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

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Durham, NC · On-site

$19.50/hr

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

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 (FULL TIME)

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

PREP COOK (FULL TIME)

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 ...

Postino WineCafe

Prep Cook

Raleigh, NC

$17 - $19/hr

Associate's degree in Culinary, Hospitality, Management, or Business preferred but not required ... State Food Handler's Certification is required

Upward Projects Holdings

Prep Cook

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

... food and recipes, cleaning and sanitizing equipment, and organizing the kitchen under the ... Associate's degree in Culinary, Hospitality, Management, or Business preferred but not required

Postino WineCafe

Prep Cook

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Associate's degree in Culinary, Hospitality, Management, or Business preferred but not required ... State Food Handler's Certification is required

Postino Wine Cafe

Prep Cook

Raleigh, NC

$17 - $19/hr

... food and recipes, cleaning and sanitizing equipment, and organizing the kitchen under the ... Associate's degree in Culinary, Hospitality, Management, or Business preferred but not required ...

Concord Hospitality

Banquet Prep Cook

Durham, NC · On-site

Responsibilities Prepare food of consistent quality following brand recipe cards Properly document ... Our "Associate First" culture supports growth, balance, and diversity. Built on five cornerstones ...

New

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Wendell, NC · On-site

$19/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a part time PREP COOK position. * Location : Siemens Wendell - 7000 ... food supply. * Resolves customer concerns. * Performs other duties as assigned. Associates at ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Durham, NC · On-site

$21/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time PREP COOK positions. * Location : Fidelity Investments ... of food supply. * Resolves customer concerns. * Performs other duties as assigned. Associates at ...

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

Prep Cook

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Ensure food comes out simultaneously, in high quality and in a timely manner. * Remain ... Andretti Associate to successfully perform the essential functions of their job. Reasonable ...

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

Prep Cook

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Ensure food comes out simultaneously, in high quality and in a timely manner. * Remain ... Andretti Associate to successfully perform the essential functions of their job. Reasonable ...

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Showing results 21-40

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

Food Prep Associate information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$15

$20

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.

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Compass Group

Louisburg, NC • On-site

$10.22/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,095 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services

Job description

ANTICIPATED START DATE OF AUGUST 7, 2026

Location: Louisburg College

  • We are hiring immediately for full time FOOD SERVICE UTILITY positions.
  • Address: 501 North Main Street, Louisburg, NC 27549. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time schedule; Monday through Sunday, 6:00 am to 9:30 pm. Weekend availability is required. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Prior food service experience is preferred; Interviews for this position will begin after the July 4th holiday.
  • Perks: Will train!
  • Fixed Pay Rate:  $10.22 per hour.

We Make Applying Easy!  Want to apply to this job via text messaging?  Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1545714. 

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg

Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.

Join our campus team where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. Enjoy competitive wages, benefits, and perks like Instapay through the One @Work app. Our careers are filled with purpose and encourage learning, growth, and meaningful impact. Apply today!

Job Summary


Summary:  Maintains kitchen work areas, and keeps equipment and utensils clean and orderly.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Sweeps and mops floors to comply with safety and sanitation standards.
  • Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces.
  • Removes trash and places it into designated containers. Steam cleans or hoses out garbage cans.
  • Transfers supplies and equipment between storage and work areas.
  • Assists with banquet table and front of the house set up.
  • Assist with loading or unloading and delivering supplies and product.
  • Distributes supplies, utensils and portable equipment as needed.
  • Complies with outlined sanitation and safety requirements.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

The Benefits

We are always looking for ways to invest in our people both inside and outside of work to help them achieve their full potential. Both full-time and part-time associates are eligible for the following benefits:

  • Opportunities for Training and Development
  • Retirement Plan
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program


In addition, full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Maryland, Washington State, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsHED.pdf

Because this position requires you to perform services in an educational facility, there may be periods when the Company does not require you to perform work (such as winter and summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the Company’s behalf may be unpaid and deemed a temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round, potentially at a different location during break periods.  Business needs may vary from year to year.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. 
 

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace. 

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