What does a Food Handler do?

Food handler responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real food handler resumes:
- Set up and operate point of sales (POS) cash registers, receive money and return proper change.
- Record patient information to gain knowledge of special allergies and special diets to promote better safety and health management.
- Enter orders into POS system, report daily sales to managers, conduct monthly inventory, and perform heavy cash flow.
- Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assign station and service areas.
- Maintain clean work areas including display cases, walk-in coolers, fryers and other cooking equipment.
- Prepare and serve food samples using small appliances such as microwaves, fryers, skillets, coffee makers and knives.
- Stock product according to date, using the FIFO method.
Food handler skills and personality traits
We calculated that 23% of Food Handlers are proficient in Basic Math, Customer Service, and Math. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Customer-service skills, and Physical strength.
We break down the percentage of Food Handlers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Basic Math, 23%
Conducted financial transactions for customers using basic mathematics.
- Customer Service, 21%
Ensured that team members continuously executed punctuality, dress code standards and exemplary customer service.
- Math, 14%
Shift manager designate crew control the safe make sure orders were accurately made Accomplishments Made service times good Skills Used Math.
- Food Service, 6%
Demonstrated knowledge of superior preparation and execution of food service operations in intense wartime environment.
- Kitchen Equipment, 6%
Prepared meals utilizing knowledge of proper kitchen equipment handling.
- Food Orders, 4%
Received food orders ensuring inventory is accurate and sanitary.
Most food handlers use their skills in "basic math," "customer service," and "math" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential food handler responsibilities here:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a food handler to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "food and beverage serving and related workers must listen carefully to their customers’ orders and relay them correctly to the kitchen staff so that the orders are prepared to the customers’ request." Additionally, a food handler resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "well-developed communication skills demonstrated through extensive customer service. "
Customer-service skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling food handler duties is customer-service skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "food service establishments rely on good food and customer service to keep customers and succeed in a competitive industry." According to a food handler resume, here's how food handlers can utilize customer-service skills in their job responsibilities: "registered, prepared and served food and drink orders to customers, while controlling inventory and answering phones. "
Physical strength. food handlers are also known for physical strength, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to food handler responsibilities, because "food and beverage serving and related workers need to be able to lift and carry stock and equipment that can weigh up to 50 pounds." A food handler resume example shows how physical strength is used in the workplace: "participated in physical inventories and assisted with inventory control. "
The three companies that hire the most food handlers are:
- Cargill26 food handlers jobs
- Live Nation Entertainment6 food handlers jobs
- Community Housing Innovations3 food handlers jobs
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Food handler 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.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between food handlers and kitchen staff. For instance, food handler responsibilities require skills such as "basic math," "math," "food safety procedures," and "customer complaints." Whereas a kitchen staff is skilled in "food handling," "cleanliness," "sanitation standards," and "quality food." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Kitchen staff earn the highest salaries when working in the education industry, with an average yearly salary of $30,914. On the other hand, food handlers are paid more in the finance industry with an average salary of $37,836.kitchen staff tend to reach similar levels of education than food handlers. In fact, kitchen staff are 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Food handler vs. Kitchen crew
A cafe associate performs various support tasks to help maintain the smooth flow of operations at a cafe and ensure customer satisfaction. They ensure that the shelves are stocked with fresh and high-quality products by conducting regular evaluations and inspections, disposing of expired goods, and adding new products as necessary. They may also prepare or serve orders, make drinks using machines, and assist customers by answering inquiries or processing their payments. Moreover, a cafe associate must maintain an open communication line with co-workers and report to managers regularly.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that food handler responsibilities requires skills like "basic math," "math," "customer satisfaction," and "food carts." But a kitchen crew might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "food handling," "cleanliness," "culinary," and "food quality."
Kitchen crews may earn a lower salary than food handlers, but kitchen crews earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $30,074. On the other hand, food handlers receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $37,836.In general, kitchen crews achieve similar levels of education than food handlers. They're 0.6% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Food handler vs. Snack bar attendant
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, food handlers are more likely to have skills like "kitchen equipment," "food safety procedures," "food carts," and "food trays." But a snack bar attendant is more likely to have skills like "food handling," "cash handling," "cleanliness," and "customer transactions."
Snack bar attendants earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $29,732. Comparatively, food handlers have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $37,836.Most snack bar attendants achieve a similar degree level compared to food handlers. For example, they're 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Food handler vs. Cafe associate
Types of food handler
Updated January 8, 2025