Food preparation workers
SOC Code: 35-2021
Food preparation workers carries a 27% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $34,220 and -3.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 902,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Food preparation workers (SOC 35-2021) carries an AI exposure score of 27%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 902,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -3.4% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $34,220, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Food preparation workers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.
- 2. Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items.
- 3. Distribute food to waiters and waitresses to serve to customers.
- 4. Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.
- 5. Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
- 6. Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers.
- 7. Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
- 8. Weigh or measure ingredients.
- 9. Operate cash register, handle money, and give correct change.
- 10. Vacuum dining area and sweep and mop kitchen floor.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Service Orientation
- Time Management
- Speaking
- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Food Production
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Psychology
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Administrative
- Personnel and Human Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Food preparation workers?
Food preparation workers has an AI exposure score of 27%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Food preparation workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Food preparation workers is projected to decline by 3.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 902,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Food preparation workers?
Key skills for Food preparation workers include Active Listening, Service Orientation, Time Management, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Food preparation workers earn?
The median annual wage for Food preparation workers is $34,220, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Food preparation workers?
The typical entry-level education for Food preparation workers is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Food preparation workers?
Food preparation workers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).