scenes social media content, hype videos, and team highlights. If you love good food, good energy, and having a blast with your team, this is the job for you.

Position Overview

We are seeking reliable, hard-working, and positive Utility Workers to join our team. In this hybrid role, you are the backbone of our heart-of-house operations—handling high-volume dishwashing, light food prep, and maintaining overall kitchen cleanliness and sanitation across morning, afternoon, or evening shifts.

Shift Availability:
Hiring across all shifts (Mornings/Daytime and Evenings/Closing). Open availability is a huge plus!Key Responsibilities
  • Dish Pit Operations: Efficiently scrape, wash, sanitize, and organize all dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, pans, and kitchen utensils using commercial dishwashing equipment and manual washing stations.
  • Kitchen Cleanliness: Maintain clean, safe, and sanitized work areas throughout the shift, including taking out trash/recycling, sweeping, mopping floors, and sanitizing high-touch surfaces.
  • Basic Food Prep: Assist the culinary team with light prep work during downtime (e.g., peeling, chopping, washing produce, portioning ingredients, and basic prep stock).
  • Restocking & Organization: Put away food, supply, and chemical shipments safely, following FIFO (First-In, First-Out) food rotation practices, and keeping storage areas organized.
  • Vibe & Culture: Bring a positive work ethic, help keep kitchen morale high, and participate in fun, behind-the-scenes social media content and kitchen crew showcases.
Qualifications & Skills
  • Experience: Previous restaurant, dishwasher, or kitchen cleaning experience is preferred, but we are happy to train anyone with the right attitude and work ethic!
  • Punctuality & Reliability: Show up on time ready to work and support the team.
  • Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, bend, stoop, and move quickly for extended periods, and comfortably lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Personality: Positive attitude, strong team-first mindset, camera-friendly, and a good sense of humor.
  • Safety Mindset: Ability to follow food safety, sanitation, and chemical safety guidelines properly.
What We Offer
  • Competitive hourly pay + potential shift perks
  • Flexible scheduling (Daytime or Evening shifts)
  • A fun, supportive, and inclusive kitchen culture
  • Clear opportunities to learn culinary skills and grow into line cook roles
Requirements: