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Food prep vs food prep/dishwasher

The differences between food preps and food prep/dishwashers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a food prep/dishwasher has an average salary of $29,964, 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 food prep/dishwasher are food preparation equipment, work ethic, and wash dishes.

Food prep vs food prep/dishwasher overview

Food PrepFood Prep/Dishwasher
Yearly salary$25,840$29,964
Hourly rate$12.42$14.41
Growth rate14%2%
Number of jobs168,743113,200
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 58%
Average age2337
Years of experience--

What does a food prep do?

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.

What does a food prep/dishwasher do?

A food prep/dishwasher's role is to perform food preparation and cleaning duties in a kitchen, under the supervision and directives of a chef or manager. One of their primary responsibilities is washing dishes, sanitizing utensils, and preparing ingredients by washing, peeling, and cutting them according to size. They may also participate in organizing, sorting, and putting them in proper storage. There are also instances when they have to perform basic cooking tasks ranging from boiling and frying to baking. Furthermore, a food prep/dishwasher may have the duty of maintaining the kitchen's cleanliness and other areas.

Food prep vs food prep/dishwasher salary

Food preps and food prep/dishwashers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Food PrepFood Prep/Dishwasher
Average salary$25,840$29,964
Salary rangeBetween $19,000 And $35,000Between $24,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsWashington
Best paying companyGrand Ledge High SchoolUniversity of Wisconsin System
Best paying industryRetailProfessional

Differences between food prep and food prep/dishwasher education

There are a few differences between a food prep and a food prep/dishwasher in terms of educational background:

Food PrepFood Prep/Dishwasher
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 58%
Most common majorBusinessGeneral Studies
Most common college--

Food prep vs food prep/dishwasher demographics

Here are the differences between food preps' and food prep/dishwashers' demographics:

Food PrepFood Prep/Dishwasher
Average age2337
Gender ratioMale, 51.1% Female, 48.9%Male, 79.9% Female, 20.1%
Race ratioBlack 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, 11.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 6.9% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage8%6%

Differences between food prep and food prep/dishwasher duties and responsibilities

Food prep example responsibilities.

  • Provide quality customer service while providing assistance in food preparation and maintaining store cleanliness.
  • Operate blenders, stoves, and steamers.
  • Fast pace and quick learning worker also good math skills.
  • Clean dishes, meat and cheese slicers, refrigerators and coolers.
  • Detail cleaning include, broilers, fryers, walk in refrigerator/freezer, dining and restrooms.
  • Operate flat top grill, salamander grill, deep fryer, mixer and tortilla steamers.
  • Show more

Food prep/dishwasher example responsibilities.

  • Prep food items and refrigerate appropriately, maintain cleanliness of restaurant, wash all dishes associate with the daily operations
  • Operate industrial dishwasher ensuring sanitation of all dishes.
  • Operate dishwasher keep kitchen clean organize and sanitize.
  • Take proper care of ranges, ovens, broilers, fryers, griddles, utensils and other equipment.
  • Gain knowledge of how to use kitchen tools such as blenders, fryers, coffee maker, and food processor.
  • Make smoothies, clean up after every smoothie, clean whole store, prep fruits and juices
  • Show more

Food prep vs food prep/dishwasher skills

Common food prep skills
  • Food Service, 17%
  • Food Handling, 13%
  • Taking Care, 12%
  • Cleanliness, 9%
  • Good Communication, 6%
  • Math, 5%
Common food prep/dishwasher skills
  • Food Preparation Equipment, 17%
  • Work Ethic, 17%
  • Wash Dishes, 14%
  • Cleanliness, 10%
  • Food Service, 9%
  • Dishwashers, 8%

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