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Food Preparer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

State of Montana

Food Preparer 1

Deer Lodge, MT

$11.25 - $15.50/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 ...

SkyChefs

Cold Food Preparer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$15/hr

Food Service (cold food) Job Duties: DESCRIPTION OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Qualifications: • Must be able to work around moving parts & partially wet floors • Must be able to walk/stoop ...

LSG Sky Chefs

Cold Food Preparer

Orlando, FL

$15/hr

Food Service (cold food) Job Duties: DESCRIPTION OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Qualifications: Must be able to work around moving parts & partially wet floors Must be able to walk/stoop/ bend ...

Samaritan Healthcare

Food Preparer, Per Diem

Moses Lake, WA · On-site

$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 ...

Gategroup

Food Preparer - $20/Hourly

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$20/hr

A Food Preparer prepares and packs meals for various airlines. Main Duties and Responsibilities: * Assembles equipment and food components according to airline specifications following procedures and ...

New

Wegmans Food Markets

Food Preparation

Depew, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

As a food service worker in our Deli, you'll work with other team members to ensure the freshest deli meats and cheeses are available for our customers, as well as provide easy meal and entertaining ...

Gategroup

Food Preparer- $25.00 /HR.

Seattle, WA

$25/hr

A Food Preparer prepares and packs meals for various airlines. A Food Preparer prepares and packs meals for various airlines. Main Duties and Responsibilities: * Assembles equipment and food ...

Gategroup

Food Preparer - $20.00/hr

Boston, MA · On-site

$20/hr

A Food Preparer prepares and packs meals for various airlines. Main Duties and Responsibilities: * Assembles equipment and food components according to airline specifications following procedures and ...

Gategroup

Food Preparer- $25.00 /HR.

Seattle, WA · On-site

$25/hr

A Food Preparer prepares and packs meals for various airlines. A Food Preparer prepares and packs meals for various airlines. Main Duties and Responsibilities: * Assembles equipment and food ...

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How much do food preparer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 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 is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying jobs for cooks typically include executive chefs, head chefs, or culinary directors in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private clubs, with salaries often exceeding $70,000 annually. These roles usually require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary certifications. Specialized cuisines or management positions tend to offer higher compensation within the culinary field.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2,000 a day typically include high-level roles such as specialized surgeons, senior corporate executives, or successful entrepreneurs. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced skills, or significant responsibility, and may involve long hours or high stress. Freelance consultants or contractors in certain industries can also reach this level with high-value projects or clients.

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 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 a food preparer?

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

What is the average salary for a food preparer?

The average salary for a food preparer typically ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the type of establishment. Entry-level positions may pay closer to minimum wage, while experienced food preparers in higher-end settings can earn more. Skills such as food safety and knife handling can influence earning potential.
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% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,393 per year, or $14.1 per hour.
Food Preparer 1

Food Preparer 1

Montana

Warm Springs, VA

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Montana State Hospital.

Montana State Hospital provides acute care psychiatric inpatient treatment for adults with serious mental illness. 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 nutrition restrictions; sanitizing kitchen area and equipment; and ensuring patient employees use proper cleaning and sanitation practices.

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00/hour base pay increase effective July 1st, 2026. 

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

  • Knowledge of state and federal food regulations.

  • Knowledge of handwashing and infection control.

  • Knowledge of kitchen equipment and cook/chill production equipment.

  • Meet minimum qualifications:

    • High school diploma or equivalent.

    • One year experience in food preparation preferred.

    • Preparation of modified diets preferred.

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

  • Resume

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.

Apply