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Food Preparation Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chick-fil-A

Food Preparation

Oldsmar, FL · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Brand Summary Working at a Chick-fil-A restaurant is more than a job- it's an opportunity for ... At Chick-fil-A Oldsmar, our Back of House Food Preparation Team Members play a crucial role in ...

Grand Food

Food Preparation Specialist

Hayward, CA

The Food Preparation Specialist is an entry position that performs processing of raw meat products ... The position involves working with a variety of tools including cutting, slicing , packaging, and ...

Grand Food Inc

Food Preparation Specialist

Hayward, CA · On-site

The Food Preparation Specialist is an entry position that performs processing of raw meat products ... The position involves working with a variety of tools including cutting, slicing , packaging, and ...

Mike Linnigs

FOOD PREPARATION STAFF

Louisville, KY · On-site

$11 - $15/hr

We are searching for candidates who will enjoy working with others in a fast-paced environment and who have a desire to help create an enjoyable dining experience for guests. Food preparation staff ...

Mike Linnigs

FOOD PREPARATION STAFF

Louisville, KY · On-site

$11 - $15/hr

We are searching for candidates who will enjoy working with others in a fast-paced environment and who have a desire to help create an enjoyable dining experience for guests. Food preparation staff ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Newark, DE · On-site

Why You'll Love Working Here: We're a locally owned McDonald's organization that values respect ... What You'll Do As a Food Preparation Specialist , you bring the McDonald's menu to life. You'll ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Newark, DE · On-site

Why You'll Love Working Here: We're a locally owned McDonald's organization that values respect ... What You'll Do As a Food Preparation Specialist , you bring the McDonald's menu to life. You'll ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Wilmington, DE · On-site

Why You'll Love Working Here: We're a locally owned McDonald's organization that values respect ... What You'll Do As a Food Preparation Specialist , you bring the McDonald's menu to life. You'll ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

Why You'll Love Working Here: We're a locally owned McDonald's organization that values respect ... What You'll Do As a Food Preparation Specialist , you bring the McDonald's menu to life. You'll ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Bear, DE · On-site

Why You'll Love Working Here: We're a locally owned McDonald's organization that values respect ... What You'll Do As a Food Preparation Specialist , you bring the McDonald's menu to life. You'll ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Middletown, DE · On-site

Why You'll Love Working Here: We're a locally owned McDonald's organization that values respect ... What You'll Do As a Food Preparation Specialist , you bring the McDonald's menu to life. You'll ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Elkton, MD · On-site

Why You'll Love Working Here: We're a locally owned McDonald's organization that values respect ... What You'll Do As a Food Preparation Specialist , you bring the McDonald's menu to life. You'll ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Middletown, DE · On-site

Why You'll Love Working Here: We're a locally owned McDonald's organization that values respect ... What You'll Do As a Food Preparation Specialist , you bring the McDonald's menu to life. You'll ...

Culver's

Morning Food Preparation

Ashwaubenon, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $16/hr

Working with and prepping food is what this job is all about so food safety is a top priority. In our restaurant, the details matter. These are the talented people who ensure day starts off on a good ...

Culver's

Morning Food Preparation

Green Bay, WI

$15 - $16/hr

Working with and prepping food is what this job is all about so food safety is a top priority. In our restaurant, the details matter. These are the talented people who ensure day starts off on a good ...

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Food Preparation Worker information

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How much do food preparation worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for food preparation worker in the United States is $14.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a food preparation worker?

To become a food preparation worker, typically no formal education is required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. On-the-job training is common, and skills such as food safety, cleanliness, and ability to work quickly are important. Some employers may require food safety certifications, which can be obtained through short training courses.

What are some typical challenges food preparation workers face during busy meal periods, and how can they manage them?

During peak meal times, Food Preparation Workers often face fast-paced environments where multitasking and maintaining accuracy are essential. Managing time efficiently, staying organized, and communicating clearly with kitchen staff can help minimize stress and errors. Staying aware of food safety standards and maintaining a clean workspace, even under pressure, are also critical to success in this role.

What is a food preparation worker?

Food Preparation Workers are employees who assist in preparing ingredients and performing basic tasks to help cooks and chefs in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments. Their responsibilities typically include washing, peeling, and cutting fruits and vegetables, preparing salads, weighing and measuring ingredients, and keeping work areas clean and organized. While they do not usually cook the main dishes, their work is essential to ensure that meals are prepared efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food preparation worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Preparation Worker, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and sometimes a food handler's certification are typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality food preparation in fast-paced kitchen environments.

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

AspectFood Preparation WorkerKitchen Helper
CredentialsNone typically required; on-the-job trainingNone required; often entry-level
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafeteriasSimilar settings, often assisting in food prep
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in food service, hospitality, healthcareUsed interchangeably in many establishments
Job DutiesPreparing ingredients, basic cooking tasksAssisting with food prep, cleaning, setup

Both Food Preparation Workers and Kitchen Helpers work in similar environments, assisting with food prep and maintaining cleanliness. The main difference is that Food Preparation Workers often perform more specific food prep tasks, while Kitchen Helpers focus on supporting overall kitchen operations. Both roles typically require minimal formal credentials and are essential in food service settings.

More about Food Preparation Worker jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Preparation Worker jobs? Cities with the most Food Preparation Worker job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Food Preparation Worker jobs? The top employers for Food Preparation Worker jobs are:
What states have the most Food Preparation Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Preparation Worker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Preparation Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Preparation Worker jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Preparation Worker jobs? For Food Preparation Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Food Preparation Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Preparation Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,393 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Food Preparation Worker 5.75 hours

Hopkins Public School District

Minnetonka, MN • On-site

$21.03/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
School Nutrition
Date Posted:
6/29/2026
Location:
Tanglen Elementary
At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous and human-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkins student, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning.
We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive.
We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation.
You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins.
SUMMARY:
Food Preparation Workers in Hopkins provide top-notch meals created from high-quality, fresh ingredients. Days include variety and fast-paced action related to general food production in a high-volume kitchen; preparing recipes, serving meals, cashiering and clean up -- you also get to build genuine and authentic connections with students. At Hopkins, we believe introducing children to a variety of foods early in life will broaden their taste palettes, allowing them to develop a healthier diet. The Food Preparation Worker will assist with the receiving, storage, preparation and serving of all foods on our menus, which include a wide variety of meats, nuts, legumes; a wide variety of fresh fruits & vegetables; breads & grains, and dairy products. Be a part of a team that coaches kids to be adventurous & curious eaters!
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.
  • Prepare simple recipes
  • Peel and cut fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Slice meats & craft sandwiches
  • Restock serving lines during busy meal periods
  • Prepare fresh condiments & dressings
  • Knowledge of safety and sanitation practices for food preparation, distribution and storage
  • Serve school-aged children nourishing meals made from scratch
  • Wash dishes and other food service tasks
  • Assist with special diet accommodations

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and Experience:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Work experience in school food service or related food service operation desired
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:
Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
  • Driver's License.
  • Food Safety and Sanitation Certification preferred

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed in a commercial food service and kitchen work environment; moderate physical requirements, with risk of burns and cuts; frequent lifting, carrying, and moving up to 40-pound containers of food preparation materials and equipment; may require working in a walk-in freezer.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a commercial food service and kitchen work environment.
Hours & Compensation:
Class 2, Step-1: $21.03 per hour.
5.75 hours/day, 28.75 hours/Week position, for 167 days total.
Position specific Benefits information is available HERE
Union Contracts, Position Handbook/Agreements are located HERE

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