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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 35-2021 Food Preparation Workers
Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.
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Education: Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.
OJT: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.
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, or desserts, according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions, following approved procedures. Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers. Wash, peel, and cut various foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to prepare for cooking or serving. Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service, or store them in refrigerated storage cabinets. Portion and wrap the food, or place it directly on plates for service to patrons. Weigh or measure ingredients. Mix ingredients for green salads, molded fruit salads, vegetable salads, and pasta salads. Receive and store food supplies, equipment, and utensils in refrigerators, cupboards, and other storage areas. Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers. Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items. Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas. Use manual or electric appliances to clean, peel, slice, and trim foods. Inform supervisors when equipment is not working properly and when food and supplies are getting low, and order needed items. Make special dressings and sauces as condiments for sandwiches. Stir and strain soups and sauces.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Satisfactory
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $8.64   Entry $17,981.00
Mean $10.63   Mean $22,126.00
Experience $11.63 Experience $24,188.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
9,70010,3901,745.68
Related Occupations: Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:
Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
Cooks, Fast Food
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Packers and Packagers, Hand
Plating and Coating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Shampooers
Slaughterers and Meat Packers
No postsecondary schools reported programs.
Occupational Videos
35-2021.00 Food Preparation Workers