What Food Preparation Workers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Food Preparation Workers this way: "Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "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"; "Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service, or store them in refrigerated storage cabinets"; "Weigh or measure ingredients"; "Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Food Preparation Workers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 908,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 881,300 in 2035, a decrease of 27,200 jobs (-3%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 135,700 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 14.9% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,320, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Food Preparation Workers earn the most
Across the 22 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $31,671 in Michigan to $40,765 in Washington, a gap of $9,094 (1.29 times). 11 of those 22 states average above the BLS national median of $35,320 and 11 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 112,280, which is 13.4% of the 835,390 counted across them. Texas follows with 80,360.
Highest-paying states
Washington ($40,765), California ($39,696) and New Hampshire ($39,052) lead the ranking, while Michigan ($31,671) and Texas ($31,761) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Food Preparation Workers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 31 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $11,572. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $11,453 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 21 of the 31 markets and falls short in 10. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 40.3% and 111.3% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Food Preparation Workers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (35-2000) include Cooks, Restaurant, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, Cooks, Short Order and Cooks, Fast Food.
Frequently asked questions about Food Preparation Workers
What is the national median wage for Food Preparation Workers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,320. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $31,671 to $40,765.
Which state pays Food Preparation Workers the most?
Washington, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $40,765. California is next at $39,696.
What is the job outlook for Food Preparation Workers?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 135,700 openings a year.
What education do Food Preparation Workers need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Food Preparation Workers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $11,572 on a median wage of $37,630.