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Food Prep Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Food Preparation: * Wash, peel, chop, slice, and prepare ingredients for menu items * Assist in the ... Ensure all prep items are stored properly, labeled, and dated according to health and safety ...

Prep Cook

Clarksburg, MD · On-site

$18/hr

Follow all food safety, sanitation, and temperature control guidelines * Assist line staff during ... Minimum 2 years of kitchen prep experience required * Food Handler or ServSafe Certification ...

Prep Cook

Clarksburg, MD · On-site

$18/hr

Follow all food safety, sanitation, and temperature control guidelines * Assist line staff during ... Minimum 2 years of kitchen prep experience required * Food Handler or ServSafe Certification ...

Prep Cook

Clarksburg, MD · On-site

$18/hr

Follow all food safety, sanitation, and temperature control guidelines * Assist line staff during ... Minimum 2 years of kitchen prep experience required * Food Handler or ServSafe Certification ...

team prep

Frederick, MD · On-site

$15/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary prep station at all times * Assist kitchen and service staff to ensure smooth, efficient operations * Monitor and rotate food inventory to minimize waste and ...

team prep

Frederick, MD · On-site

$15/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary prep station at all times * Assist kitchen and service staff to ensure smooth, efficient operations * Monitor and rotate food inventory to minimize waste and ...

team prep

Frederick, MD · On-site

$15/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary prep station at all times * Assist kitchen and service staff to ensure smooth, efficient operations * Monitor and rotate food inventory to minimize waste and ...

Prep Cook

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$17 - $19.50/hr

The Prep Cook will assist in the butchering of meats and fish and assist with the daily operations of the kitchen. * Ensures that all food preparations and presentations meet ACW specifications and ...

New

Utility

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen, dining area, and restrooms. * Assist in food prep and stocking as needed. * Empty trash and recycling bins and help maintain the cleanliness of the restaurant.

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Food Prep Assistant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

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How much do food prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $17.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.89 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 popular job titles related to Food Prep Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Food Prep Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Prep Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Food Prep Assistant jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Food Prep Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Prep Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,972 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Prep Cook

McLean Bible Church

Vienna, VA • On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Purpose:


McLean Bible Church (MBC) is seeking a Prep Cook to join our Café team . The ideal candidate will have experience in food preparation, be skilled at following recipes, and work efficiently to ensure that all ingredients are prepped and ready for the café’s daily operations. The position plays a key role in providing high-quality customer experience.

Work Schedule:

  • Sundays ONLY: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • On call, if needed for regular Cafe duties: Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • On call, various times, if needed for catering order prep.

Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

Food Preparation:

  • Wash, peel, chop, slice, and prepare ingredients for menu items
  • Assist in the preparation of sauces, dressings, marinades, and other base ingredients
  • Measure and prepare ingredients according to the Café's recipes and standards.
  • Prepare menu items according to recipes, direction and plating instructions.
  • Participate in other culinary tasks as required.

Kitchen Organization:

  • Ensure all prep items are stored properly, labeled, and dated according to health and safety standards.
  • Maintain an organized and clean prep area, keeping tools and utensils properly stored

Sanitation & Safety:

  • Comply with all safety and hygiene regulations, including proper food handling, cleaning, and storage.
  • Follow all food safety procedures such as regularly washing utensils and work surfaces

Other:

  • Communicate effectively with team members to ensure orders are filled in a timely manner, and that operations run smoothly during peak hours
  • Follow directions of kitchen staff in work prioritization and food prep.
  • Assist with unloading, inspection and storage of raw ingredients and supplies
  • Help with receiving deliveries and unpacking food shipments
  • Assist with daily opening and closing duties, when needed

Qualifications:

  • High school or vocational school coursework in kitchen basics, such as food safety, preferred.
  • Previous experience in a Prep Cook or Kitchen Assistant role is preferred
  • Knowledge of basic cooking techniques
  • Fluency in Spanish or the ability to communicate in conversational Spanish is highly desired
  • Ability to change work tasks and follow directions quickly to address changing café volumes and service demands.
  • Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow recipes and instructions.
  • Familiarity with food safety standards and proper kitchen hygiene.
  • Ability to work well in a team environment and communicate clearly with others

Working conditions/Physical requirements:

  • Fast-paced and hectic while working with cooking tools such as knives.
  • Prolonged periods of standing and working in a kitchen
  • Exposure to elevated heat and steam typical of a kitchen environment.
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times
  • Manual dexterity to cut and chop foods and perform other related tasks.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.








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