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Food Prep Associate Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Albertsons

Line Cook (Prep Cook)

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$17.15 - $23/hr

As a Prep Cook, you set the prepared food department's day up for success by slicing and dicing ... Associate discounts * Leaders invested in your training, career growth & development. * Health and ...

Round1

Food & Beverage Associate

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$16 - $17.75/hr

Washes and dries dishes, glasses, and other cooking/food prep utensils. * Conducts all opening and closing procedures. (Opens and closes cash tills, kitchen cleaning, etc.). * Manages food and ...

Albertsons

Line Cook (Prep Cook)

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

As a Prep Cook, you set the prepared food department's day up for success by slicing and dicing ... Associate discounts * Leaders invested in your training, career growth & development. * Health and ...

Albertsons

Line Cook (Prep Cook)

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

As a Prep Cook, you set the prepared food department's day up for success by slicing and dicing ... Associate discounts * Leaders invested in your training, career growth & development. * Health and ...

Logan's Roadhouse

Prep

Manassas, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

The Prep Cook completes basic food prepping tasks as directed by the Chef /Manager. Their main ... associate degree required. • At least one year of cooking experience. • Excellent kitchen ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Laurel, MD · On-site

$20/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

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40/hr

We asked some of our associates why they love working for Touchpoint. Click here to see what they ... Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/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

Dulles, VA

$16.50 - $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

Mclean, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/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 ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

Bethesda, MD

$18 - $21.75/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

Waldorf, MD · On-site

$15.50/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

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/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

Hanover, MD · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/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

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $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 ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40 - $19.25/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

Manassas, VA · On-site

$20/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 ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

Columbia, MD

$16.50 - $21.50/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

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

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

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Prep Associate JobsFood Prep Associate Jobs in Washington, DC

Food Prep Associate information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do food prep associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep associate in Washington, DC is $17.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.86 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 popular job titles related to Food Prep Associate jobs in Washington, DC?

For Food Prep Associate jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Prep Associate jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Associate jobs in Washington, DC are:

Food Prep Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Associate job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, and 37% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,158 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Line Cook (Prep Cook)

Albertsons

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$17.15 - $23/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Albertsons rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,168 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 124 rated grocery stores

Job description

A Day in the Life:

As a Prep Cook, you set the prepared food department’s day up for success by slicing and dicing veggies, composing salads and cold items, cutting & grinding meat and more. You take pride in your work area, ensuring that it is safe, clean & neat always, for you and your fellow co-workers. When you’re not prepping food, you’re taking inventory and placing orders to ensure the kitchen has all the right supplies and ingredients it needs. The Prep Cook works with the team to maintain up to date merchandising and marketing strategies in and around the department. At the center of all of this, you maintain an atmosphere of customer engagement with an emphasis on providing fast and friendly customer service. If you have all the right ingredients, come bring your flavor!

What you bring to the table:

  • You are 18 years of age or older
  • Previous experience providing great customer service
  • Cooking and preparing food gives you energy
  • You agree that food is central in all our lives
  • You take pride in the work you do, whether big or small
  • You are adaptable to varying environments (Freezer to Fridge to food prep area)
  • Being a part of your community matters

Why you will choose us:

Albertsons Companies Inc. has always been a people-oriented business, and thoughtful people practices remain a core element of our company’s philosophy. As friendly, enthusiastic people who enjoy offering customers an exceptional shopping experience, we provide world-class customer service each and every day.

We also provide a variety of benefits including:

  • Diverse & Inclusive Work Culture
  • Competitive Wages
  • Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Associate discounts
  • Leaders invested in your training, career growth & development.
  • Health and welfare benefits for eligible employees (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!)
  • Vacation / Paid Time Off

Our Values

  • We put people first.
  • We are customer driven.
  • We value different perspectives.
  • We raise the bar.
  • We act as owners.
  • We are one team.
  • We build belonging.
  • We are committed to a healthy future.

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