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Food Prep Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Bakery Prep Associate helps ensure that the bakery remains well-stocked, visually appealing, and compliant with food safety standards while supporting the overall efficiency of daily operations.

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Prep Associate Work Location: Lancaster, TX, 75134 Payrate: $17/hr Duration: 3+ Months role with ... Rotate and check food ingredients for freshness. May receive products and verify the accuracy of ...

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Sales Associate + Food Prep Team Member Southern Steer Butcher - Concord, Ohio Full‐Time | 38 hrs/week average | $15/hr starting Southern Steer Butcher in Concord is looking for a reliable ...

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Prefer someone with some kitchen prep experience and associate's degree (AA) or equivalent, but it is not required * You should possess the basic knowledge of food preparation and perform these ...

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Sales Associate + Food Prep Team Member Southern Steer Butcher - Concord, Ohio Full‐Time | 38 hrs/week average | $15/hr starting Southern Steer Butcher in Concord is looking for a reliable ...

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Food Prep Cook

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Description We're looking for an enthusiastic food prep worker who can deliver outstanding results ... Some experience and an associate's degree are preferred but not required. If you are a positive ...

Food Prep

West Lebanon, NH

$12.50 - $15.25/hr

Food Merchandising: Complies with company guidelines for maximizing sales, profitability and ... associates (with an emphasis on excellent customer service) when necessary Monitor and organize ...

Food Prep

Alexandria, IN · On-site

$11.50 - $14/hr

Food Merchandising: Complies with company guidelines for maximizing sales, profitability and ... associates (with an emphasis on excellent customer service) when necessary Monitor and organize ...

Food Prep Supervisor

Fall River, MA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year College or technical school and two to three ... Bringing our love of food to families for five generations! Blount Fine Foods is a family-owned ...

Food Prep

Alexandria, IN

$11.50 - $14/hr

Food Merchandising: Complies with company guidelines for maximizing sales, profitability and ... associates (with an emphasis on excellent customer service) when necessary Monitor and organize ...

Food Prep

Houston, TX

$12.50 - $15.25/hr

Food Merchandising: Complies with company guidelines for maximizing sales, profitability and ... associates (with an emphasis on excellent customer service) when necessary Monitor and organize ...

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Food Prep Associate information

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How much do food prep associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 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.

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 does a food associate do?

A food prep associate is responsible for preparing ingredients, assembling dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They often follow food safety standards, use kitchen tools, and work in a fast-paced environment to ensure timely service.

What does a food prep worker do?

A food prep associate is responsible for preparing ingredients, assembling dishes, and ensuring food safety and cleanliness in a kitchen environment. They often follow recipes, use kitchen tools, and work under supervision to support chefs and cooks in meal preparation.

What are Food Prep Associates?

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 does a food prep assistant do?

A food prep assistant is responsible for preparing ingredients, assembling dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They often follow food safety standards and may use tools like knives and food processors to ensure efficient meal preparation. The role requires attention to detail and the ability to work quickly in a fast-paced environment.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Food Prep Associates typically do not earn $4,000 per week without additional experience or specialized skills. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include roles such as sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers, which may require certifications or apprenticeships. These positions usually involve experience, licensing, or specific technical skills rather than formal college degrees.

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:
Infographic showing various Food Prep Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 62% Physical, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,807 per year, or $15.8 per hour.
Kitchen Prep Associate - Barista and Apps

Kitchen Prep Associate - Barista and Apps

Din Tai Fung

Brea, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Din Tai Fung Restaurant rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 86 rated restaurants


Job description

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 appetizer items at the side station, and carefully pack takeout orders at the Packing Station, all in alignment with our established recipes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
This role is all about precision, consistency, and teamwork. You'll keep all three stations clean, organized, and fully stocked, taking inventory and restocking as needed to ensure service flows smoothly.
Note: The Kitchen Prep Associate - Apps position is a Back of House (Kitchen) role.
WHY JOIN DIN TAI FUNG?
Din Tai Fung is a globally celebrated, family-owned restaurant brand founded in 1972 and internationally renowned for its iconic Xiao Long Bao. With more than 165 locations across 13 countries including 20 in North America. DTF is Michelin-recognized and admired for its uncompromising quality, authentic flavors, and warm, gracious hospitality. Each location delivers an elevated yet inviting cultural dining experience designed to delight guests on any occasion.
LOCATION: 1401 Brea Mall, Brea, CA 92821, USA ( Opening Soon )
**Please note interviews will be scheduled to take place between June 29 - July 15**
PAY RATE FOR Kitchen Prep Associate - Apps : $20.00 per hour
BENEFITS AND PERKS:
  • Competitive Pay & Benefits
  • Employer Contribution for individuals and eligible dependents' medical insurance
  • Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Commuter Spending Accounts
  • 401(k) Plan with company match
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Discounts through BenefitHub
  • Employee Meal Discounts
  • Opportunities for growth; we love promoting within!

JOB REQUIREMENTS FOR Kitchen Prep Associate - Apps:
We are searching for friendly, energetic, highly motivated people who will thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Experience preferred but not required
  • Open Availability
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time
  • Positive and Professional Attitude

NOTE: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor.
Applicant must be 18 years of age or older and able to provide documentation to work in the United States legally
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Din Tai Fung North America is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state/provincial, and local laws.
U.S. Employment Eligibility:
In the United States, Din Tai Fung North America participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization for all new hires. To learn more, please visit: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees.

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