Main duties
People in this unit group perform some or all of the following duties.
Food counter attendants and food preparers
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Employment requirements
- Some secondary school education is usually required
- On-the-job training is provided
Job titles in NOC 65201
69 job titles are classified in this unit group.
- airline food assembler
- bar helper
- barista
- bartender helper
- bus boy/girl
- cafeteria counter attendant
- cafeteria helper
- cafeteria worker
- cafeteria-buffet attendant
- camp cook's helper
- camp lunchroom attendant
- caterer helper
- cook's helper
- counterperson - food services
- dessert maker
- dessert preparer
- dietary aide
- dining room assistant
- dining room attendant
- dishwasher
- dishwashing machine attendant
- donut shop attendant
- donut shop clerk
- donut shop counter clerk
- doughnut shop attendant
- doughnut shop clerk
- doughnut shop counter clerk
- drive-in food service attendant
- expediter - food services
- fast-food preparer
Show all 69 job titles
- fast-food service attendant
- fish and chips preparer
- food and beverage service runner assistant
- food and beverage services attendant
- food assembler - fast food
- food concession worker
- food counter attendant
- food preparer
- food runner
- food service attendant
- food service counter attendant
- food service helper
- food service worker
- hospital meal attendant
- hospital tray carrier
- hot dog vendor
- ice cream counter attendant
- ice cream vendor
- kitchen helper
- logging camp cook's helper
- lunchroom counter attendant
- lunchroom counterman/woman
- popcorn vendor
- pot washer
- restaurant counter attendant
- salad and sandwich maker
- salad bar attendant
- salad maker
- sandwich artist
- sandwich maker
- sandwich, salad and dessert maker
- silverware cleaner
- snack bar attendant
- steam table attendant - food services
- steward - Canadian Armed Forces
- street food vendor
- sushi preparer
- take-out attendant - fast food
- tray carrier attendant - hospital
Wages for NOC 65201 by province
Hourly wages from Job Bank for food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations.
| Province or territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $17.60 | $17.60 | $21.00 |
| British Columbia | $17.85 | $17.85 | $23.00 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 | $15.35 | $20.19 |
| Manitoba | $16.00 | $16.00 | $18.50 |
| Quebec | $16.10 | $16.50 | $21.75 |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 | $15.65 | $21.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.50 | $16.50 | $18.77 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.00 | $16.00 | $22.00 |
| Canada | $15.00 | $16.55 | $21.50 |
Ontario by region
| Region | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa | $17.60 | $17.60 | $22.20 |
| Kingston–Pembroke | $17.60 | $17.60 | $21.00 |
| Muskoka–Kawarthas | $17.60 | $17.60 | $23.67 |
| Toronto | $17.60 | $17.60 | $21.00 |
| Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie | $17.60 | $17.60 | $20.00 |
| Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula | $17.60 | $17.60 | $20.00 |
| London | $17.60 | $17.60 | $20.70 |
| Windsor–Sarnia | $17.60 | $17.60 | $20.00 |
| Stratford–Bruce Peninsula | $17.60 | $17.60 | $25.00 |
| Northeast | $17.60 | $17.60 | $23.00 |
| Northwest | $17.60 | $17.60 | $21.23 |
Source: Job Bank wages, reference period 2023-2024, revised November 19, 2025. Some Ontario figures are below the current general minimum wage of $17.95 per hour (since October 1, 2026); employers must pay at least the minimum wage.
Career progression and other notes
There is considerable mobility among jobs in this unit group.
Movement into other occupations within food preparation and service, such as cook or waiter, is possible with further training and experience.
Similar occupations classified elsewhere
These occupations look related but belong to a different NOC unit group.
- Chefs: NOC 62200, Chefs
- Cooks: NOC 63200, Cooks
- Food and beverage servers: NOC 65200, Food and beverage servers
- Food service supervisors: NOC 62020, Food service supervisors
Hiring for this occupation in Ontario?
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Questions about NOC 65201
What is NOC 65201?
NOC 65201 is Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations, a unit group in the 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0). It belongs to the broad category sales and service occupations and to TEER 5.
What TEER is NOC 65201?
NOC 65201 is TEER 5. TEER 5 generally means: short work demonstration, no formal education required.
What job titles are in NOC 65201?
The unit group includes 69 job titles, for example bartender helper, bus boy/girl, cafeteria counter attendant, cook's helper, dishwasher, fast-food preparer.
How much do food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations earn in Canada?
Job Bank reports a national median of $16.55 per hour for food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations, and $17.60 in Ontario. The highest provincial median is in British Columbia at $17.85 (reference period 2023-2024).
Which occupations are similar to NOC 65201?
Related occupations classified in other unit groups include chefs (NOC 62200); cooks (NOC 63200); food and beverage servers (NOC 65200).
Last updated October 2026. Sources:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0, Statistics Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada
- Job Bank wages
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