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Food prep vs kitchen staff

The differences between food preps and kitchen staff can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a kitchen staff has an average salary of $29,816, 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 kitchen staff are food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards.

Food prep vs kitchen staff overview

Food PrepKitchen Staff
Yearly salary$25,840$29,816
Hourly rate$12.42$14.33
Growth rate14%2%
Number of jobs168,743154,513
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 43%
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 kitchen staff do?

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.

Food prep vs kitchen staff salary

Food preps and kitchen staff have different pay scales, as shown below.

Food PrepKitchen Staff
Average salary$25,840$29,816
Salary rangeBetween $19,000 And $35,000Between $23,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MARedwood City, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsWashington
Best paying companyGrand Ledge High SchoolThe Road Home
Best paying industryRetailEducation

Differences between food prep and kitchen staff education

There are a few differences between a food prep and a kitchen staff in terms of educational background:

Food PrepKitchen Staff
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Food prep vs kitchen staff demographics

Here are the differences between food preps' and kitchen staff' demographics:

Food PrepKitchen Staff
Average age2337
Gender ratioMale, 51.1% Female, 48.9%Male, 56.5% Female, 43.5%
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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 7.0% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage8%6%

Differences between food prep and kitchen staff 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

Kitchen staff example responsibilities.

  • Assist the catering manager to manage, prepare, cook and deliver each day s caterings.
  • Present an enjoyable and positive atmosphere while preparing an outstanding product, manage inventory, and maintain cleanliness
  • Conduct daily inspections for overall cleanliness of all areas and proper sanitizing of food preparation surfaces.
  • Increase sales by upselling and signing customers up for discount cards
  • Prep food for dinner dishes, bar back, work on fryers, and wash dishes.
  • Cook, wash dishes, serve customers, prepare food for caterings, and stock shelves.
  • Show more

Food prep vs kitchen staff skills

Common food prep skills
  • Food Service, 17%
  • Food Handling, 13%
  • Taking Care, 12%
  • Cleanliness, 9%
  • Good Communication, 6%
  • Math, 5%
Common kitchen staff skills
  • Food Handling, 25%
  • Cleanliness, 21%
  • Sanitation Standards, 13%
  • Quality Food, 9%
  • Food Products, 7%
  • Meal Preparation, 5%

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