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Assembly Line Worker, Dishwasher, Dishwasher Attendant, Food Assembler, Food Preparer, Food Service Attendant, Salad / Sandwich / Dessert Maker, Warewashing Attendant
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Kitchen helpers keep the kitchens in food service establishments clean and tidy. In general, they:
Sweep and scrub floors
Remove garbage
Clean kitchen equipment
Scrape food from plates and wash food trays
Stack dishes in dishwashers
Clean flatware
Wash pots and pans
Store clean items
In some establishments, kitchen helpers also:
Receive and store supplies
Stock cupboards, refrigerators and salad bars
Clean food preparation and storage areas
Assist in basic food preparation
Use food delivery platforms and digital order systems
Food preparers prepare or cook partially prepared foods in restaurants. In general, they:
Prepare ingredients (for example, wash and slice vegetables)
Partially cook food in advance of orders
Assemble and measure ingredients to fill orders
Package take-out foods
Pass incomplete orders to other workers to finish
Help line cooks prepare food orders
Food preparers may also:
Bake or reheat some items, and finish desserts
Clean food preparation and storage areas
Stock refrigerators and salad bars
Tell supervisors when supplies are getting low or equipment is not working properly
Sandwich, salad and dessert makers prepare salads, sandwiches and desserts in commercial eating establishments and institutions such as hospitals. In general, they:
Use manual or electric appliances to clean, peel, slice and trim foodstuffs to prepare sandwich fillings and salads, and desserts such as ice cream and fruit dishes
Portion and wrap the food, or place it directly on plates for service to customers
Keep records of the quantities of food used
Help other kitchen staff whenever necessary
Food assemblers often work on assembly lines putting food trays together in hospitals, cafeterias, airline kitchens and similar establishments. In general, they:
Portion food in consistent serving sizes in an appropriate, safe and attractive manner
Use utensils to remove portions from containers (which may be heated or cooled) and place the food on plates
Add condiments, garnishes, cutlery and napkins to complete each food tray
Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service or in refrigerated storage cabinets, if necessary
Deliver food trays and snacks to nursing units or directly to patients
Distribute menus and collect diet sheets
Kitchen helpers and food assemblers work shifts and often on weekends and holidays. They are on their feet most of their shift and may have to carry trays of food, dishes and glassware weighing up to 20 kilograms. They may be exposed to:
Cool temperatures in refrigeration and freezer units
Heat from dishwashing and cooking equipment
Cleaning agents
Noise and slippery flooring (especially near dishwashers)
Kitchen helpers and food assemblers sometimes work under time pressures and must be careful to avoid cuts from sharp utensils and burns from hot appliances. They usually take their breaks between peak serving times.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
Kitchen helpers
2023 OaSIS: 65201.02
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Kitchen helpers and food assemblers need:
An interest in food preparation
Health, high standards of personal hygiene, and stamina
To be organized and able to multi-task
A neat and tidy appearance
The ability to work steadily under pressure
The ability to work quickly and effectively as part of a team
Communication
The ability to show respect and cultural sensitivity in diverse kitchen environments
They should enjoy:
Working with food and equipment
Having clear rules and methods for their work
Working with people
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 220 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 22, 2026 and Apr 11, 2026.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Portion and wrap foods | 179 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Package take-out food | 175 |
| Tasks: Prepare, heat and finish simple food items | 170 |
| Tasks: Stock refrigerators and salad bars | 163 |
| Tasks: Take customers' orders | 163 |
| Experience: Will train | 161 |
| Tasks: Serve customers at counters or buffet tables | 147 |
| Employment terms options: Day | 142 |
| Employment terms options: Evening | 134 |
| Employment terms options: Weekend | 134 |
There are no minimum education requirements for kitchen helpers and food assemblers. However, food safety training is a definite asset when looking for employment, and related education is generally required for advancement.
In Alberta, food safety courses are offered by:
Healthy Eating and Food Safety of Indigenous Services Canada
Industry associations such as Restaurants Canada and, in the United States, the National Restaurant Association (ServSafe)
Post-secondary schools (NAIT, Red Deer Polytechnic, SAIT)
Private vocational schools and independent trainers
For a listing of approved food safety training options, check Alberta Health's Recognized food safety courses in Alberta list [pdf] or call 780-427-7164.
The Government of Alberta awards Food Sanitation and Hygiene Certification to those who complete approved training and achieve at least 70% on a provincial exam. Food facilities generally employ at least 1 person who is certified. Where 6 or more people are working on site, at least 1 person present must be certified. Where fewer people are working on site, the certified person may be absent.
Food preparation is taught in some high school Career and Technology Studies courses and there is a formal apprenticeship program for cooks. In addition, post-secondary programs are designed to help people enter and progress in the field of food preparation.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
However, Tourism HR Canada (formerly the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council or CHHRC) offers voluntary certifications related to food services that are recognized across Canada. Certification training is accessible from the emerit website.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Kitchen helpers and food assemblers work in all types of restaurants from quick service (fast food) outlets and base camps to formal dining rooms. They also work in public institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes. Part-time work is common.
Experienced kitchen helpers and food assemblers may advance to assistant cook and cook positions (for more information, see the Food Service Helper or Cook occupational profiles), or to supervisory positions. However, supervisory positions may be limited in number, and advancement is generally easier and faster for those who have a high school diploma and are willing to take further education.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations
2016 NOC: 6711
79.2% of people in this occupational group work in:
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Kitchen helpers and food assemblers are often paid just above minimum wage. Salaries are generally highest in hospitals and nursing homes but advancement prospects are limited (for more information, see the Food Service Supervisor occupational profile).
As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Employment Standards Rules.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data. Examples of wage sources may include but are not limited to associations, government, schools, or unions. Not all sources may be available for every occupation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $13.25 | $17.82 | $15.21 | $15.00 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $19.31 | $16.32 | $16.00 |
| Top | $15.20 | $23.00 | $17.97 | $17.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $24,002 |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | $22,176 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $14,225 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $28,442 |
| Educational Services | $33,972 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $27,086 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $24,043 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $15,840 |
| Public Administration | $43,030 |
emerit website: emerit.ca
National Restaurant Association [United States] website: restaurant.org
Restaurants Canada website: restaurantscanada.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2026. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
