Food Preparation Workers
Did You Know:*
- Many cooks and food preparation workers are young – 35 percent are below the age of 24.
- One-third of these workers are employed part-time.
- Job openings are expected to be plentiful because many of these workers will leave the occupation for full-time employment or better wages.
Industry Areas
- Full-Service Restaurants
- Limited-Service Eating Places
- Grocery Stores
Day-to-Day Tasks*
- Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.
- Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
- Prepare a variety of foods, such as meats, vegetables, desserts, according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions, following approved procedures.
Overall Kind of Work*
Cooks and food preparation workers prepare, season and cook a wide range of foods-from soups, snacks and salads to entrees, side dishes and desserts. They work in a variety of restaurants, as well...
Work Environment*
Civilian
Many restaurant and institutional kitchens have modern equipment, convenient work areas and air conditioning, but kitchens in older and smaller eating places are often not as well-designed. Kitche...
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 28.74% (0-20 Hours)
- 25.08% (21-34 Hours)
- 16.99% (35-39 Hours)
- 26.37% (40 Hours)
- 1.09% (41-49 Hours)
- 1.73% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Food preparation workers (35-2021)
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
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Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
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Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
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Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 88.59% (Private For-Profit)
- 4.02% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 5.89% (State and Local Govt)
- 0.46% (Federal Government)
- 1.04% (Self-Employed)