1

Prepared Foods Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The (USA) Sam's Cafe Associate, Back of House, plays a vital role in maintaining cleanliness and food safety standards while supporting food preparation and customer service activities. This position ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Elkins, AR · On-site

$16 - $28/hr

The (USA) Sam's Cafe Associate, Back of House, plays a vital role in maintaining cleanliness and food safety standards while supporting food preparation and customer service activities. This position ...

Be a Team Member Maintains upto date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools ...

Be a Team Member Maintains upto date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools ...

Be a Team Member Maintains upto date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools ...

Maintains up-to date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise; collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools, tasks and ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Troy, NY · On-site

$18 - $26/hr

Maintains up-to date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise; collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools, tasks and ...

Maintains up-to date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise; collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools, tasks and ...

Maintains up-to date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise; collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools, tasks and ...

Maintains up-to date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise; collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools, tasks and ...

Maintains up-to date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise; collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools, tasks and ...

Maintains up-to date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise; collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools, tasks and ...

Maintains up-to date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise; collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools, tasks and ...

Maintains up-to date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise; collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools, tasks and ...

Maintains up-to date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise; collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools, tasks and ...

Maintains up-to date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise; collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools, tasks and ...

Maintains up-to date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise; collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools, tasks and ...

Maintains up-to date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise; collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools, tasks and ...

Maintains up-to date knowledge of product specifications related to prepared food merchandise; collaborating with cross functional teams and helping educate other associates on tools, tasks and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Prepared Foods Associate information

See salary details

$10

$14

$17

How much do prepared foods associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for prepared foods associate in the United States is $14.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a prepared food associate do?

A prepared foods associate is responsible for preparing, packaging, and displaying ready-to-eat food items in a retail or grocery store. They ensure food safety, maintain cleanliness, and provide customer service by assisting shoppers with their selections. The role often requires knowledge of food handling procedures and may involve operating equipment like slicers or warmers.

Is it difficult to get hired at Whole Foods?

Getting hired as a Prepared Foods Associate at Whole Foods can be competitive, as the company values customer service skills, food safety knowledge, and relevant experience. The application process typically involves an online application, interviews, and sometimes skills assessments, but the difficulty varies based on location and applicant pool.

How does a Prepared Foods Associate typically collaborate with other departments in a grocery store or supermarket?

Prepared Foods Associates regularly interact with teams from departments such as produce, bakery, and deli to coordinate ingredient sourcing and ensure fresh, high-quality offerings. Collaboration is often required to plan promotions, manage inventory, and maintain food safety standards across departments. Clear communication and teamwork are essential for a smooth workflow, especially during busy periods or special events. These cross-departmental interactions also provide opportunities to learn about other areas of the store, which can support career growth.

What are Prepared Foods Associates?

Prepared Foods Associates are employees who work in grocery stores, supermarkets, or specialty food shops, focusing on the preparation, presentation, and service of ready-to-eat foods. Their responsibilities often include assembling salads, sandwiches, and hot meals, maintaining food safety standards, and providing customer service by answering questions or fulfilling orders. They may also be responsible for keeping food displays stocked and clean, following recipes, and adhering to health and safety regulations. This role typically requires good communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Prepared Foods Associate vs Deli Clerk?

AspectPrepared Foods AssociateDeli Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentSupermarket or grocery store, preparing and displaying prepared foodsSupermarket deli section, slicing meats, cheeses, and preparing deli items
Employer & IndustryGrocery stores, supermarketsGrocery stores, supermarkets
Common Search & ComparisonPrepared Foods Associate vs Deli Clerk

The Prepared Foods Associate and Deli Clerk roles are similar, both working in grocery store environments and requiring food safety knowledge. The main difference is that Prepared Foods Associates focus on preparing and displaying a variety of ready-to-eat foods, while Deli Clerks primarily handle slicing meats and cheeses in the deli section. Both positions often require similar certifications and are integral to grocery store food service teams.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Prepared Foods Associate typically does not earn $10,000 a month without a degree, as this role usually offers hourly wages below that level. High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 monthly without a degree often include roles like sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades such as electricians or plumbers, which may require experience, certifications, or licenses rather than formal degrees.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Prepared Foods Associates typically do not earn $2,000 a day, as their wages are usually hourly or salary-based and reflect retail or food service industry standards. High-paying jobs that can reach $2,000 daily often include specialized roles such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, or certain executive positions, which require advanced skills, certifications, and experience. These roles are generally outside the scope of entry-level or retail food service positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Prepared Foods Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prepared Foods Associate, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are common requirements. Strong customer service, teamwork, and time management skills help associates excel in fast-paced environments. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure high-quality food, customer satisfaction, and adherence to health regulations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Prepared Foods jobs? The most popular types of Prepared Foods jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Prepared Foods Associate jobs? The top employers for Prepared Foods Associate jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Prepared Foods Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prepared Foods Associate jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Prepared Foods Associate jobs? For Prepared Foods Associate jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Prepared Foods Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,285 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Prepared Foods Associate

