Food Preparation Workers

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Food Preparation Workers does

Food Preparation Workers perform basic kitchen tasks such as chopping vegetables, preparing ingredients, and maintaining food safety standards in restaurants and food service establishments. They support chefs and cooks by keeping the kitchen organized and efficient.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a high school diploma. No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning.

Estimated cost of that path: No degree cost. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• Fast Food and Counter Workers — $31,200/yr
• Baristas — $31,200/yr
• Waiters and Waitresses — $35,230/yr
• Cooks, Restaurant — $37,390/yr
• First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers — $44,080/yr