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Which studies lead to becoming a Food Preparation and Serving Related Worker?

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Hospitality, Travel, & FoodGrowingBright Outlook

Food Preparation and Serving Related Worker

Operational-level

Also known as: Automat Car Attendant, Dietitian Helper, Food Aide, Food and Beverage Checker

Hospitality, Travel, & FoodBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a food preparation and serving related worker, you'll be essential in kitchens and dining areas, helping to create and deliver meals. Your day-to-day could involve everything from slicing ingredients and preparing simple dishes to plating food and serving customers. You might work in restaurants, school cafeterias, hospitals, or catering services, using various kitchen tools and serving equipment. You collaborate with cooks and other staff to ensure meals are ready and served efficiently. This role is a great fit if you enjoy being active, working with food, and contributing to a positive dining experience for others.
Culinary ArtsFood ServiceHospitalityRestaurant OperationsCustomer ServiceOperations ManagementBusinessNutrition

A Day in the Life

You push through the back door of "The Daily Grind," a busy downtown deli, just before 7:00 AM. After clocking in on the tablet near the time clock, you quickly change into your uniform and apron. The air already smells of brewing coffee and fresh bread. Your first task is to set up the prep station, pulling out cutting boards, chef’s knives, and ingredient bins for the morning rush, ensuring everything is sanitized and ready for action.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+5.5%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

11,800

per year (US)

Jobs today

85,100

in 2025 → 89,700 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

This career path is expected to grow rapidly from 2025 to 2035, with a projected employment change of 5.5%. You can anticipate many job openings, about 11,800 per year, making it a growing field with good opportunities. The median annual wage for this role is about $35,840. You can advance your career to roles such as Cook, Restaurant Manager, or Catering Supervisor as you gain experience.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Dishwasher
  • Food Runner
  • Kitchen Helper

Where it can lead

  • Cook
  • Restaurant Manager
  • Catering Supervisor

Impact of AI on this Job

AI's impact on food preparation and serving will likely involve increased automation for repetitive tasks like ingredient measurement and basic cooking, potentially streamlining operations. While direct customer service roles may remain human-centric, AI-powered systems could optimize inventory, scheduling, and order processing. This allows workers to focus more on complex food creation and customer interaction, evolving roles rather than eliminating them entirely.

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Salary

$35,840

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Food Preparation/Professional Cooking/Kitchen Assistant

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Cooking

Vocational • Creative Arts • 2 years

Institutional Food Workers

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Restaurant/Food Services Management

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

Foodservice Systems Administration/Management

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

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