ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Preparation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Newark, DE · On-site

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 ...

AltaMed

Food Preparation Coordinator

Santa Ana, CA

$25 - $29.32/hr

Job Overview The Food Preparation Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating all food services, including breakfast and lunch preparations, home meals, center snacks, and special events. The ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Bel Air, MD · On-site

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 ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Middletown, DE · On-site

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 ...

Uasys

Food Preparation Manager

Bangor, ME

$40K/yr

The Food Preparation Manager oversees daily food service operations and supervises food service staff to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality food preparation and service. This position supports ...

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 ...

Forged Ventures, LLC

Food Preparation Crew Member

Paris, TX

$9.25 - $12/hr

Be by the book, with sanitation, food, and safety standards. * Foster a welcoming environment, were every guest is special, all areas are neat, and all pizzas are the very best they can be. "Back of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Preparation Jobs

Food Preparation information

See salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do food preparation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for food preparation 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 prep worker?

To become a food prep 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 knife handling, food safety, and sanitation are important; certifications like ServSafe can enhance job prospects. Experience in a kitchen environment and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced setting are also valuable.

What is a food preparation worker?

A food preparation worker is someone who assists in preparing ingredients and dishes in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. They perform tasks such as chopping, peeling, and assembling food items, often working under the supervision of chefs or cooks. Basic food safety knowledge and the ability to follow instructions are important skills for this role.

What are food preparation workers?

Food preparation workers are employees who assist in preparing ingredients and basic items for meals in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments. Their duties typically include washing, peeling, slicing, and measuring ingredients, as well as maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen area. They often work under the supervision of chefs or cooks and play a crucial role in ensuring that food is prepped efficiently and safely before it is cooked or served.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Food Preparation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Preparation, you need a solid understanding of basic cooking techniques, food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and knowledge of inventory management systems are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and time management are crucial soft skills for success in this fast-paced environment. These abilities ensure food quality, safety, and efficient kitchen operations, directly impacting customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Food Preparation vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood PreparationFood Service Worker
Primary RolePreparing ingredients and cooking foodServing food and assisting customers
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food production areasDining areas, customer service stations
CredentialsFood safety certifications often requiredCustomer service skills, sometimes food safety training
Industry UsageRestaurants, catering, food manufacturingRestaurants, cafeterias, catering

Food Preparation focuses on preparing and cooking food, while Food Service Workers handle serving and customer interaction. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Food preparation jobs typically do not pay $4,000 a week without specialized skills or management responsibilities. High-paying roles in this field are usually supervisory or managerial positions, which may require experience or certifications. Most entry-level food prep roles offer lower wages, and earning such high weekly pay generally involves advanced skills or working in high-end establishments or related industries.

What are some common challenges faced in a food preparation role, and how can I effectively manage them?

In a food preparation role, common challenges include maintaining high standards of food safety, working efficiently during busy periods, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. You may need to quickly switch between preparing different ingredients, following recipes precisely, and ensuring all workstations remain clean and organized. Effective time management, strong communication with kitchen staff, and consistently following hygiene protocols are key strategies to overcome these challenges and contribute positively to the team's workflow.

What is the job title for someone who prepares food?

The job title for someone who prepares food is typically a cook or food preparer. These workers handle tasks such as chopping, assembling, and cooking ingredients in restaurants, cafeterias, or catering services, often following recipes and safety standards. Skills in food safety, knife handling, and kitchen equipment are important for this role.
More about Food Preparation jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Preparation jobs? Cities with the most Food Preparation 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 jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Preparation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Preparation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Preparation jobs are:
Food Preparation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Preparation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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 Specialist

Food Preparation Specialist

McDonald's

Newark, DE • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

McDonald's rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 10,851 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 104 rated fast food restaurants

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

McDonald's logo

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

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

View All McDonald's Jobs

Apply