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Food Preparer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SusieCakes

Dishwasher/Food Preparer/ PT

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Perform basic culinary food preparation and other duties as assigned. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Operate dishwasher/pot sinks to wash and store pots, pans, utensils, and dishware * Perform side work as ...

Huddle House

Food Preparation Worker

Sylva, NC · On-site

$10.25 - $14/hr

Food Preparation WorkerFood Preparation Worker Responsibilities:Working effectively with the kitchen team, and complying with company procedures and food safety policies.Preparing workstation with ...

Huddle House

Food Preparation Worker

Franklin, NC · On-site

$10.50 - $14.25/hr

Food Preparation WorkerFood Preparation Worker Responsibilities:Working effectively with the kitchen team, and complying with company procedures and food safety policies.Preparing workstation with ...

Sodexo

Food Preparation Worker

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Food Preparation Worker Location: OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY - 55249001 Workdays/shifts : Afternoon/evenings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Food Preparation Worker

Mequon, WI

$17 - $18/hr

Food Preparation Worker Location: CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN - 61200002 Workdays/shifts : WEEKDAYS ONLY - Specific Shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Food Preparation Worker

South Hamilton, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Food Preparation Worker Location: GORDON-CONWELL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - 10025001 Workdays/shifts: Weekdays - morning and afternoon/evening shifts. More details will be provided during the interview ...

New

Sodexo

Food Preparation Worker

Mequon, WI · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Food Preparation Worker Location: CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN - 61200002 Workdays/shifts : WEEKDAYS ONLY - Specific Shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Food Preparation Worker

South Hamilton, MA

$18 - $20/hr

Food Preparation Worker Location: GORDON-CONWELL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - 10025001 Workdays/shifts : Weekdays - morning and afternoon/evening shifts. More details will be provided during the interview ...

New

SusieCakes

Dishwasher/Food Preparer/ PT

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Perform basic culinary food preparation and other duties as assigned. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Operate dishwasher/pot sinks to wash and store pots, pans, utensils, and dishware * Perform side work as ...

Sodexo

Food Preparation Worker

Mequon, WI · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Food Preparation Worker Location: CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN - 61200002 Workdays/shifts: WEEKDAYS ONLY - Specific Shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Sodexo

Food Preparation Worker

South Hamilton, MA

$20/hr

Food Preparation Worker Ubicación: GORDON-CONWELL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - 10025001 Días de trabajo/turnos: Weekdays - morning and afternoon/evening shifts. Se proporcionarán más detalles durante ...

New

Sodexo

Food Preparation Worker

Mequon, WI

$18/hr

Food Preparation Worker Ubicación: CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN - 61200002 Días de trabajo/turnos: WEEKDAYS ONLY - Specific Shifts. Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de ...

Sodexo

Food Preparation Worker

Bourbonnais, IL

$18/hr

Food Preparation Worker Ubicación: OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY - 55249001 Días de trabajo/turnos: Afternoon/evenings - varying days. Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de entrevista.

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How much do food preparer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 a food preparer?

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 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 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 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.

How to become a food preparer?

To become a food preparer, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may complete on-the-job training or food safety courses. Basic skills in food handling, cleanliness, and time management are important, and some employers may require food safety certification such as ServSafe.
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Food Preparer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Preparer 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 $29,393 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Food Preparer B (Bryce Jordan Center)

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

$11.75 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Penn State is searching for a full time Food Preparer B (Bryce Jordan Center) - Grade 7 to join the team. Duties include:
  • Prepare, combine, season and/or cook food served in bryce jordan center according to standardized recipes, methods and/or procedures; make advanced preparations for food items as required
  • Prepare food in proper sequence in order to be served at predetermined times; check food prior to serving for proper flavor, appearance, etc.; Report any deviations from accepted standards to supervisor or cook a
  • Coordinate with supervisor to determine disposition and/or storage of leftover items
  • Ensure that menu items are maintained at proper temperatures and freshness and that adequate amounts are available for customers
  • Assist in training and answer questions for newly hired employees; occasionally direct the work of additional employees required for the preparation of meals
  • Operate and clean utensils and equipment such as grinders, grills, slicers, mixers, food choppers, ovens, hoods, filters, deep fat fryers, sinks, steam jacketed kettles, steamers, etc.; Check equipment daily to ensure proper working condition and cleanliness and report any malfunctions to cook a or supervision as required
  • Ensure that sanitary techniques are used in the preparation, handling and storage of food items

Job Requirements: Requires the use of commercial English, grammar and arithmetic such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, including decimals and fractions; simple use of formulas, charts, tables, drawings, specifications, schedules, wiring diagrams, together with the use of adjustable measuring instruments, graduates and the like requiring interpretation in their various applications; or the posting, preparation, interpretation, use and checking of reports, forms, records and comparable data. Work from recipes, menus, requisitions, familiar with ordinary cooking routines. Over 9 up to 12 months of effective experience.
Work Schedule: Various
Days Off: Various
QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE
9 to 12 months of effective experience
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 8. More information can be found here: Collective Bargaining Agreement.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
For details on starting pay rate and progression, please see the above collective bargaining agreement.
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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