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Assembly Line Worker, Dishwasher, Dishwasher Attendant, Food Assembler, Food Preparer, Food Service Attendant, Salad / Sandwich 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:
In some establishments, kitchen helpers also:
Food preparers prepare or cook partially prepared foods in restaurants. In general, they:
Food preparers also may:
Sandwich, salad and dessert makers prepare salads, sandwiches and desserts in commercial eating establishments and institutions such as hospitals. In general, they:
Food assemblers often work on assembly lines putting food trays together in hospitals, cafeterias, airline kitchens and similar establishments. In general, they:
Kitchen helpers and food assemblers work shifts and often work 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:
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 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in handling to remove trash and clear kitchen garbage containers, and to unpack and store supplies in refrigerators, cupboards and other storage areas
Interest in comparing to wash and peel vegetables and fruit, clean work tables, cupboards and appliances, and sweep and mop floors
Interest in assisting cook and kitchen staff
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Kitchen helpers and food assemblers need:
They should enjoy handling food and equipment, having clear rules and methods for their work, and 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.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 469 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 12, 2025 and Jul 11, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Experience: Will train | 380 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Package take-out food | 322 |
| Tasks: Portion and wrap foods | 308 |
| Tasks: Prepare, heat and finish simple food items | 303 |
| Tasks: Stock refrigerators and salad bars | 270 |
| Tasks: Serve customers at counters or buffet tables | 255 |
| Tasks: Remove kitchen garbage and trash | 242 |
| Tasks: Use manual and electrical appliances to clean, peel, slice and trim foodstuffs | 235 |
| Tasks: Sweep, mop, wash and polish floors | 228 |
| Tasks: Clean and sanitize kitchen including work surfaces, cupboards, storage areas, appliances and equipment | 221 |
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:
Visit the Government of Alberta website or contact 780-427-7164 for a listing of approved food safety training options.
The Government of Alberta awards a 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:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta 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
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. 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.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. 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 often are paid just above minimum wage. (As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see 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).
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.
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 [pdf] to supplement this data.
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 |
Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals website: cafp.ca
emerit website: emerit.ca
National Restaurant Association [United States] website: www.restaurant.org
Restaurants Canada website: www.restaurantscanada.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. 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.
