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:
Food Prep and Service Helper Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 14.61% |
| Foodservice | 2.87% |
| Catering | 1.44% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Generosity | $44,712 | |
| WFM | $36,612 | |
| Commitment | $35,964 |
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.
| 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 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
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.
| 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% |
Salaries for a Food Prep and Service Helper can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $30,803 in 2023 to around $30,299 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Food Prep and Service Helper salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $30,803 |
| 2024 | $30,654 |
| 2025 | $30,299 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Food Prep and Service Helper roles, with salaries approximately 18% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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