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Food Preparation Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Newark, DE · On-site

If you enjoy learning about how food is safely prepared, cooked, and served hot and fresh, you'll help build a reliable kitchen team that delivers consistent quality and speed every time. Practical ...

Sodexo

Food Preparation Worker

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

As a Food Preparation Worker at Sodexo, you are a pair of helping hands and a good mood motivator. This role includes the preparation and serving of our vibrant menusand ensuring all working areas ...

AltaMed

Food Preparation Coordinator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $29.32/hr

At AltaMed, your passion for helping others isn't just welcomed - it's nurtured, celebrated, and ... Job Overview The Food Preparation Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating all food ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Bear, DE · On-site

If you enjoy learning about how food is safely prepared, cooked, and served hot and fresh, you'll help build a reliable kitchen team that delivers consistent quality and speed every time. Practical ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Newark, DE · On-site

If you enjoy learning about how food is safely prepared, cooked, and served hot and fresh, you'll help build a reliable kitchen team that delivers consistent quality and speed every time. Practical ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

If you enjoy learning about how food is safely prepared, cooked, and served hot and fresh, you'll help build a reliable kitchen team that delivers consistent quality and speed every time. Practical ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Middletown, DE · On-site

If you enjoy learning about how food is safely prepared, cooked, and served hot and fresh, you'll help build a reliable kitchen team that delivers consistent quality and speed every time. Practical ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Wilmington, DE · On-site

If you enjoy learning about how food is safely prepared, cooked, and served hot and fresh, you'll help build a reliable kitchen team that delivers consistent quality and speed every time. Practical ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Middletown, DE · On-site

If you enjoy learning about how food is safely prepared, cooked, and served hot and fresh, you'll help build a reliable kitchen team that delivers consistent quality and speed every time. Practical ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Bel Air, MD · On-site

If you enjoy learning about how food is safely prepared, cooked, and served hot and fresh, you'll help build a reliable kitchen team that delivers consistent quality and speed every time. Practical ...

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Food Preparation Helper information

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How much do food preparation helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for food preparation helper in the United States is $15.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Preparation Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectFood Preparation HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafeteriasCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageFood service establishments, catering companiesRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level kitchen rolesSimilar roles with slight variations in duties

Both Food Preparation Helpers and Kitchen Assistants work in similar environments, assisting with basic food prep and cleaning tasks. While their duties overlap, the term 'Kitchen Assistant' is often used interchangeably, with minor differences depending on the employer. Both roles require minimal formal credentials and serve as entry points into the food service industry.

What does a food preparation helper do?

A food preparation helper assists in preparing ingredients and basic food items in a kitchen setting. They may wash, chop, and organize ingredients, follow safety and hygiene standards, and support cooks and chefs to ensure smooth kitchen operations.

What cities are hiring for Food Preparation Helper jobs?

Cities with the most Food Preparation Helper job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Preparation jobs?

The most popular types of Food Preparation jobs are:

What states have the most Food Preparation Helper jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Preparation Helper jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Food Preparation Helper jobs?

For Food Preparation Helper jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Food Preparation Helper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,722 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Food Preparation Specialist

Newark, DE • On-site

McDonald's
Food Services and Drinking Places • 10K+ employees
Learn more about McDonald'sexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

McDonald's rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 11,189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Why You'll Love Working Here:
We're a locally owned McDonald's organization that values respect, dependability, and teamwork. Our restaurants are places where you can learn new skills, feel supported, and be part of a team that cares about doing things the right way.
Here's what we offer:
  • Flexible, predictable schedules that fit around your life
  • A team-first culture where your voice is heard and your ideas matter
  • Recognition and celebration for great work and milestones
  • Hands-on training and clear growth paths-we'll teach you everything you need to succeed
  • Growth opportunities where you'll learn valuable skills in leadership, adaptability, communication, and business management-skills that can serve you wherever your career takes you
  • Educational benefits through Archways to Opportunity, including:
  • Free high school diploma program
  • College tuition assistance
  • English language learning
  • Career advising and development resources
  • Exclusive education partnership with Colorado Technical University (CTU)
  • Employees and family members can earn associate, bachelor's, or master's degrees with reduced or fully covered tuition
  • Flexible, online programs designed for working adults
  • Locally owned and operated-your work directly supports our community

Here, your effort counts, your learning is valued, and your growth is supported-whether you stay a year or build your career with us.
What You'll Do
As a Food Preparation Specialist, you bring the McDonald's menu to life. You'll cook and assemble food safely, accurately, and efficiently-making sure every item served is hot, fresh, and meets our standards for quality. You'll work closely with the service team to keep food flowing, guests happy, and the kitchen running smoothly.
Your Day Might Include:
  • Preparing and cooking menu items according to McDonald's food safety and quality standards
  • Assembling sandwiches, fries, and breakfast items quickly and accurately
  • Maintaining a clean, organized, and food-safe work area
  • Communicating with service team members to ensure orders are correct and on time
  • Checking product quality and managing holding times

What You'll Bring (and Learn):
You bring a strong work ethic, dependability, and attention to detail. If you enjoy learning about how food is safely prepared, cooked, and served hot and fresh, you'll help build a reliable kitchen team that delivers consistent quality and speed every time.
Practical Benefits of the Role:
  • Learn real cooking and food safety skills you can use anywhere
  • Build organization and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment
  • Enjoy flexible scheduling and consistent work routines
  • Earn reliable, consistent pay with chances to take on more responsibility
  • Work as part of a supportive, team-driven environment

About Us:
This position is with an independent franchisee of McDonald's restaurants located in Delaware and Maryland. Dukart Management owns a license to use McDonald's logos and food products in operating its restaurants, but it is aseparate company and employer from McDonald's USA. As your employer, Dukart Management is solely responsible for all employment matters at its restaurants, including hiring, firing, discipline, supervision, staffing, and scheduling. McDonald's USA has no control over these employment matters and will not receive or be involved in your employment application or hiring decisions.
Known for its commitment to quality, customer service, and people development, Dukart Management operates several McDonald's restaurants in the region and strives to provide a supportive, growth-oriented workplace. The company is also dedicated to positively impacting the local communities where it operates.
By applying to this position, I understand that I am applying to work at a restaurant that is owned and operated by an independent franchisee, not McDonald's USA. I understand that this franchisee is a separate company and a separate employer from McDonald's USA. Any information I provide in this application will be submitted only to the independent franchisee, who is the only company responsible for employment matters at this restaurant. I recognize that the independent franchisee alone will make all decisions concerning employment matters, including hiring, firing, discipline, supervision, staffing and scheduling. By applying for a job at a franchisee operated restaurant, I understand that the information I provide will be forwarded to the franchisee organization in order for that organization to reach out to me and process and evaluate my application. I acknowledge that McDonald's USA will not receive a copy of my employment application and will have no involvement in any employment decisions regarding me, including whether I receive an interview or whether I am hired to work for the franchisee. I understand that I need to contact the franchise organization for information about its privacy practices.

What McDonald's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About McDonald's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

What began as a small drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California and has grown into an American icon that proudly serves 63 million customers every day around the globe. While much has changed over the last six decades, Ray Kroc's original commitment to Quality, Service, Cleanliness and Value has endured and made McDonald's a trusted favorite for over 65 years.

Industry

Food services and drinking places and restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

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