Food Preparation Workers

SOC code 35-2021 · O*NET-SOC 35-2021.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Food service and hospitality

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects numerous job openings for this occupation

Food preparation workers do the chopping, portioning and station stocking that keeps kitchens moving. It is one of the most accessible jobs in the economy and the most common first step toward a cook role.

Food Preparation Workers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$35,320

a year

Hourly

$16.98

per hour

10th$25,810Median$35,32090th$45,340

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$35,290

$16.96 per hour

Middle 50%

$29,950 – $38,550

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$25,810 – $45,340

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

893,600

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $25,810; $12.41/hr
25th percentile: $29,950; $14.40/hr
Median percentile: $35,320; $16.98/hr
75th percentile: $38,550; $18.53/hr
90th percentile: $45,340; $21.80/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

-3%

Declining

902,700

jobs in 2024

871,800

projected for 2034

About 30,900 fewer jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a food preparation worker do?

Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.
Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items.
Distribute food to waiters and waitresses to serve to customers.
Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.
Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers.
Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
Weigh or measure ingredients.

How to become a food preparation worker

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 69% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)69%
Some College Courses22%
Doctoral Degree4%
Less than a High School Diploma3%

Common questions

How much does a food preparation worker earn?

The national median is $35,320 a year. The full range runs from $25,810 at the 10th percentile to $45,340 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a food preparation worker without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is food preparation worker in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to shrink by about 3% between 2024 and 2034 — declining. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.0/5
Speaking2.9/5
Critical Thinking2.8/5
Reading Comprehension2.6/5
Monitoring2.5/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service3.3/5
Food Production2.9/5
Production and Processing2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Time Management, Coordination, Social Perceptiveness.