Food Preparation Workers

Also Called: Deli Clerk (Delicatessen Clerk), Diet Aide, Dietary Aide, Food Service Worker

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$22,970

Entry Salary

Bright

Job outlook

What Food Preparation Workers do

Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.

  • Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.
  • Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
  • Portion and wrap the food, or place it directly on plates for service to patrons.
Industry Areas:

Hospitality

Training Program Areas:

Culinary Arts • OCT-Only Hospitality

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Spend Time Standing
  • Time Pressure
  • Work With Work Group or Team
  • Coordinate or Lead Others
  • Contact With Others

Tools

  • Commercial use scales
  • Commercial use food slicers
  • Commercial use food choppers or cubers or dicers
  • Cappuccino or espresso machines
  • Soft serve machines

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Computer based training software
Quizlet
Data base user interface and query software
MicroBlast Recipe Wizard for Windows
ValuSoft MasterCook

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking

Knowledge

Business
customer service
management
Safety and Government
public safety and security

Education

  • 45% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 38% Less than high school diploma
  • 13% Post-master's certificate

Experience

Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, a person can become a waiter or waitress even if he/she has never worked before.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Food Preparation Workers Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Cooks, Private Household

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Chefs & Head Cooks

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Biological Technicians

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

  • Earle C. Clements - Job Corps

    Morganfield, Kentucky

  • Exeter - Job Corps

    Exeter, Rhode Island

ACT & College

  • Ancilla College

    Donaldson, IN

  • Blackhawk Technical College

    Janesville, WI

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Self Control
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity
  • Social Orientation
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability

Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Verbal

This is what Food Preparation Workers across the country typically make.

$11.04 / hour
$22,970 /year

Entry Level

$15.59 / hour
$32,420 /year

Median Level

$20.67 / hour
$42,990 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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