What does a Food Service Worker do?
A food service worker is responsible for everything that goes into the preparation of a meal. They are responsible for ensuring that every single meal is of the highest quality. A few of the main duties of a food service worker are cleaning the stove top for cooks, adhering to food safety regulations, helping cooks prepare meals, and creating simple dishes such as salad. They also have to help keep the kitchen orderly and clean. Some of the jobs titles that a food service worker could grow into are restaurant manager and cook.
A food service worker does not need any experience but a high school diploma or GED equivalent is preferred. One of the most important skills that a food service worker will have is attention to detail. Another skill is organization as the food service worker will have to be able to help the kitchen run effectively.
- Clean the stove top as needed
- Help the cooks with food preparation
- Create simple food items such as salad
- Help out in the kitchen as needed
- Deliver food orders to customers
- Keep the kitchen clean and orderly
- Answer any customer questions
- Follow food safety regulations at all times
- High School Diploma preferred
- Ability to listen to directions
- Amazing work ethic
- Ability to learn new skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Knowledge of food safety
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
- Ability to learn and read directions
- Ability to stand for 8 hours a day
How much does a Food Service Worker make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$32,447
/ yrFood Service Worker Career Path
Learn how to become a Food Service Worker, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Food Service Worker Insights
Pizza Hut“You got good discount and free food (although this was never told to me until after I worked there)”
“my bosses were amazing and my coworkers were some of the best people I've worked with”
Chatime“The work allows you to meet new people and make new friends which was quite enjoyable”
Greene King“Doing team leader/managerial duties became expected of me because I made the mistake of showing them I was super reliable.”
IKEA“Everyone there is really friendly and I enjoyed the ease of using PTO and holiday pay.”
Kraft Heinz Company“The people I worked with shared my passion for sauce and it was truly immaculate.”
Maple Street Biscuit Company“My manager was awful and I never had what I needed to make recipes properly.”
JOANN Stores“The pay is poor and there is no way I was ever going to clean the bathroom.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Food Service Worker
When working as a Food Service Worker, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are English Language, Excellent Communication, Excellent Customer Service, Positive Attitude, and Schedules.
- Line Cook
- Prep Cook
- Cook
- Dishwasher
The most common qualifications to become a Food Service Worker include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.