What does a deli/bakery associate do?

Deli/bakery associate responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real deli/bakery associate resumes:
- Open and close deli; schedule work hour coverage; manage and monitor deli cleanliness code; customer service.
- Skil in operation of kitchen equipment including slicers, rotisserie oven, mixers, grills, fryers, steamers and warmers.
- Follow safety guideline for slicers.
- Exemplify a model of excellent customer service in keeping with Publix's orientation towards ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Control freshness by rotating and coding all products legibly according to Walmart policies and procedures.
Deli/bakery associate skills and personality traits
We calculated that 62% of Deli/Bakery Associates are proficient in Food Handling, Food Safety, and Quality Customer Service. They’re also known for soft skills such as Listening skills, Physical strength, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Deli/Bakery Associates that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Food Handling, 62%
Perform proper food handling, food safety and sanitation practices to exacting professional standards.
- Food Safety, 20%
Prepare and package all products according to food safety standards, label, stock and rotate products off sales floor.
- Quality Customer Service, 14%
Demonstrate the ability to provide high quality customer service and maintain corporate standards.
- Customer Satisfaction, 1%
Prepared food while maintaining customer satisfaction.
- Sanitation Procedures, 1%
Perform all Deli/ bakery duties, responsibilities and sanitation procedures.
- Food Preparation, 0%
Cleaned equipment or machinery and operated food preparation equipment.
Most deli/bakery associates use their skills in "food handling," "food safety," and "quality customer service" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential deli/bakery associate responsibilities here:
The three companies that hire the most deli/bakery associates are:
- Target38 deli/bakery associates jobs
- Busch's Fresh Food Market35 deli/bakery associates jobs
- Harris Teeter19 deli/bakery associates jobs
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Deli/bakery associate vs. Kitchen staff
The kitchen staff consists of preparation workers who execute several routine tasks as directed by chefs, food service managers, and cooks. These works should have the ability to follow cooking instructions and deliver well-prepared meals. Their responsibilities include the cleanup of dishes, cooking equipment, and the working stations. They also take charge of food safety regulations, storing and sorting of ingredients, and preparing foodstuff.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, deli/bakery associate responsibilities require skills like "food safety," "quality customer service," "sanitation procedures," and "sales floor." Meanwhile a typical kitchen staff has skills in areas such as "cleanliness," "sanitation standards," "quality food," and "meal preparation." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Kitchen staff earn the highest salaries when working in the education industry, with an average yearly salary of $30,914. On the other hand, deli/bakery associates are paid more in the retail industry with an average salary of $29,204.On average, kitchen staff reach similar levels of education than deli/bakery associates. Kitchen staff are 0.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Deli/bakery associate vs. Food clerk
Food clerks are skilled employees who work either in grocery stores or supermarkets to assist customers with their food needs. In grocery stores, food clerks are required to scan food items for their customers and process their purchases as well as ensure that they have found everything they needed. They must assist in the store's inventory management by organizing and storing food merchandise in the backroom. Food clerks must also use their product knowledge to assist customers with questions and maintain customer satisfaction.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, deli/bakery associate responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "food handling," "food safety," "customer satisfaction," and "sanitation procedures." Meanwhile, a food clerk has duties that require skills in areas such as "wine," "basic math," "taking care," and "store shelves." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Food clerks may earn a lower salary than deli/bakery associates, but food clerks earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $33,240. On the other hand, deli/bakery associates receive higher pay in the retail industry, where they earn an average salary of $29,204.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Food clerks tend to reach similar levels of education than deli/bakery associates. In fact, they're 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Deli/bakery associate vs. Kitchen helper
Kitchen helpers perform various kitchen tasks in restaurants, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. Their duties and responsibilities include assisting cooks in the preparation of meal ingredients, helping other staff with unloading food items from delivery trucks, and washing and drying the utensils, dishes, and cookware. Kitchen helpers are also responsible for removing and replacing garbage bags and storing ingredients and food supplies in compliance with food safety standards. The requirements for this position may include a high school diploma, a license in food handling, and knowledge of food safety standards.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a deli/bakery associate is likely to be skilled in "food safety," "quality customer service," "customer satisfaction," and "sanitation procedures," while a typical kitchen helper is skilled in "food service," "wash dishes," "cleanliness," and "culinary."
Kitchen helpers earn the highest salary when working in the retail industry, where they receive an average salary of $27,239. Comparatively, deli/bakery associates have the highest earning potential in the retail industry, with an average salary of $29,204.kitchen helpers typically earn similar educational levels compared to deli/bakery associates. Specifically, they're 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Deli/bakery associate vs. Kitchen worker
Types of deli/bakery associate
Updated January 8, 2025











