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Food Prep Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plat Du Jour Inc

Kitchen Prep Associate

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

The Kitchen Prep Associate is a foundational member of the production team that makes that happen ... This is a hands-on role focused on food preparation --batch prep, and ingredient handling tasks ...

Stoltzfus Meats, Inc.

Bakery Prep Associate

New Castle, DE · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

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.

TiltEdge Solutions LLC

Prep Associate

Lancaster, TX · On-site

$17/hr

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 ...

Holiday Inn Redding

Food Prep Cook

Redding, CA

$20/hr

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

KETTLE CUISINE LLC

Prep Associate (2nd Shift)

Everett, WA · On-site

$20.77 - $21.77/hr

This role ensures compliance with food safety standards, HACCP requirements, safety, and ... Prep Associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Physical Demands ...

KETTLE CUISINE LLC

Prep Associate (3rd Shift)

Everett, WA · On-site

$20.77 - $22.77/hr

This role ensures compliance with food safety standards, HACCP requirements, safety, and ... Prep Associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Physical Demands ...

KETTLE CUISINE LLC

Prep Associate (3rd Shift)

Everett, WA · On-site

$20.77 - $22.77/hr

This role ensures compliance with food safety standards, HACCP requirements, safety, and ... Prep Associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Physical Demands ...

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Food Prep Associate information

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How much do food prep associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 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.
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Food Prep Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,807 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Kitchen Prep Associate - Apps

Din Tai Fung

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$20.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Din Tai Fung Restaurant rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 88 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: 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
PAY RATE FOR Kitchen Prep Associate - Apps : $20.75
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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