Food preparation workers
🤍 Save CareerFood preparation workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 903K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $34,220, with projected growth of -3% through 2034 (Decline).
💰 Salary Range
📈 Growth Outlook
➡️ Stable — -3% projected growth🤖 AI Automation Risk
This career is highly resistant to AI automation.
🤖AI Impact Deep Dive: Food preparation workers
🔬 AI Impact Deep Dive: Food preparation workers
AI Collaboration Score
Measures how much AI tools are used as collaborative assistants in this role (0% = no AI involvement, 100% = AI-intensive workflow)
🔮 Future Outlook
The core duties are highly physical and require manual dexterity in unpredictable kitchen environments, which are difficult for AI to automate directly. While AI might optimize inventory management or scheduling, the primary tasks of washing, cutting, and preparing food remain resistant to digital replacement, though some labor may be displaced by industrial food processing automation.
Analysis based on Microsoft "Working with AI" research (2025), O*NET task data v30.2, and Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational projections. Updated March 2026.
🌅A Day in the Life
🌟Career Outlook & Getting Started
Why It's Promising
With -3% projected growth and a median salary of $34,220, this career offers stable prospects. The large employment base (0.9M jobs) means abundant opportunities across the country.
How to Get Started
Entry typically requires no formal educational credential. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field.
Who Is It For
Anyone interested in food preparation workers who wants to build a rewarding career in this field.
🎓Majors & Top Schools
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food preparation workers make in 2026?▼
The median salary for a Food preparation workers is $34,220 per year. Entry-level positions start around $20,532, while experienced professionals can earn up to $54,752 depending on location, specialization, and industry.
How do I become a Food preparation workers?▼
Entry typically requires no formal educational credential. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field. The typical education requirement is no degree required.
What degree do you need to be a Food preparation workers?▼
Most Food preparation workers positions require no degree required. However, some professionals enter the field through alternative paths like bootcamps, certifications, or self-directed learning.
What AP courses should I take to become a Food preparation workers?▼
Check PathLeap for personalized AP course recommendations for Food preparation workers. The right AP courses depend on your target college major and career specialization.
What does a Food preparation workers do on a daily basis?▼
As a food preparation worker, your day involves a mix of specialized tasks that require both expertise and adaptability. You work with colleagues, clients, or patients depending on the setting, applying your training to solve real-world problems.
Is Food preparation workers a good career in 2026?▼
With -3% projected growth and a median salary of $34,220, this career offers stable prospects. The large employment base (0.9M jobs) means abundant opportunities across the country. Job growth is projected at -3%, which is declining. The median salary of $34,220 also positions it competitively in the job market.
Will AI replace Food preparation workerss?▼
Food preparation workers has an AI automation risk score of 20/100 (Very Low). This career is highly resistant to AI automation due to its need for human judgment, creativity, or physical presence.
What kind of person makes a good Food preparation workers?▼
Anyone interested in food preparation workers who wants to build a rewarding career in this field. Success in this role also depends on continuous learning and adaptability, especially as the field evolves with new technology and industry trends.
Is Food preparation workers Right for You?
Take our career quiz to see how Food preparation workers matches your personality. Get personalized AP course recommendations and see what similar students are exploring.
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