65201 – Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations

Lead statement

Food counter attendants and food preparers prepare, heat and finish cooking simple food items and serve customers at food counters.

Main duties

• Take customers' orders
• Clean, peel, slice and trim foodstuffs using manual and electric appliances
• Use deep fryer, grill, oven, dispensers and other equipment to prepare fast food items such as sandwiches, hamburgers, fries, salads, ice cream dishes, milkshakes and other beverages
• Portion, assemble, and wrap food or place it directly on plates for service to patrons, and package take-out food
• Use equipment to prepare hot beverages such as coffee and tea specialties
• Serve customers at counters or buffet tables
• Stock refrigerators and salad bars and keep records of the quantities of food used
• May receive payment for food items purchased.
• Wash and peel vegetables and fruit
• Wash work tables, cupboards and appliances
• Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers
• Unpack and store supplies in refrigerators, cupboards and other storage areas
• Sweep and mop floors, and perform other duties to assist cook and kitchen staff.
• Clear and clean tables and trays in eating establishments
• Bring clean dishes, flatware and other items to serving areas and set tables
• Replenish condiments and other supplies at tables and in serving areas
• Remove dishes before and after courses
• Perform other duties such as scraping and stacking dishes, carrying linen to and from laundry area and running errands.
• Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots and pans using dishwasher or by hand
• Place dishes in storage area
• Scour pots and pans, and may clean and polish silverware.

Employment requirements

• On-the-job training is provided.
• Some secondary school education is usually required.

Example job titles

food counter attendant · food service counter attendant · food preparer · hospital meal attendant · dietary aide · cafeteria worker · barista · cafeteria helper · cook's helper · kitchen helper · bartender helper · food service helper · food runner · dishwasher · dishwashing machine attendant

Wages (per hour)

Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.