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Meal Prep Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stoughton Health

Food Prep Assistant

Stoughton, WI · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

The Food Prep Assistant is responsible for preparation, assembly, and service of patient meal orders. Prepares café food orders at appropriate temperatures. This position receives training which ...

Sage Haus

House Manager & Meal Prep Support

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Job Title: House Manager & Meal Prep Support Location: Roanoke, VA 24018 Employment Type ... Follow dietary needs/preferences (vegetarian) * Assist with reviewing grocery lists from Virtual ...

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Meal Prep Assistant information

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How much do meal prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for meal prep assistant in the United States is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Meal Prep Assistant typically does not earn $4,000 a week; such high earnings are uncommon without specialized skills or certifications. Jobs that can pay this amount without a degree often include sales roles, real estate agents, or skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work, which may require experience or licensing. High-paying opportunities usually involve commission, entrepreneurship, or specialized expertise rather than entry-level positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Meal Prep Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Meal Prep Assistant, you need basic food handling skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and often a food handler's certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, good time management, and the ability to work efficiently within a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to quality standards in a fast-paced environment.

What are meal prep assistants?

Meal prep assistants are individuals who help with the preparation and organization of meals in various settings such as restaurants, catering companies, meal delivery services, or private households. Their responsibilities typically include washing and chopping ingredients, portioning food, assembling meal components, following recipes, and maintaining a clean work area. They work under the supervision of chefs or kitchen managers to ensure that meals are prepared efficiently and safely. Meal prep assistants play a crucial role in streamlining kitchen operations and ensuring food quality.

What is the difference between Meal Prep Assistant vs Personal Chef?

AspectMeal Prep AssistantPersonal Chef
CredentialsBasic food handling, sanitation, and meal prep skillsCulinary training or chef certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, catering services, or meal prep facilitiesPrivate homes, clients' residences, or personal settings
Employer & IndustryFood service, catering, meal delivery companiesPrivate clients, high-end households, or personal service industry
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for entry-level or support roles in meal prepSeeking personalized, high-end meal services

While both roles involve meal preparation, a Meal Prep Assistant typically works in commercial settings supporting larger-scale food prep, whereas a Personal Chef provides customized, one-on-one culinary services directly to clients. The choice depends on whether you're interested in supporting meal prep operations or delivering personalized dining experiences.

How much do meal prep people make?

Meal prep assistants typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Some may earn higher wages with specialized skills or certifications, especially in commercial or high-volume settings.

What are some common challenges Meal Prep Assistants face when working in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Meal Prep Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining strict food safety standards, and keeping up with high-volume orders during peak times. Staying organized and communicating effectively with chefs and fellow assistants are essential for ensuring timely meal preparation. Adapting quickly to changing priorities and maintaining a positive attitude under pressure can help you thrive in this dynamic setting.

What does a food prep assistant do?

A food prep assistant is responsible for preparing ingredients, assembling meals, and maintaining cleanliness in a kitchen or food service environment. They often follow recipes, use kitchen tools, and work under supervision to ensure food safety and efficiency.

What qualifications do you need to be a catering assistant?

To be a catering assistant, relevant qualifications are not always required but having a high school diploma or equivalent is common. Skills such as good communication, teamwork, and basic food safety knowledge are important, and some employers may prefer previous experience or certifications like a food hygiene certificate.
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Meal Prep Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meal Prep Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,407 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Kitchen Prep Assistant

Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio & Northern Kentu

Cincinnati, OH

$13.50 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Meals on Wheels (MOW) provides nutritious meals delivered to the homes and congregate sites of seniors in the Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Greater Dayton communities. The MOW program supports independence while promoting the social, physical, and emotional well-being of seniors. The Meals on Wheels Kitchen Prep Assistant is a full-time, Monday - Friday days only (beginning at 6 am) position in which the Prep Assistant will work in our kitchen and distribution areas. The Prep Assistant is responsible for assisting in bulk meal preparation and quality control over kitchen products and services. As business warrants, work schedule may be modified. Medical, dental and vision benefits available day one. Ten paid holidays per year and paid time off accrual starts day one.

PRIMARY FUNCTION: This position will have responsibilities of assisting the Assistant Kitchen Lead and Kitchen Lead in all bulk meal prep in both HDM (Home Delivered Meals) pre-production and congregate meal production as well as quality control of product and services. From time to time this position will provide direction to additional kitchen staff with regards to bulk production. This position will also require the flexibility for the Assistant to help in meal assembly as needed.

TYPICAL WORK CONDITIONS: Work is performed in the kitchen area of our facility, which may include periods of time in food freezers, coolers and other areas of our facility. Interacts primarily with kitchen staff, Kitchen Lead and Senior Kitchen Manager as well as distribution staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant and work with minimal supervision.
  • Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with staff, government agency personnel and the general public.
  • Perform periodic verification of meal order fulfillment.
  • Ensure food safety requirements are maintained at all times.
  • Provide needed temperature monitoring and documentation as required by the Food Safety Plan.
  • Ability to convert individual serving quantities and amounts to accurate bulk preparation.
  • Perform basic fundamental kitchen prep skills.
  • Ensure orders go out in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Report any production concerns film, quality, printing - to the Kitchen Lead.
  • Maintain work areas in a clean, safe and compliant manner.
  • Report safety and maintenance issues in a timely manner.
  • Maintain confidentiality of all client information.
  • Attend approved educational and training events, including facility in-services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
  • Must possess basic mathematical skills.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • Must pass a pre-employment background check, physical and drug/alcohol screen.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

  • Have the ability to judge distances, read signs from a distance and have the ability to work in dim or an unlit environment.
  • Have the ability to maneuver equipment safely through hallways to refrigeration/freezer storage units.
  • Physically push and pull carts loaded with meals and other products weighing up to 200 pounds.
  • Have the ability to be aware of surrounding environment.
  • Have the ability to hear and follow instructions.
  • Must be in general good health and demonstrate emotional stability.
  • Have the ability to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
  • Have the ability to lift in excess of 50 pounds.
  • Sit, bend, lift, move and stand for extended periods of time during working hours.
  • Ability to ascend and descend stairs.

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