Food Preparation Worker

Job Skills

Certain personal attributes are important for food preparation workers to possess. These include the ability to work quickly and efficiently, a well-developed sense of taste and smell, good personal hygiene, and a willingness to work with a team. Familiarity with a foreign language may also prove useful in communicating with other workers.

Income

In 2002, food preparation workers earned a median hourly wage of $7.85. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $5.96 per hour, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $11.37 per hour. The highest median hourly earnings were found in elementary and secondary schools, and the lowest were found in limited-service eating places.

Training and Education

Most food preparation worker positions require little, if any, training or education. Entry-level positions do not require a high-school diploma; however, a diploma could be beneficial for those interested in a career as a cook. Most food preparation workers are trained on the job. Training ranges from basic sanitation and safety, to food handling and cooking techniques.

Employment

Out of the nearly 3 million culinary jobs in 2002, about 850,000 people were employed as food preparation workers.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of food preparation workers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Due to general increases in population, household income, leisure time, and the number of double-income households, more people will be taking vacations and dining away from home. The number of food preparation workers in restaurants and stores that offer meals-to-go is expected to increase faster than the average.

Directory of Culinary Schools