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 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
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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 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
MaximumAnnual Pay
$1,692
Minimum$10,593
Median$30,311
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$10.70
Minimum$12.50
Median$21.17
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 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 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
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
Northern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Accommodation and Food Services
Health Care and Social Assistance
Retail Trade
Information, Culture & Recreation
Public Administration
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
25-34
45-54
55-64
35-44
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
25-34
35-44
55-64
Top levels of education
High school
$11,235 median annual incomeLess than high school
$6,285 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$15,440 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$13,346 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$14,563 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$12,982 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$19,514 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,486 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$20,807 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$18,797 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.