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

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Vienna, VA · On-site

$18/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 (FULL TIME)

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 (FULL TIME)

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 ...

Eurest

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

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

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

$20/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 ...

Unidine

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

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 ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Vienna, VA · On-site

$18/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

College Park, MD · On-site

$18/hr

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

Eurest

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40/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 ...

Bon Appetit

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

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 ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Washington, DC · On-site

$23/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering ... Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$18/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering ... Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Washington, DC · On-site

$22.75/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 ...

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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.

PREP COOK (PART TIME)

Restaurant Associates

Washington, DC • On-site

$22.05/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Restaurant Associates rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 237 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

  • We have an opening for a part time PREP COOK position.
  • Location: National Museum of Asian Art - Freer And Sackler Gallery 1050, Washington, DC 20560. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Part time; Days and hours may vary. Weekend availability is required. More details upon interview. 
  • Requirement: Previous prep cooking experience is required. 
  • Fixed Pay Rate: $22.05 per hour.

We Make Applying Easy!  Want to apply to this job via text messaging?  Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1556383. 

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

 

This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com. 

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards- Best Places to work This is R/A !

​

Job Summary


Summary:   Prepares food and serves customers in accordance with applicable federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Obtains daily production schedule and preparation requirements from the Chef.
  • Prepares items on production sheets following established quantities and recipes.
  • Completes and follows daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality.
  • Operates and cleans equipment per department procedures after each use.
  • Stores, labels and dates all food items according to policy. Follows HACCP guidelines.
  • Completes all required documentation, reports, logs as required.
  • Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures.
  • Takes orders from customer and prepare items requiring short preparation time.
  • Serves customers in an efficient and friendly manner.
  • Completes orders from steam tables and grill and serves customers at multiple stations.
  • Uses approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving temperatures and standard portion control.
  • Operates and cleans equipment per department procedures after each use.
  • Stores, labels and dates all food items according to policy.
  • Follows HACCP guidelines to ensure quality and safety of food supply.
  • Resolves customer concerns.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

Both full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates:

  • 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)

Abides by all Company policies and procedures including but not limited to: 

  • The use of a medium weight cut gloves when handling or using knives, peelers, choppers, mandolins or cleaning a slicer. 
  • The use of oven mitts, fryer gloves or steamer gloves when handling hot pans from ovens, warmers or steamtables. 
  • The use of slip-resistant shoes and proper lifting techniques. 

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 Washington State, Maryland, 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_RA.pdf

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry

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. 

What Restaurant Associates employees say

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About Restaurant Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A chef-driven company with a mission to deliver hospitality excellence. Since the very beginning, we’ve delivered culinary quality and innovation coupled with unparalleled hospitality to some of the most recognizable companies, institutions, and brands in the world. At R/A, food is inspiration. Our reputation is built on our ability to continuously evolve and innovate. Our work goes beyond the excellence of our food and hospitality. It extends to industry-best wellness and sustainability practices and a commitment to integrating human-centered technology.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

View All Restaurant Associates Jobs