What does a food preparation worker do?
Food preparation worker responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real food preparation worker resumes:
- Maintain cleaned and sanitize cafeterias.
- Assist with planning and directing food preparation and culinary activities along with safely handling and storing all products appropriately.
- Wash dishes, pots, pans and trays by hand and automatic dishwasher.
- Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.
Food preparation worker skills and personality traits
We calculated that 20% of Food Preparation Workers are proficient in Customer Service, Food Handling, and Clean Rooms. They’re also known for soft skills such as Dexterity, Listening skills, and Physical stamina.
We break down the percentage of Food Preparation Workers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 20%
Provided excellent customer service to each patron and answered any question they may have regarding food preparation or ingredients
- Food Handling, 16%
Absorb new information and build new skills in food handling, cash handling, sanitation and safety.
- Clean Rooms, 10%
Stock and organize goods, wash dishes, glassware or related utensils, while also maintaining clean rooms and work areas.
- Food Preparation Equipment, 9%
Ensured food preparation equipment was operational.
- Basic Math, 8%
Managed the accuracy of the cash register by performing basic math computations during customer transactions.
- Food Storage, 5%
Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas such as refrigerators and freezers .
Most food preparation workers use their skills in "customer service," "food handling," and "clean rooms" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential food preparation worker responsibilities here:
The three companies that hire the most food preparation workers are:
- Aramark29 food preparation workers jobs
- Affinity Group Holding Inc12 food preparation workers jobs
- Compass Group USA9 food preparation workers jobs
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Food preparation worker vs. Kitchen assistant
A kitchen assistant is responsible for assisting chefs, cooks, or managers. Most of the duties are given by supervising officers, and it will revolve around preparing ingredients, cutting or washing meat and vegetables, and performing basic cooking tasks such as boiling and frying. A kitchen assistant is also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen, washing used materials, sanitizing utensils, organizing food inventory. Other tasks include unloading deliveries of food supplies and sorting the ingredients accordingly.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between food preparation workers and kitchen assistant. For instance, food preparation worker responsibilities require skills such as "food handling," "clean rooms," "basic math," and "measure ingredients." Whereas a kitchen assistant is skilled in "wine," "pos," "ladders," and "culinary." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Kitchen assistants earn the highest salaries when working in the construction industry, with an average yearly salary of $29,019. On the other hand, food preparation workers are paid more in the retail industry with an average salary of $26,969.kitchen assistants tend to reach similar levels of education than food preparation workers. In fact, kitchen assistants are 1.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Food preparation worker 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.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, food preparation worker responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "clean rooms," "food preparation equipment," "basic math," and "measure ingredients." Meanwhile, a kitchen staff has duties that require skills in areas such as "cleanliness," "sanitation standards," "quality food," and "meal preparation." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Kitchen staff may earn a higher salary than food preparation workers, but kitchen staff earn the most pay in the education industry with an average salary of $30,914. On the other hand, food preparation workers receive higher pay in the retail industry, where they earn an average salary of $26,969.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Kitchen staff tend to reach similar levels of education than food preparation workers. In fact, they're 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Food preparation worker vs. Catering assistant
A catering assistant is responsible for supporting catering operations, especially on outdoor gatherings and social events. Catering assistants prepare the buffet area and ensure the adequacy of foods and beverages, and provide the best customer service for the guests' satisfaction. Catering assistants must have excellent communication skills, responding to the guests' inquiries and concerns about the dish, and resolving immediate complaints. They maintain the cleanliness of the buffet station, strictly adhering to the sanitary standards and hygienic regulations.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a food preparation worker is likely to be skilled in "food handling," "clean rooms," "food preparation equipment," and "basic math," while a typical catering assistant is skilled in "patients," "food delivery," "beverage service," and "banquet event orders."
Catering assistants earn the best pay in the manufacturing industry, where they command an average salary of $33,254. Food preparation workers earn the highest pay from the retail industry, with an average salary of $26,969.catering assistants typically earn similar educational levels compared to food preparation workers. Specifically, they're 1.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Food preparation worker vs. Bakery associate
A bakery associate is responsible for assisting bakery chefs in producing baked goods and pastries, organizing the stock, maintaining the cleanliness of the storage area, and processing customers' orders and payments. Bakery associates monitor the inventory and request bakery ingredients and supplies from trusted suppliers and third-party vendors. They also pitch on recommending promotional campaigns and research on current bakery trends to update the menu, meeting public demands to increase sales and revenues. A bakery associate should have excellent communication and analytical skills to respond to customers' inquiries and operate the cash register.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between food preparation workers and bakery associates, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a food preparation worker might have more use for skills like "food handling," "clean rooms," "food preparation equipment," and "basic math." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of bakery associates require skills like "donuts," "bakery products," "safety regulations," and "groceries. "
Bakery associates enjoy the best pay in the retail industry, with an average salary of $30,578. For comparison, food preparation workers earn the highest salary in the retail industry.In general, bakery associates hold similar degree levels compared to food preparation workers. Bakery associates are 0.5% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of food preparation worker
Updated January 8, 2025











