Food Preparation Workers
Food preparation workers perform a variety of tasks other than cooking, such as slicing meat and brewing coffee.
Is food preparation workers a good career?
It scores 20/100 and ranks #301 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- High volume of openings — about 148,000 a year
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($35,320 vs $61,390)
- Employment is projected to decline (-3.4% through 2034)
What food preparation workers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. food preparation workers earn between $29,950 and $38,550 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live food preparation workers jobs
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- Typical education
- No formal educational credential
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
There typically are no formal education requirements for becoming a food preparation worker. However, employers may require or prefer that candidates have some high school education or a diploma.
Training
Food preparation workers typically get short-term on-the-job training, which usually lasts several weeks. Trainees typically learn basic kitchen duties from an experienced worker. Their training also may include basic sanitation and workplace safety regulations, as well as instructions on how to handle and prepare food.
Advancement
Opportunities for food preparation workers to advance depend on their training and work experience. Food preparation workers may advance to become assistant cooks or line cooks as they learn basic cooking skills.
Important qualities
Dexterity. Food preparation workers must be able to quickly and safely chop vegetables, cut meat, and perform other tasks with sharp knives.
Interpersonal skills. Food preparation workers must work well with kitchen staff to ensure that dishes are prepared properly and on time.
Listening skills. Food preparation workers must understand customers’ orders and follow directions from cooks, chefs, or food service managers.
Physical stamina. Food preparation workers stand on their feet for long periods while they prepare food, clean work areas, or lift pots from the stove.
Physical strength. Food preparation workers may need to move heavy food supply items and kitchen equipment.
Related occupations
How much do food preparation workers make?
The national median wage is $35,320 a year, with the middle half earning between $29,950 and $38,550 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is food preparation workers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 20 of 100 and ranks #301 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -3.4% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a food preparation worker?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential.
Where do food preparation workers earn the most?
Among states, Washington pays the highest median ($40,910). Local pay for every state and metro is below.