Food preparation workers perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.  They clean and prepare portions, cut or peel various foods in preparing for cooking and serving.  They prepare food according to customers’ orders or instructions and arrange food on serving dishes, trays, carts, or conveyor belts. They also prepare and serve a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks, and carry and move supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas, as well as preparing food for storage in containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.  Food preparation workers also distribute food to the waiter staff for delivery to customers, and maintain and clean all of the work areas, equipment, and utensils.  They may also be required to butcher and clean fowl, fish, poultry, and shellfish to prepare for cooking or serving.

Average Salary:

$19,850

Average Hours (per week):

Forty-four percent of prep cooks work part-time. Shifts for prep cooks are long and often require early morning or late nights, evenings and weekends.  Full time employment can typically be found at established full-service restaurants.

Union:

Many large hotels and restaurant kitchen workers belong to unions, including the Service Employees International Union or the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union.

Certifications:

Many states require a health department food safety certificate for those handling and preparing food.  Typically these certificates can be earned over a period of a few days, depending on the requirements of the state.

Training Period:

Employment as a food preparation worker usually requires a high school diploma or GED.  Training is usually performed on the job.

Strongest Market(s):

Restaurants, hotels, banquet facilities, hospitals, prisons, schools, and just about any place where food is served is a possibility for employment. Needless to say, there is no particular part of the country that is more favorable than another place for such employment

Entry Level Salary:

Starting salaries range from $7.05 to $8.64 per hour

Top Salary:

$27,440

Job Growth Forecast:

Projected growth for the next decade is below average at 6 percent.  However, high turnover in this field generally means job prospects are good for entry-level workers looking for part-time work.  Competition is higher, though, for full-time employment at established restaurants.

Related posts:

1. Culinary Jobs – Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
2. Culinary Jobs – First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
3. Culinary Jobs – Cook, Fast Food
4. Culinary Jobs – Cook
5. Culinary Jobs – Food & Beverage Director