Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related Workers

(NOC 6711)

in All Sales and Service

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 assist workers who prepare or serve food and beverages. They are employed by restaurants, cafés, hotels, fast food outlets, cafeterias, hospitals and other establishments.

Job Outlook

Good

Estimate Weak growth employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 345 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2016

Compared to: All Sales and Service

Estimate Decline slightly employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 5260 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2016

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 slightly over the next few years, which should provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related 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 24% of Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related 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

$11.00

Minimum

$11.05

Median

$16.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$1,692

Minimum

$10,593

Median

$30,311

Maximum

Compared to: All Sales and Service

Hourly Pay

$10.70

Minimum

$12.50

Median

$21.17

Maximum

Annual Pay

$2,949

Minimum

$16,629

Median

$45,086

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Food counter attendants and food preparers perform some or all of the following 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.

Kitchen helpers perform some or all of the following duties:

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.

Food service helpers perform some or all of the following duties:

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.

Dishwashers perform some or all of the following duties:

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

To work in these jobs, 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

9,750

employed in 2016

44.4%

employed full-time

1.0%

self employed

69.1%

30.9%

23.9

median age

Compared to: All Sales and Service

102,605

employed in 2016

59.4%

employed full-time

6.2%

self employed

60.1%

39.9%

median age

Where will I likely work?

45.1%

Halifax

16.0%

Northern

14.2%

Cape Breton

12.6%

Annapolis Valley

12.2%

Southern

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

Northern

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

76.1%

Accommodation and Food Services

12.9%

Health Care and Social Assistance

5.1%

Retail Trade

1.5%

Information, Culture & Recreation

1.1%

Public Administration

What is the age of Employment?

50.2%

15-24

13.5%

25-34

12.3%

45-54

11.4%

55-64

8.8%

35-44

3.7%

65+

Compared to: All Sales and Service

35.7%

25-34

28.6%

35-44

21.4%

55-64

Top levels of education

46.4%

High school

$11,235 median annual income

30.2%

Less than high school

$6,285 median annual income

12.2%

College certificate or diploma

$15,440 median annual income

5.4%

Bachelor's degree

$13,346 median annual income

4.3%

Trades certificate

$14,563 median annual income

Compared to: All Sales and Service

40.4%

High school

$12,982 median annual income

19.9%

College certificate or diploma

$19,514 median annual income

18.8%

Less than high school

$9,486 median annual income

10.0%

Bachelor's degree

$20,807 median annual income

8.0%

Trades certificate

$18,797 median annual income

Education & training

Adult high school/secondary diploma programs

This program is typically offered at the high school level.

This instructional program class comprises any program that defines the prescribed requirements, specified by the appropriate jurisdiction, for the completion of and graduation from a secondary school program of academic subject matter offered for adult learners outside of the regular secondary school program. This does not include adult compensatory education programs resulting in completion of a high school equivalency certificate or diploma.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Siège Social: 1695, Route 1

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0

(902) 769-2114

Blanche.Theriault@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College - Annapolis Valley Campus

50 Elliott Road

Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0

(902) 825-3491

avc.info@nscc.ca