Library: Career: Food Preparation

Job Outlook

Occupational Outlook Handbook job outlook for food preparation workers

Employment of food preparation workers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2019 to 2029.

Some restaurants and cafeterias customize their food orders from wholesalers and distributors in an effort to lower costs. For example, they may order prewashed, precut, or preseasoned ingredients, such as meat or vegetables. Additionally, some establishments prefer to employ fast food and counter workers, who both prepare and serve food to customers. These options will lead to the need for fewer food preparation workers.

However, population and income growth are still expected to result in some consumer demand for food at a variety of dining places, including restaurants and grocery stores.

Job Prospects

Job prospects for food preparation workers should be very good because of the need to replace workers who leave the occupation each year.

Jobseekers with related work experience should find opportunities at upscale restaurants. However, individuals seeking full-time positions at these restaurants may face strong competition because the number of job applicants often exceeds the number of job openings.

Typical work activities

Duties

Food preparation workers typically do the following:

Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, and dishes
Weigh or measure ingredients, such as meats and liquids
Prepare fruit and vegetables for cooking
Cut meats, poultry, and seafood and prepare them for cooking
Mix ingredients for salads
Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage
Take and record the temperature of food and food storage areas
Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service

Food preparation workers perform routine, repetitive tasks under the direction of cooks, chefs, or food service managers. To help cooks and other kitchen staff, they prepare ingredients for dishes by slicing and dicing vegetables and by making salads and cold food items. Other common duties include keeping salad bars and buffet tables stocked and clean.

Food preparation workers retrieve pots and pans, clean and store kitchen equipment, and unload and store food supplies. When needed, they retrieve food and equipment for cooks and chefs. In some kitchens, food preparation workers use a variety of commercial kitchen equipment, such as commercial dishwashers, blenders, slicers, or grinders.

In restaurants, workers stock and use soda machines, coffeemakers, and espresso machines to prepare beverages for customers.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Food Preparation Workers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/food-preparation-workers.htm (visited August 06, 2021).

Education

Food preparation workers typically learn through on-the-job training. No formal education or previous work experience is required.

Education

There are no formal education requirements for becoming a food preparation worker.

Training

Most food preparation workers learn through short-term on-the-job training, usually lasting several weeks. Trainees typically start by working under the supervision of an experienced worker, who teaches them basic kitchen duties. Training also may include basic sanitation and workplace safety regulations, as well as instructions on how to handle and prepare food.

Important Qualities

Dexterity. Food preparation workers chop vegetables, cut meat, and perform many other tasks with sharp knives. They must have the ability to work quickly and safely with sharp objects.

Listening skills. Food preparation workers must understand customers’ orders and follow directions from cooks, chefs, or food service managers.

Physical stamina. Food preparation workers stand on their feet for long periods while they prepare food, clean work areas, or lift heavy pots from the stove.

Physical strength. Food preparation workers should be strong enough to lift and carry heavy food supply boxes, which often can weigh up to 50 pounds.

Advancement

Advancement opportunities for food preparation workers depend on their training and work experience. Many food preparation workers advance to assistant or line cook positions as they learn basic cooking skills.