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Food Preparation Workers

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

Sample of reported job titles: Deli Clerk (Delicatessen Clerk), Diet Aide, Dietary Aide, Dietary Assistant, Food Preparer, Food Service Aide, Food Service Worker, Nutrition Aide, Pantry Cook, Slicer

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Tasks  |  Technology Skills  |  Tools Used  |  Knowledge  |  Skills  |  Abilities  |  Work Activities  |  Detailed Work Activities  |  Work Context  |  Job Zone  |  Education  |  Credentials  |  Interests  |  Work Styles  |  Work Values  |  Related Occupations  |  Wages & Employment  |  Job Openings  |  Additional Information

Tasks

Show fewer All 31 displayed
  • Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Portion and wrap the food, or place it directly on plates for service to patrons.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Prepare a variety of foods, such as meats, vegetables, or desserts, according to customers’ orders or supervisors’ instructions, following approved procedures.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service, or store them in refrigerated storage cabinets.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Package take-out foods or serve food to customers.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Stock cupboards and refrigerators, and tend salad bars and buffet meals.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Wash, peel, and cut various foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to prepare for cooking or serving.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Distribute food to waiters and waitresses to serve to customers.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Cut, slice or grind meat, poultry, and seafood to prepare for cooking.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Receive and store food supplies, equipment, and utensils in refrigerators, cupboards, and other storage areas.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Weigh or measure ingredients.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Inform supervisors when equipment is not working properly and when food and supplies are getting low, and order needed items.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Add cutlery, napkins, food, and other items to trays on assembly lines in hospitals, cafeterias, airline kitchens, and similar establishments.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Use manual or electric appliances to clean, peel, slice, and trim foods.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Scrape leftovers from dishes into garbage containers.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Load dishes, glasses, and tableware into dishwashing machines.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Make special dressings and sauces as condiments for sandwiches.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Mix ingredients for green salads, molded fruit salads, vegetable salads, and pasta salads.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Operate cash register, handle money, and give correct change.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Keep records of the quantities of food used.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Vacuum dining area and sweep and mop kitchen floor.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Assemble meal trays with foods in accordance with patients’ diets.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Distribute menus to hospital patients, collect diet sheets, and deliver food trays and snacks to nursing units or directly to patients.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Stir and strain soups and sauces.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Butcher and clean fowl, fish, poultry, and shellfish to prepare for cooking or serving.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Prepare and serve a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks.See more occupations related to this task.

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Technology Skills

Show fewer All 5 displayed     Show 40 tools used
  • Computer based training software — QuizletSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Data base user interface and query software — CBORD NetRecipe; Culinary Software Services ChefTec; MicroBlast Recipe Wizard for Windows; ValuSoft MasterCook (see all 11 examples)See more occupations related to this technology.
  • Office suite software — Microsoft Office Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Video creation and editing software — YouTube Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

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Knowledge

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  • Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.See more occupations related to this knowledge.

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Skills

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  • Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Time Management — Managing one’s own time and the time of others.See more occupations related to this skill.

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Abilities

Show fewer All 9 displayed
  • Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without “giving out” or fatiguing.See more occupations related to this ability.

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Work Activities

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  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Detailed Work Activities

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  • Clean food preparation areas, facilities, or equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Clean tableware.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Operate cash registers.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Process customer bills or payments.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Store supplies or goods in kitchens or storage areas.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Arrange food for serving.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Package food or supplies.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Cook foods.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Assess equipment functioning.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Record operational or production data.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Serve food or beverages.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Prepare foods for cooking or serving.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Stock serving stations or dining areas with food or supplies.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Distribute resources to patrons or employees.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Move equipment, supplies or food to required locations.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Clean food service areas.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Cut cooked or raw foods.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Remove trash.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Measure ingredients.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Report information to managers or other personnel.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Assist chefs or caterers with food or drink preparation.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Present food or beverage information or menus to customers.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Prepare hot or cold beverages.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Mix ingredients.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Work Context

Show fewer All 25 displayed
  • Spend Time Standing — 76% responded “Continually or almost continually.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Time Pressure — 77% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 66% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Coordinate or Lead Others — 58% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Contact With Others — 76% responded “Constant contact with others.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Deal With External Customers — 68% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 54% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 44% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 52% responded “Very high responsibility.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Walking and Running — 41% responded “More than half the time.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Frequency of Decision Making — 61% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 68% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 64% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Physical Proximity — 47% responded “Very close (near touching).”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 62% responded “Continually or almost continually.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 34% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 33% responded “Very high responsibility.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Frequency of Conflict Situations — 48% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 47% responded “Continually or almost continually.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 37% responded “A lot of freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 33% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 39% responded “Very important results.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — 41% responded “Less than half the time.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 42% responded “Some freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Telephone — 40% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.

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Job Zone

Title Job Zone One: Little or No Preparation Needed
Education Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Related Experience Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, a person can become a waiter or waitress even if he/she has never worked before.
Job Training Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.
Job Zone Examples These occupations involve following instructions and helping others. Examples include food preparation workers, dishwashers, sewing machine operators, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, logging equipment operators, and baristas.
SVP Range (Below 4.0)

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Education


Percentage of Respondents
Education Level Required
45   High school diploma or equivalent

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38   Less than high school diploma
13   Post-master’s certificate

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Credentials

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Interests

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Interest code: RC   Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.

  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.See more occupations related to this interest.

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Work Styles

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  • Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.See more occupations related to this work style.

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Work Values

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  • Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.See more occupations related to this work value.

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Related Occupations

Show fewer All 10 displayed
35-2011.00 Cooks, Fast Food
35-2014.00 Cooks, Restaurant Bright Outlook
35-2015.00 Cooks, Short Order
35-3023.00 Fast Food and Counter Workers Bright Outlook
35-3031.00 Waiters and Waitresses Bright Outlook
35-3041.00 Food Servers, Nonrestaurant   Bright Outlook Bright Outlook
35-9011.00 Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers Bright Outlook
37-2011.00 Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners Bright Outlook
37-2012.00 Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners Bright Outlook
51-3022.00 Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers

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Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2020) $12.53 hourly, $26,070 annual
State wages
 
Local wages
  
Employment (2020) 821,200 employees
Projected growth (2020-2030) Average (5% to 10%) Average (5% to 10%)
Projected job openings (2020-2030) 149,800
State trends
 
Top industries (2020)
Accommodation and Food Services
Retail Trade

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data external site and 2020-2030 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

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Sources of Additional Information

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Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

  • American Culinary Federation external site
  • International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education external site
  • National Restaurant Association external site
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook: Food preparation workers external site
  • UNITE HERE external site

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