Lodging & Tourism
Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.
Food Preparation Workers
About this Career Path
Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.
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. About 1 in 2 worked part time in 2014.
Food Preparation Workers
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Current Available & Projected Jobs
Food Preparation Workers
0
Current Available Jobs
17,990
Projected job openings through 2030
JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES
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Supporting Programs
Food Preparation Workers
Top Expected Tasks
Food Preparation Workers
Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.
Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
Portion and wrap food, or place it directly on plates for service to patrons.
Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.
Prepare a variety of foods, such as meats, vegetables, or desserts, according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions, following approved procedures.
Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service, or store them in refrigerated storage cabinets.
Package take-out foods or serve food to customers.
Stock cupboards and refrigerators, and tend salad bars and buffet meals.
Operate cash register, handle money, and give correct change.
Keep records of the quantities of food used.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Food Preparation Workers
KNOWLEDGE
Customer and Personal Service
KNOWLEDGE
Administration and Management
KNOWLEDGE
Public Safety and Security
KNOWLEDGE
Food Production
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Coordination
SKILL
Service Orientation
SKILL
Social Perceptiveness
SKILL
Speaking
ABILITY
Near Vision
ABILITY
Arm-Hand Steadiness
ABILITY
Manual Dexterity
ABILITY
Oral Expression
ABILITY
Finger Dexterity
Related Careers & Companies
Food Preparation Workers
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