Sam's Club

Tontitown, AR

$16 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Sam's Club rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,978 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Position Summary...The (USA) Sam's Cafe Associate, Back of House, plays a vital role in maintaining cleanliness and food safety standards while supporting food preparation and customer service activities. This position involves inspecting and sanitizing work areas, preparing food items according to recipes, managing supplies, and ensuring compliance with company policies. The associate collaborates with team members to deliver quality service, uphold operational efficiency, and contribute to a positive environment. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential to meet customer expectations and support daily business objectives effectively.
About the team:
The Sam’s Cafe Back of House team thrives in a dynamic environment focused on delivering quality guest experiences through a scratch kitchen approach. Team members work collaboratively to uphold food safety, sanitation, and operational standards while efficiently managing kitchen tasks and inventory. Clear communication, accountability, and adaptability are key to meeting daily demands. Leadership provides ongoing training to ensure compliance with company policies. The team maintains a professional atmosphere centered on operational excellence and consistent service, prioritizing effective communication, food safety, and customer satisfaction in every task.What you'll do...
  • Inspect and clean food preparation and serving areas to maintain sanitation and comply with company policies.
  • Perform cleaning duties including sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, and disposing of perishables during shifts.
  • Acquire, stock, and organize food supplies, kitchen equipment, and utensils to ensure readiness for daily operations.
  • Prepare food items by following recipes, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring proper portioning and quality.
  • Provide customer service by greeting guests, responding to inquiries, and assisting with food preferences and payments.
  • Monitor food safety by checking temperatures, completing logs, and sanitizing work areas and equipment.
  • Collaborate with team members to meet priorities, communicate progress, and support continuous improvement efforts.

What you'll bring:
  • Proven ability to maintain cleanliness and sanitation in food preparation and service areas following established safety standards.
  • Experience in food preparation techniques including grilling, baking, frying, and portioning according to recipes and quality standards.
  • Strong customer service skills with the ability to greet guests, respond to inquiries, and provide food suggestions professionally.
  • Competence in handling kitchen equipment and utensils safely and efficiently while supporting inventory management and stocking.
  • Effective communication skills to collaborate with team members and ensure smooth operations.
  • Commitment to upholding company policies, ethical standards, and food safety compliance consistently.

You’ll sweep us off our feet if...
  • 3 years of hands-on experience in professional cooking and food preparation, including recipe execution, ingredient prepping, and maintaining kitchen efficiency
  • Proven ability to perform high-volume cooking in fast-paced environments
  • Hands-on experience in catering, with a strong understanding of food preparation and event logistics
  • Demonstrated success collaborating within team-based settings while maintaining effective communication
  • Strong initiative and motivation, with a track record of working independently and efficiently without supervision
  • Capable of standing for extended periods and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Work location: Bentonville, AR
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 5:30 AM to 1:30 PM
The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed in the role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. The full Job Description can be made available as part of the hiring process.
At Sam's Club, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet!
-Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage
-Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance
-Paid time off benefits include PTO, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.
For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.
- Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
Live Better U is a company paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The hourly wage range for this position is $16.00 - $28.00*
*The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location.
Additional compensation in the form of premiums may be paid in amounts ranging from $0.35 per hour to $3.00 per hour in specific circumstances. Premiums may be based on schedule, facility, season, or specific work performed. Multiple premiums may apply if applicable criteria are met.
At Sam's Club, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet!
-Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage
-Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance
-Paid time off benefits include PTO, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.
For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.
- Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
Live Better U is a company paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The hourly wage range for this position is $16.00 - $28.00*
*The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location.
Additional compensation in the form of premiums may be paid in amounts ranging from $0.35 per hour to $3.00 per hour in specific circumstances. Premiums may be based on schedule, facility, season, or specific work performed. Multiple premiums may apply if applicable criteria are met. At Sam's Club, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet!
-Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage
-Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance
-Paid time off benefits include PTO, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.
For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.
- Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
Live Better U is a company paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The hourly wage range for this position is $16.00 - $28.00* *The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation in the form of premiums may be paid in amounts ranging from $0.35 per hour to $3.00 per hour in specific circumstances. Premiums may be based on schedule, facility, season, or specific work performed. Multiple premiums may apply if applicable criteria are met.

‎ 

Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Minimum Qualifications
Obtain certified ServSafe Food Handler or related food safety certification within 45 days of hire.Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Catering and restaurant operations, Commercial CookingFood Services - ServSafe Certification - CertificationPrimary Location...2101 Se Simple Savings Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712-4304, United States of AmericaWalmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

What Sam's Club employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom