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Prepared Foods Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prepared Foods Associate

Colonie, NY ยท 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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

West Point, NY ยท On-site

$19 - $27/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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Palm Desert, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $27/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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Watervliet, NY ยท 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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Niwot, CO ยท On-site

$19 - $27/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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Naugatuck, CT ยท On-site

$20 - $28/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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Fair Oaks, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $27/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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Ravena, NY ยท 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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Mount Ivy, NY ยท On-site

$19 - $27/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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Eaton, CO ยท On-site

$19 - $27/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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Timnath, CO ยท On-site

$19 - $27/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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

West Chazy, NY ยท On-site

$18.50 - $26.50/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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Pierce, CO ยท On-site

$19 - $27/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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Palmdale, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $27/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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Ault, CO ยท On-site

$19 - $27/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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Hartford, CT ยท On-site

$20 - $28/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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

South Gate, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $27/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 ...

Prepared Foods Associate

Glendora, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $27/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 ...

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Prepared Foods Associate information

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$10

$14

$17

How much do prepared foods associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 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.

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 is the highest paying food service job?

Prepared Foods Associates typically earn hourly wages that are competitive within retail food service, but higher-paying roles in the food industry include executive chefs, restaurant managers, and specialty chefs such as pastry or sushi chefs. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and management experience, and can offer higher salaries or bonuses compared to entry-level roles.

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 does a 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 when needed. The role often requires knowledge of food handling procedures and may involve operating equipment like slicers or warmers.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Prepared Foods Associates typically do not earn $4,000 per week; such high weekly pay is uncommon in entry-level food service roles. Jobs that can pay this amount without a degree usually involve specialized skills, certifications, or high-risk environments, such as certain sales, real estate, or skilled trades like commercial diving or offshore drilling. These roles often require experience, licensing, or physical demands rather than formal education.

What does a prepared food team member do?

A prepared foods team member is responsible for preparing, packaging, and maintaining ready-to-eat food items in a retail or grocery setting. They ensure food safety, follow quality standards, and assist customers with product selection when needed. The role often requires good communication skills and adherence to health and safety regulations.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,285 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Prepared Foods Associate

Sam's Club

Colonie, NY โ€ข On-site

$18 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Position Summary... What you'll do...Be a Team Member: 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 resources; communicating effectively with the members of the team; and being flexible to the needs of the business to work in other areas. Be an Expert: Prepares food according to item specifications; understanding and planning the future productions and mass productions; preparing for seasonality; adhering to food safety standards, sanitation guidelines, cold chain compliance, inventory management; operating, maintaining, and sanitizing equipment; and demonstrating an understanding of product and layout execution. Be a Techie: Leverages digital tools to drive sales, improve the shopping experience, and elevate associate engagement; utilizing hand held technology to make immediate business decisions related to production, ordering merchandise, receiving club pick up orders, training, and product quality with the member in mind; adapting to new tools and encouraging others to use them. Be an Owner: Drives the performance of the area; stocking and rotating merchandise; ensuring quality and date control standards; eliminating waste; providing member service by acknowledging the member and identifying member's needs; assisting members with purchasing decisions; payment types; locating merchandise; and resolving member issues and concerns. Be a Talent Ambassador: Being a brand advocate; developing, influencing and inspiring others for working in a style that is respectful, supportive and team oriented; understanding the roadblocks and assisting in training them. Complies with company policies, procedures, and standards of ethics and integrity by implementing related action plans; using the Open Door Policy; and applying these in executing business processes and practices. Completes work assignments and priorities by using policies, data, and resources; collaborating with managers, co-workers, customers, and other business partners; identifying priorities, deadlines, and expectations; carrying out tasks; communicating progress and information; determining and recommending ways to address improvement opportunities; and adapting to and learning from change, difficulties, and feedback. At Sam's Club, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based incentive 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  https://one.walmart.com/HealthThe hourly wage range for this position is $18.00 to $26.00*
*The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location.Additional Compensation Includes Annual Or Quarterly Performance Incentives.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:
I acknowledge that the position for which I am applying requires me to successfully complete all job required trainings and assessments within a prescribed time period if I receive the position.
Must be 18 years of age or older Preferred Qualifications...

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

Food Safety Certification., Food Service Food Handler Certification (Food Safety) - CertificationPrimary Location...579 TROY SCHENECTADY RD, LATHAM, NY 12110-2806, United States of America Walmart 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.