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Food Prep Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$20/hr

Previous food service and food prep experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus ... The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Durham, NC · On-site

$16/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

Durham, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

... in food preparation, attention to detail, and consistency. Our Prep Cooks are passionate team ... No cost GED or Associate Degree programs Perks, Recognition & Community * Perks and discounts ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

Raleigh, NC

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

... in food preparation, attention to detail, and consistency. Our Prep Cooks are passionate team ... No cost GED or Associate Degree programs Perks, Recognition & Community * Perks and discounts ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Wendell, NC · On-site

$17/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Louisburg, NC · On-site

$10.22/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Eurest

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Wendell, NC · On-site

$17/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17/hr

Requirement : Previous prep cooking experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus ... of food supply. * Resolves customer concerns. * Performs other duties as assigned. Associates at ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Cary, NC · On-site

$18/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Durham, NC · On-site

$16.50/hr

Prepares food and serves customers in accordance with applicable federal, state and local standards ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

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All JobsFood Prep Associate JobsFood Prep Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Food Prep Associate information

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How much do food prep associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep associate in Raleigh, NC is $15.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Food Prep jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Food Prep jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What job categories do people searching Food Prep Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Food Prep Associate jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Food Prep Associate job openings:

Food Prep Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Associate job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,891 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Linen & Food Service Prep Associate

Party Reflections, Inc.

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Qualifications:
  • Must be able to perform essential job duties in a non-climate controlled environment.
  • Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
  • Must have basic math and accurate counting skills.
  • Must be able to follow instructions and operational standards.
  • Lots of enthusiasm, professionalism, and commitment.
  • Must be able to work in a team environment.

Skills & Requirements
Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Tracks hanger inventory, notifies supervisor when getting low.
  • Arrives at work on time and as scheduled.
  • Does not look at phone outside of breaks.
  • Stays at work until released to leave.
  • Wears all proper PPE at all necessary times.
  • Maintains consistent attendance.
  • Dresses in a professional manner and represents Party Reflections well.
  • Uses feedback to improve performance.
  • Utilizes new skills to improve work quality and efficiency.
  • Enthusiastic about work and welcomes new tasks.
  • Seeks to increase product knowledge.
  • Seeks to increase knowledge of the rental industry
  • Demonstrates respect for all.
  • Works as directed by lead with limited oversight.
  • Willing to pitch in when needed.
  • Shares information & cooperates with other team members & customers.
  • Accepts responsibility & accountability for own actions.
  • Has knowledge of proper check-in procedures.
  • Performs accurate check-in counts.
  • Has basic product knowledge.
  • Full understanding of fulfillment in POR.
  • Full understanding of tablet and accessories.
  • Maintains clean and organized work space.
  • Knowledge of various sizes of products
  • Learning to correctly wrap food service product consistently.
  • Learning presoaking processes.
  • Learning the correct order for washing product.
  • Learning correct bagging procedures for silverware.
  • Learning procedures for cleaning large items such as coolers and thermovacs.
  • Safely and correctly operates, cleans, and drains dishwashing machine.
  • Demonstrates ability to work on front side of press.
  • Puts hangers together efficiently and accurate.
  • Continues to pursue knowledge of linen product.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of press safety procedures.
  • Learning proper restocking procedures.
  • Learning locations of linen product.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of quality standards of product.
  • Learning proper bagging procedures.
  • Has full knowledge of chemicals usage.
Physical Demands:
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their position.
  • Must have adequate vision with or without corrective lenses.
  • Must have sufficient clarity of speech and hearing with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • Must have full range of motion and dexterity, including but not limited to the ability to bend, squat and reach overhead.
  • Must be able to perform essential job duties in a non-climate controlled environment.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

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