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Food Prep and Service Helper Salary in the United States

How much does a Food Prep and Service Helper make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food Prep and Service Helper in the United States is $32,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.

However, a Food Prep and Service Helper's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $36,794
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $29,800 to $34,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $27,433

Key Factors That Influence Food Prep and Service Helper Salaries

A Food Prep and Service Helper's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Food Prep and Service Helper Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Food Prep and Service Helpers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $35,900.
  • California: $35,700.
  • Massachusetts: $35,300.

Top Paying Cities for Food Prep and Service Helpers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $40,900
  • San Francisco: $40,400
  • Oakland: $39,600

What Skills Can Increase a Food Prep and Service Helper's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 14.61% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Foodservice (Mentioned in 2.87% Job Postings): The foodservice or catering industry includes the businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home. It includes restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many other formats.
  • Catering (Mentioned in 1.44% Job Postings): Catering is the business of providing food service at a remote site or a site such as a hotel, hospital, pub, aircraft, cruise ship, park, festival, filming location or film studio.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 14.61%
Foodservice 2.87%
Catering 1.44%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Food Prep and Service Helper's salary.

  • Generosity: Can increase your salary by up to 38%.
  • WFM: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Generosity $44,712
38%
WFM $36,612
13%
Commitment $35,964
11%

Food Prep and Service Helper Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Food Prep and Service Helper salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $36,171. While startup companies pay approximate $30,628.

Food Prep and Service Helper Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $30,628
Growth Stage 51~500 $32,385
Established 501~5000 $34,926
Enterprise 5000+ $36,171

Food Prep and Service Helper Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Food Prep and Service Helper roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 32% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Food Prep and Service Helper positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Food Prep and Service Helper as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Food Prep and Service Helper

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$38,232$18.018%
Pharmaceuticals$37,260$18.015%
Biotechnology$36,288$17.012%
Energy & Utilities$35,640$17.010%
Aerospace & Defense$34,992$17.08%

How Education impacts a Food Prep and Service Helper's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Food Prep and Service Helpers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Food Prep and Service Helper with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $32,030 and $34,440).

Food Prep and Service Helper Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Food Prep and Service Helper
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 8.8%
High School 50.8%
Associates 24.9%
Bachelors 15.0%
Masters 0.5%
Doctorate 0.0%

Food Prep and Service Helper Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Food Prep and Service Helper's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$29,800
Average $32,400/year
$34,700
$2,483
Average $2,700/month
$2,892
$573
Average $623/week
$667
$14
Average $16/hour
$17
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $34,700 $2,892 $667 $17
Average $32,400 $2,700 $623 $16
25th Percentile $29,800 $2,483 $573 $14

Food Prep and Service Helper Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Food Prep and Service Helper, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Food Prep and Service Helper Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Fast Food Restaurant Shift Supervisor $34,500 6%
Gourmet Restaurant Manager - Casino $59,500 84%
Culinary Services Supervisor $38,600 19%
Food Service Operations Team Lead $41,200 27%

Most common benefits for Food Prep and Service Helper

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Food Prep and Service Helper

Here are companies hiring for Food Prep and Service Helper and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Food Prep and Service Helper

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Food Prep and Service Helper?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Food Prep and Service Helper roles, with salaries approximately 18% above the market median.

2. What is a food prep person called?

A food prep person is called a prep cook. They are the lowest-ranking cooks in a kitchen, responsible for getting ingredients ready for meal service. Their tasks may include chopping food, preparing cuts of meat, making salads, and assisting chefs with simple cooking tasks. The salary for this position ranges from $30,400 to $40,400, with a median of $34,300.

3. How much money can you make doing a food truck?

The salary for a Food Prep and Service Helper ranges from $30,400 to $40,400 annually, with a median salary of $34,300. While food trucks can generate significant revenue, individual earnings in food service roles depend on various factors, including experience and location.

4. How much do US food workers make?

Food Prep and Service Helpers in the US typically earn between $30,400 and $40,400 annually, with a median salary of around $34,300. This reflects a range of hourly wages, providing a competitive compensation package for those in the food service industry. Overall, employees rate their compensation and benefits positively.

5. Do meal prep services make money?

If you're considering a meal prep business, it can be lucrative. Food Prep and Service Helpers earn between $30,400 and $40,400 annually, with a median salary of $34,300. This indicates a solid income potential, making the meal prep industry a worthwhile venture for aspiring entrepreneurs.

6. How much do US food workers make?

Food Prep and Service Helpers in the US typically earn between $30,400 and $40,400 annually, with a median salary of around $34,300. This reflects the broader range of food worker salaries, which can vary significantly based on position and experience. Overall, compensation and benefits in the food industry are rated 3.6 out of 5 stars by employees.

7. Does US Foods pay weekly?

U.S. Foods pays weekly. The salary for a Food Prep and Service Helper ranges from a minimum of $30,400 to a maximum of $40,400, with a mid-range salary of $34,300. This competitive pay structure reflects the company's commitment to its employees in the food service industry.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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