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Food Preparer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JCSI

Food Preparer

Happy Valley, OR

$18/hr

Food Preparer - $18.00/HR | Airline Catering | Portland, OR Location : Portland, OR 97218 (Portland International Airport Area) Full-Time | Immediate Openings | Weekly Pay Food Service employees ...

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Wolfgang Puck

Food Preparer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $28.25/hr

The Food Preparer is responsible the preparing various food products; ensuring proper food handling procedures are followed; arranging necessary supplies and equipment between storage and work areas ...

Boiling Point Group

Food Preparer

Edmonds, WA · On-site

$13.25 - $18.25/hr

Responsible for preparation of all food items for the restaurant. Duties & Responsibilities: * Must follow proper placement of food items into pots per BP specifications * Chopping all food related ...

VP Management

Food Preparer

Beckley, WV

$12 - $16.25/hr

A food preparer is responsible for the food served to guests each day. Preparers oversee the setup and takedown of the buffet, as well as maintain the dining space, ensure food is available, and ...

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Jamaica Pon Di Road

Food Preparer

Houston, TX · On-site

$11.50 - $15.75/hr

Parboiling food, reducing sauces and starting first steps in various dishes * Cleaning dishes, washing cooking utensils and cookware, taking out the trash and sanitizing kitchen * Adhering to all ...

State of Montana

Food Preparer 1

Warm Springs, VA

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

The food preparer prepares and serves meals for patients, guests, and staff. Responsibilities include preparing food and beverages according to dietary recipes and residents' special dietary or ...

Samaritan Healthcare

Food Preparer, Part-time

Moses Lake, WA

$12.50 - $17.25/hr

The Food Preparer is responsible for providing friendly, courteous service to visitors and employees. Assists in preparation of all foods for patients and personnel. Capable of operating a cash ...

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AnMed

Cold Food Preparer

Anderson, SC · On-site

$10.50 - $14.25/hr

RESPONSIBILITIES • Prepares and assembles food items needed for assigned station. • Cleans, chops, slices, grates or grinds fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheese needed for production. Prepares ...

SkyChefs

Food Preparer (LAX)

Los Angeles, CA

$25 - $32.65/hr

... prepare products for our Airline, E-Commerce, and Retail customers. We are the worlds leading ... Pack and assemble food with specifications using diagrams Job Skills or Qualifications: * Must be ...

Samaritan Healthcare

Food Preparer, Part-time

Moses Lake, WA

$12.50 - $17.25/hr

The Food Preparer is responsible for providing friendly, courteous service to visitors and employees. Assists in preparation of all foods for patients and personnel. Capable of operating a cash ...

Apply Early

State of Montana

Food Preparer 1

Columbia Falls, MT · On-site

$11 - $15/hr

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a Food Preparer career opportunity within the Montana Veterans Home, Columbia Falls, MT. The Montana Veterans' Home (MVH ...

State of Montana

Food Preparer 1

Columbia Falls, MT · On-site

$11 - $15/hr

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a Food Preparer career opportunity within the Montana Veterans Home, Columbia Falls, MT. The Montana Veterans' Home (MVH ...

State of Montana

Food Preparer 1

Warm Springs, VA · On-site

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

The food preparer prepares and serves meals for patients, guests, and staff. Responsibilities include preparing food and beverages according to dietary recipes and residents' special dietary or ...

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Food Preparer information

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$9

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$18

How much do food preparer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for food preparer 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.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Food preparer roles typically do not pay $4,000 a week without specialized skills or management responsibilities. High weekly earnings at this level are more common in fields like sales, real estate, or skilled trades such as construction or electrical work, which may require experience or certifications but not necessarily a degree.

What are some common challenges faced by food preparers in a busy kitchen environment?

Food preparers often face challenges such as managing time efficiently during peak hours, maintaining strict food safety and sanitation standards, and adapting to sudden changes in menu orders. Working in a fast-paced kitchen can require multitasking and staying organized while handling repetitive tasks. Collaboration with cooks, servers, and other staff is also essential to ensure smooth workflow and consistent meal quality.

What are Food Preparers?

Food Preparers are workers in the food service industry who are responsible for preparing ingredients and basic dishes before they are cooked or served. Their duties often include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, assembling simple foods like salads or sandwiches, and ensuring that kitchen areas remain clean and organized. Food Preparers play a vital role in supporting chefs and cooks by streamlining kitchen operations and helping maintain food safety standards. They typically work in restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, and other establishments where food is served.

What is a food preparer called?

A food preparer is commonly called a line cook, kitchen assistant, or food prep worker. These roles involve preparing ingredients, assembling dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in a food service environment, often requiring knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.

