How to become food preparation workerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Food Service Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$35,320

25th–75th pct. $29,950–$38,550

Top pay (est.)

$58,900

Top 10% $45,340

Pay in 5 years

$40,500est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$46,600est.

$40,000–$54,000

Outlook score

42/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

30%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

−3.0%

136K openings / yr

How to become food preparation workers

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Food Preparation Workers

Key skills

Active Listening

2.4

Coordination

2.1

Speaking

2.1

Social Perceptiveness

2.1

Time Management

2.1

Service Orientation

2.0

Complex Problem Solving

2.0

Instructing

2.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing

2.8

Customer and Personal Service

2.5

Food Production

2.2

English Language

1.9

Administration and Management

1.7

Psychology

1.5

Philosophy and Theology

1.3

Public Safety and Security

1.2

What the work involves

Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsHandling and Moving ObjectsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsGetting InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsCoaching and Developing OthersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Important abilities

Near VisionTrunk StrengthOral ComprehensionFinger DexterityManual DexteritySpeech Recognition

Education of workers

Doctoral degree

Less than high school

Post-secondary certificate

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

35%

3–6 months

10%

6–12 months

1–3 months

4–10 years

Related work experience

None

34%

3–6 months

26%

1–2 years

2–4 years

4–6 years

8–10 years

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as food preparation workers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Fast Food and Counter Workers Perform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages.	$31,200	57/100	30%
2	Waiters and Waitresses Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.	$35,230	50/100	18%
3	Cooks, Restaurant Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants.	$37,390	65/100	19%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food.	$44,080	60/100	30%
5	Bartenders Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.	$34,340	58/100	20%
6	Cooks, Fast Food Prepare and cook food in a fast food restaurant with a limited menu.	$30,890	41/100	35%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.