ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Prep Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Upshift

Food Prep Associate

Columbus, OH · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

... food and beverage associate, prep cook, warehouse associate, package handler, picker, packer, assembler, labeller, sorter. Q: Do I need experience? A: You can find shifts for all experience levels!

Wegmans Food Markets

Food Prep Associate

Williamsville, NY

$16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

If you have a passion for food and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, then this could be the role for you! What You'll Do * Cut, prepare, and serve a variety of hot and cold food items

Wegmans

Food Prep Associate

Williamsville, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Wegmans Culinary Explore the many culinary career opportunities available at Wegmans, from Prep ... Associates, Stockers, Overnight Workers, Food Service Workers, and more. Check out open jobs for ...

Saks

Restaurant Food Prep Associate

Coral Gables, FL · On-site

$18.07 - $22.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Food Prep assists main restaurant associates in maintaining high quality food items while keeping in mind the cost and profitability of inventory. The Cook does so by controlling daily and weekly ...

Shyft6

Food Prep Associate - I

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$16/hr

Prep I position is to be responsible for the accurate and efficient processing of ingredients for ... Responsibilities for Food Safety • Responsible for completing required paperwork accurately and ...

Saks

Restaurant Food Prep Associate

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$18.07 - $22.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

YOU WILL BE: The Restaurant Cook assists main restaurant Associates in maintaining high quality food items while keeping in mind the cost and profitability of inventory. The Cook does so by ...

Old Carolina Barbecue Co.

Kitchen Prep Associate

Stow, OH · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Kitchen Prep Associate | BBQ Restaurant Old Carolina Barbecue Company (BBQ) Full-Time or Part-Time ... From food preparation and smoker support to inventory organization and food safety, your work helps ...

Old Carolina Barbecue Co.

Kitchen Prep Associate

Massillon, OH · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Kitchen Prep Associate | BBQ Restaurant Old Carolina Barbecue Company (BBQ) Full-Time or Part-Time ... From food preparation and smoker support to inventory organization and food safety, your work helps ...

Old Carolina Barbecue Co.

Kitchen Prep Associate

Akron, OH · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Kitchen Prep Associate | BBQ Restaurant Old Carolina Barbecue Company (BBQ) Full-Time or Part-Time ... From food preparation and smoker support to inventory organization and food safety, your work helps ...

Din Tai Fung

Kitchen Prep Associate - Apps

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

As a Kitchen Prep Associate - Apps , you play a key dual role in bringing the Din Tai Fung (DTF) experience to life behind the scenes. You'll prepare all beverages at the Boba station, plate ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Prep Associate Jobs

Food Prep Associate information

See salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do food prep associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep associate in the United States is $15.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges food prep associates face during busy meal times?

Food Prep Associates often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, such as lunch and dinner rushes. Managing time efficiently, keeping workstations organized, and maintaining food safety standards can be challenging when orders are coming in quickly. Effective communication with kitchen staff and front-of-house teams is crucial to ensure orders are accurate and timely. Adapting to changing priorities and staying calm under pressure are essential skills for success in this fast-paced environment.

How to become a food prep associate?

To become a food prep associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in food handling or kitchen work. Basic skills include knowledge of food safety practices, ability to follow instructions, and familiarity with kitchen tools and equipment. Some employers may require food safety certifications such as ServSafe.

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

AspectFood Prep AssociateKitchen Helper
ResponsibilitiesPreparing ingredients, assembling dishes, following recipesAssisting with basic kitchen tasks, cleaning, and supporting cooks
CredentialsHigh school diploma often preferred; food safety certificationsMinimal formal credentials; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesSimilar settings, often in fast-paced kitchens
Industry UsageCommonly used in restaurants and food serviceOften used interchangeably with Food Prep Associate in entry-level roles

While both roles support kitchen operations, Food Prep Associates focus more on preparing ingredients and assembling dishes, whereas Kitchen Helpers assist with basic tasks and cleaning. The roles often overlap, but Food Prep Associates typically require some food safety knowledge and specific prep skills, making them slightly more specialized.

What is a food prep associate?

Food Prep Associates are workers responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting with basic cooking tasks in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, and following food safety procedures. They support chefs and cooks to ensure efficient meal preparation and service. This role is essential for keeping kitchen operations running smoothly and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food prep associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Prep Associate, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (like ServSafe), and inventory systems is often required. Attention to detail, time management, teamwork, and a positive attitude are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality food preparation in a fast-paced environment, directly impacting customer satisfaction and operational success.
More about Food Prep Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Prep Associate jobs? Cities with the most Food Prep Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Prep jobs? The most popular types of Food Prep jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Food Prep Associate jobs? The top employers for Food Prep Associate jobs are:
What states have the most Food Prep Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Prep Associate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Prep Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Prep Associate jobs are:
Food Prep Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,807 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Food Prep Associate - Deli

PrimoHoagies - Middletown, DE

Middletown, DE • On-site

$13.75 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • A fun, fast-paced environment built on teamwork and quality
  • Supportive, family-owned culture with hands-on training
  • Opportunities for growth within a fast-expanding franchise network
  • Food Safety Training and Certification
  • Employee meal discounts
  • Competitive hourly pay

Food Prep Associate - Deli

Prepare premium ingredients. Support a fast-paced team. Deliver America’s best hoagies.

PrimoHoagies is looking for a detail-oriented Food Prep Associate -Deli to safely operate slicing equipment, prepare fresh ingredients, and help uphold the award-winning quality that led USA Today to recognize us as the Best Hoagie Shop in America three years running. If you enjoy hands-on food prep, consistency, and high-energy teamwork, this role fits like a seeded roll.
 Typical Schedule (actual hours may vary)
  • Opening: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Mid: 11 am to 7 pm
  • Closing: 3 pm to Close
What You’ll Do
  • Slice meats and cheeses according to PrimoHoagies specifications
  • Maintain slicer cleanliness and follow all safety protocols
  • Stock, rotate, and label deli products using the FIFO method
  • Assist with sandwich assembly during peak times
  • Maintain portion control to support food cost targets
  • Monitor and restock fresh-baked bread levels
What You Bring
  • Ability to safely operate deli slicing equipment
  • Strong attention to detail and consistency in prep work
  • Commitment to food safety and sanitation guidelines
  • Dependability and teamwork in a fast-paced environment
Why PrimoHoagies
  • Family-owned culture with long-tenured, dedicated teams
    Fresh-to-order Specialty Hoagies made with premium ingredients
  • A level of excellence and consistency that led USA Today to recognize us as the Best Hoagie Shop in America three years running
  • A brand committed to authenticity, craftsmanship, and exceptional guest experiences
Join a team that takes pride in every slice, every sandwich, and every guest served. Apply today to become a Deli Prep Associate at PrimoHoagies.