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Assistant Prep Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HTR LLC

Dishwasher/Prep cook

Valley Center, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Wash, sanitize, and organize all dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment * Assist prep cooks and line cooks with basic food preparation tasks * Chop, dice, slice, and portion ingredients ...

The Avra Group

PREP COOK

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $16.90/hr

Prep Cook A busy restaurant group located in Beverly Hills is seeking a dependable Prep Cook to assist in preparing ingredients and ensuring the kitchen operates smoothly. Restaurant experience is a ...

Walts Wharf Inc

Prep Cook

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

... - Assist in the preparation of vegetables, sauces, and other ingredients needed for daily service ... a prep cook or line cook role, preferably in a high-volume restaurant - Knowledge of seafood ...

Walts Wharf Inc

Prep Cook

Seal Beach, CA

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

... - Assist in the preparation of vegetables, sauces, and other ingredients needed for daily service ... a prep cook or line cook role, preferably in a high-volume restaurant - Knowledge of seafood ...

Passages Ventura

Prep Cook

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

$21/hr

The Prep Cook will assist with preparing and cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as maintaining kitchen sanitation and ensuring meals meet our clients' dietary needs. Duties and ...

Walt's Wharf

Prep Cook

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Prep Cook - High Volume Seafood Restaurant Join our dynamic culinary team at a bustling seafood ... - Assist in the preparation of vegetables, sauces, and other ingredients needed for daily service ...

Horsefeather

Prep Cook

Palo Alto, CA

$21 - $23/hr

Join Our Team as Prep Cook - Support a Fast-Paced, Quality-Driven Kitchen About the Position Prep ... Maintain a clean, sanitized, and organized prep station and storage areas. * Assist in receiving ...

Source Cafe Llc

Prep Cook

Hermosa Beach, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Follow prep lists and recipes accurately * Assist with food production and basic cooking tasks * Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the kitchen * Properly label, date, and rotate ...

Kassi Venice Beach

PREP COOK

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$22.50/hr

Prep Cook - Rooftop Restaurant at Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach Pay: $22.50/hour Location: Rooftop of ... Follow prep lists and recipes with precision and efficiency * Assist with kitchen setup and ...

Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen Brea

Prep Cook

Brea, CA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Description Prep Cook Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen - Brea, CA About Us Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen is a ... Follow all food safety and health department guidelines * Assist with receiving and storing ...

Damor Chai SDSU

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Prep Cook Why This Job is Amazing: * Flexible Schedule : Enjoy working 32 weeks during the school ... team and assist with new store openings over the summer! * Competitive Pay : Hourly rate with ...

Source Cafe Llc

Prep Cook

Hermosa Beach, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Follow prep lists and recipes accurately * Assist with food production and basic cooking tasks * Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the kitchen * Properly label, date, and rotate ...

Source Cafe Llc

Prep Cook

Hermosa Beach, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Follow prep lists and recipes accurately * Assist with food production and basic cooking tasks * Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the kitchen * Properly label, date, and rotate ...

MOMOFUKU

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA

$19 - $21/hr

Ability to assist the culinary team in receiving goods for the restaurant. * A proven track record ... or Momofuku Prep Cooks employed in our Los Angeles operations function within a pay band of ...

The Halal Shack SDSU

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA

$19 - $23/hr

Prep Cook Why This Job is Amazing: * Flexible Schedule : Enjoy working 32 weeks during the school ... team and assist with new store openings over the summer! * Competitive Pay : Hourly rate with ...

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Yamashiro Hollywood

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

As a Prep Cook, you will be responsible for assisting in the preparation of ingredients, stocking ... Responsibilities: * Assist in the preparation of ingredients, such as washing, chopping, and ...

MOMOFUKU

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA

$18.42/hr

The Momofuku Prep Cook is an individual who assists the Back of House staff in preparing food ... Ability to assist the culinary team in receiving goods for the restaurant. * A proven track record ...

Super Peach by Momofuku

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA

$18.42/hr

The Momofuku Prep Cook is an individual who assists the Back of House staff in preparing food ... Ability to assist the culinary team in receiving goods for the restaurant. * A proven track record ...

Jamal's Chicken SDSU

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA

$19 - $23/hr

Prep Cook Why This Job is Amazing: * Flexible Schedule : Enjoy working 32 weeks during the school ... team and assist with new store openings over the summer! * Competitive Pay : Hourly rate with ...

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Assistant Prep Cook information

See California salary details

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How much do assistant prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant prep cook in California is $15.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Prep Cook vs Prep Cook?

AspectAssistant Prep CookPrep Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma; culinary training or experience preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in food prep in kitchens, restaurants, cateringPrepares ingredients and dishes, often working independently
Job ResponsibilitiesAssists with basic prep tasks, cleaning, and organizationPrepares ingredients, follows recipes, ensures quality

In summary, Assistant Prep Cooks support prep work with basic tasks and assistance, while Prep Cooks handle more advanced food preparation and cooking responsibilities. Both roles are essential in kitchen operations and often overlap in skills and environment.

What are assistant prep cooks?

Assistant prep cooks are entry-level kitchen staff who support chefs and line cooks by preparing ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring kitchen efficiency. Their tasks often include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, as well as organizing storage areas and cleaning workstations. Assistant prep cooks are essential to the smooth operation of a restaurant kitchen, allowing chefs to focus on cooking and plating dishes. This role is an excellent way to gain experience in the culinary industry and learn kitchen fundamentals.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Assistant Prep Cook and how does this role support the kitchen team?

As an Assistant Prep Cook, your daily responsibilities include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, preparing basic sauces, and ensuring workstations are clean and organized. You'll work closely with line cooks and the head chef to ensure ingredients are ready for meal service, which helps the kitchen run efficiently and smoothly. This role is essential for maintaining a steady workflow, especially during busy periods, and offers valuable experience for learning kitchen operations. Collaboration and clear communication with the team are key to keeping up with the fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Prep Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Prep Cook, you need basic culinary knowledge, knife skills, and an ability to follow food safety standards, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food preparation tools, and safe food handling certifications is often required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are key soft skills. These abilities ensure food quality, kitchen efficiency, and a safe working environment in a fast-paced restaurant setting.
What are the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs in California? The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Prep Cook jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Prep Cook job openings:
Assistant Prep Cook jobs near you

Dishwasher/Prep cook

HTR LLC

Valley Center, CA • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Free food & snacks
  • Training & development

About the Role:
Hill Top Winery in Valley Center, CA is looking for a hardworking and dependable Dishwasher/Prep Cook to join our kitchen team! This is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door of the culinary world while playing a vital role in keeping our kitchen running smoothly. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and take pride in a clean, organized workspace, we want to hear from you!
Responsibilities:
  • Wash, sanitize, and organize all dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment
  • Assist prep cooks and line cooks with basic food preparation tasks
  • Chop, dice, slice, and portion ingredients according to recipe specifications
  • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards throughout the kitchen
  • Restock kitchen supplies and ensure prep stations are fully stocked before service
  • Properly store food items following food safety and FIFO guidelines
  • Support kitchen staff during high-volume service periods
Requirements:
  • Prior experience in a kitchen, dishwashing, or food service role is a plus but not required
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-temperature kitchen environment
  • Strong work ethic, reliability, and a positive team-player attitude
  • Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
  • Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays
About Us:
Hill Top Winery is a proud part of the Valley Center community, committed to delivering quality food and a great dining experience to every guest. Our kitchen team is the backbone of everything we do, and we foster a supportive, team-oriented environment where hard work is recognized and rewarded. Join a crew that values dedication, growth, and a passion for great food!