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

AspectFood PreparerFood Service Worker
CredentialsNone required or basic food handling certificationsFood handler permits often required
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringFast food, cafeterias, restaurants
Employer UsageFood establishments preparing ingredientsServing customers, maintaining cleanliness
Common Search IntentFood prep duties, recipes, kitchen tasksCustomer service, serving, cleaning

Food preparers focus on preparing ingredients and dishes in kitchens, while food service workers handle customer service and serving. Both roles are essential in food establishments, often overlapping but with distinct responsibilities.

What is the highest paying food service job?

In the food service industry, executive chefs and head cooks typically earn the highest salaries, often exceeding $70,000 annually, especially in upscale restaurants or hotels. These roles require advanced culinary skills, management experience, and often certification, with salaries varying based on location and establishment size.

What is a food preparer?

A food preparer is a worker responsible for preparing ingredients and assembling dishes in restaurants, cafeterias, or catering services. They often follow recipes, maintain hygiene standards, and may use kitchen tools and equipment. This role typically requires knowledge of food safety and proper handling procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Preparer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Preparer, you need basic food safety knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling procedures, and, in some cases, a food handler's certification are typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and time management help you excel in busy kitchen environments. These skills ensure that food is prepared efficiently, safely, and to quality standards, supporting overall kitchen operations.
More about Food Preparer jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Preparer jobs? Cities with the most Food Preparer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Food Preparer jobs? The top employers for Food Preparer jobs are:
What states have the most Food Preparer jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Preparer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Food Preparer jobs? For Food Preparer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Food Preparer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Preparer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,393 per year, or $14.1 per hour.
Food Preparer

Food Preparer

JCSI

Happy Valley, OR

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Food Preparer – $18.00/HR | Airline Catering | Portland, OR

Location: Portland, OR 97218 (Portland International Airport Area)

Full-Time | Immediate Openings | Weekly Pay

Food Service employees prepare meals according to airline specifications by cutting, chopping, wrapping, and assembling dishes and meals. They also set up food carts for airlines with all required food items.

Minimum Requirements – Please Read Before Applying

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Required Qualifications

  • Ability to speak, read, and understand English

  • Ability to follow and understand customer specifications and paperwork in English

  • Full compliance with all work rules and regulations

  • Flexibility and ability to react to changing priorities

  • Ability to use knives and kitchen equipment

  • Good organizational skills

  • Ability to adapt to frequent changes

  • Ability to communicate with customers and coworkers

  • Ability to work in a high-stress environment with changing priorities

  • Ability to work assigned schedules, which may include days, nights, weekends, or holidays

  • Ability to work overtime when required

  • Ability to handle dry ice

  • Ability to stand on your feet all day

  • Ability to regularly stand, bend, lift, and move during shifts of 8+ hours

  • Ability to perform heavy lifting and pushing up to 75 lbs

  • Ability to work in a temperature-controlled environment

  • Ability to work while wearing required items such as hair nets and lab coats

  • Must follow appearance and food safety standards, including no piercings or fake nails

Security & Screening Requirements

Candidates must be able to:

  • Pass a criminal background check

  • Pass a drug test

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous food industry experience is helpful but not required

  • Entry-level candidates are welcome and can be trained

Pay & Benefits

  • $18.00 per hour

  • Medical Insurance after 30 days, if elected

  • Dental Insurance after 30 days, if elected

  • Vision Insurance after 30 days, if elected

  • Supplemental Insurance after 30 days, if elected

  • Company-Paid Life Insurance

  • Paid Sick Days

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Vacation

  • Free Daily Lunch

  • Free Parking

  • Overtime Opportunities

  • Discounted standby flights with Alaska Airlines after 90 days

What You'll Do

  • Prepare meals according to airline specifications

  • Cut, chop, wrap, and assemble dishes and meals

  • Set up food carts for airlines with all required food items

  • Follow diagrams and specifications that outline ingredients, portions, weights, and preparation steps

  • Assemble food items according to exact customer guidelines

  • Plate food prepared by the hot food area

  • Track food temperatures using a digital system/iPad

  • Wrap food items

  • Write tags with expiration dates and temperatures

  • Use chef knives and kitchen equipment safely

  • Follow all customer specifications, paperwork, work rules, and regulations

Work Environment

  • Active food preparation environment

  • Temperature-controlled work area

  • Exposure to extreme temperature changes and noise

  • Regular standing, bending, lifting, walking, and moving throughout the shift

  • Heavy lifting and pushing up to 75 lbs

  • Shifts may be 8+ hours

  • Required use of hair nets and lab coats

  • No piercings or fake nails permitted

Apply today to start an entry-level airline catering role in Portland with paid benefits, free daily lunch, free parking, and overtime opportunities.