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The differences between food preps and cafe associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cafe associate has an average salary of $30,081, which is higher than the $25,840 average annual salary of a food prep.
The top three skills for a food prep include food service, food handling and taking care. The most important skills for a cafe associate are safety standards, food service, and groceries.
| Food Prep | Cafe Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $25,840 | $30,081 |
| Hourly rate | $12.42 | $14.46 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 168,743 | 76,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 48% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Average age | 23 | 23 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
The primary duty of a food prep is to accomplish various food handling and preparation tasks according to the direction of supervisors, chefs, or cooks. One can work in different establishments or industry where there is food involved. Among the responsibilities will mostly revolve around doing light to moderate chores such as cleaning the kitchen and sanitizing utensils, preparing the required ingredients and ensure its quality and quantity, be in charge of food storage, and assist by performing basic cooking tasks.
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.
Food preps and cafe associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Food Prep | Cafe Associate | |
| Average salary | $25,840 | $30,081 |
| Salary range | Between $19,000 And $35,000 | Between $24,000 And $36,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Concord, NH |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Grand Ledge High School | Bertucci's |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Retail |
There are a few differences between a food prep and a cafe associate in terms of educational background:
| Food Prep | Cafe Associate | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 48% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between food preps' and cafe associates' demographics:
| Food Prep | Cafe Associate | |
| Average age | 23 | 23 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.1% Female, 48.9% | Male, 30.4% Female, 69.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |