Summary
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Quick Facts: Food Preparation Workers | |
---|---|
$28,780 per year
$13.84 per hour |
|
No formal educational credential | |
None | |
Short-term on-the-job training | |
821,200 | |
6% (As fast as average) | |
52,600 |
What Food Preparation Workers Do
Food preparation workers perform many routine tasks under the direction of cooks, chefs, or food service managers.
Work Environment
Food preparation workers are employed in restaurants, hotels, and other places where food is served, such as cafeterias, grocery stores, hospitals, and schools. They often work early mornings, late evenings, weekends, or holidays. Many food preparation workers work part time.
How to Become a Food Preparation Worker
Food preparation workers learn through short-term on-the-job training, usually lasting several weeks. No formal education or previous work experience is required.
Pay
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers was $13.84 in May 2021.
Job Outlook
Employment of food preparation workers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 149,800 openings for food preparation workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for food preparation workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of food preparation workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about food preparation workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.