Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related Workers
(NOC 6711)
in All Sales and ServiceFood counter attendants and food preparers prepare, heat and finish cooking simple food items and serve customers at food counters. Kitchen helpers, food service helpers, and dishwashers’ clear tables, clean kitchen areas, wash dishes, and perform various other activities to help workers who prepare or serve food and beverages. They work for restaurants, cafés, hotels, fast food outlets, cafeterias, hospitals, and other businesses.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related Support Workers may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The median employment income for 22% of Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related Support Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $23,043. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$12.95
Median$16.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$1,692
Minimum$10,593
Median$30,311
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.36
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Food counter attendants and food preparers prepare, heat and finish cooking simple food items and serve customers at food counters. Kitchen helpers, food service helpers, and dishwashers’ clear tables, clean kitchen areas, wash dishes, and perform various other activities to help workers who prepare or serve food and beverages. They work for restaurants, cafés, hotels, fast food outlets, cafeterias, hospitals, and other businesses.
Job duties
Food counter attendants and food preparers:
- Take customers' orders.
- Clean, peel, slice and trim food using manual and electric appliances.
- Use deep fryer, grill, oven, dispensers, and other equipment to prepare fast food items like sandwiches, hamburgers, fries, salads, ice cream dishes, milkshakes, and other drinks.
- Portion, assemble, and wrap food or place it directly on plates for service to customers, and package take-out food.
- Use equipment to prepare hot drinks like 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.
Kitchen helpers:
- Wash and peel vegetables and fruit.
- Wash worktables, 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 complete other duties to help cook and kitchen staff.
Food service helpers:
- Clear and clean tables and trays in eating companies.
- Bring clean dishes, flatware, and other items to serving areas and set tables.
- Restock condiments and other supplies at tables and in serving areas.
- Remove dishes before and after courses.
- Perform other duties like scraping and stacking dishes, carrying linen to and from laundry area, and running errands.
Dishwashers:
- 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.
Sample job titles
- barista
- bartender helper
- bus boy/girl
- cafeteria worker
- dining room attendant
- dishwasher
- fast-food preparer
- food counter attendant
- food service worker
- kitchen helper
Skills
- You should have good health, physical stamina, and manual dexterity. You must also be able to work on your own and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Some high school education is usually required.
- On-the-job training is provided.
Other considerations
- Work in these jobs tends to be seasonal, with employment levels peaking in the summer months. Food service workers are often expected to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$10,286 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$11,114 median annual incomeCape Breton
$12,536 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$9,701 median annual incomeSouthern
$10,312 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Accommodation and food services
Health care and social assistance
Retail trade
Public administration
Educational services
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
25-34
55-64
45-54
35-44
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
$11,235 median annual incomeLess than high school
$6,285 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$15,440 median annual incomeBachelor
$13,346 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$14,563 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile