A food preparation worker readies ingredients and assists in cooking in kitchens across restaurants, cafeterias, and catering operations. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school education. Here is what the work involves, what skills matter most, and how to get in.
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Food preparation workers handle the foundational tasks that keep kitchens running. You wash, peel, chop, and portion ingredients. You follow recipes and food safety standards. You monitor cooking progress and help plate dishes. You work with other kitchen staff to keep prep areas clean and organized. You listen carefully to instructions from chefs and cooks, solve problems when supplies run low or timing shifts, and learn kitchen systems quickly. The work is fast-paced, physical, and requires attention to detail and food safety rules.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Food Preparation Workers earn a median of $35,320 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 148,000 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most food preparation workers start with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers provide on-the-job training where you learn kitchen equipment, food handling, and your kitchen's specific procedures. You build skills through practice in a real kitchen environment. Some workers pursue food safety certifications or culinary courses to advance faster. The path is straightforward: apply to restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, or catering companies, start as a prep worker, and develop your skills on the job while working toward any credentials that interest you.
Your entry point is typically applying directly to kitchens in your area, and many employers hire without prior experience. If you are exploring whether this role fits your interests and timeline, Pathly can map the food preparation worker path that fits you with your school counselor or career advisor to map out the next steps.
You do not need a license to work as a food preparation worker, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You like hands-on work, solving practical problems, and working as part of a team. You pay attention to detail and follow procedures carefully. You are willing to learn on the job.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).