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Assistant Prep Cook Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Maman - Prep Cook/Baker maman is a french bakery, cafรฉ and leading lifestyle brand founded in 2014 ... Properly label, date, and store all food items to maintain freshness and minimize waste. * Assist ...

Prep Cook

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$19 - $20/hr

*** Open AM Prep Cook Interviews*** Wednesday 09/16/26 2:00PM-4:00PM Please bring an updated resume and ... Communicate all kitchen related needs to Chef or Manager. * Assist other stations when necessary.

Part Time Prep Cook

Crownsville, MD ยท On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Prep Cook / Delivery Driver Work Environment/Location: Teen Residential Treatment Center Schedule ... Food Preparation & Cooking: Assist in preparing and cooking meals according to menu plans, dietary ...

Prep Cook

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$18.40/hr

Position Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for completing daily kitchen preparation accurately ... Handle knives and kitchen equipment safely and responsibly. * Assist with additional kitchen needs ...

Prep Cook

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

The prep cook position is critical to the success of the company and plays an integral role in ... Maintain strict adherence to proper food safety and sanitation procedures. * Assist with the ...

Prep Cook

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$19 - $23/hr

... are met. Assist in preparing quality products through consistent execution of all prep lists, with a sense of urgency, for the cooking process and according to company standards all the while ...

Prep Cook

Columbia, MD ยท On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

We are building our Kitchen Team and are currently searching for an energetic and reliable Line/Prep Cook who will assist with the daily operations of the Banditos team. Essential Duties and ...

Prep Cook

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

We are building our Kitchen Team and are currently searching for an energetic and reliable Line/Prep Cook who will assist with the daily operations of the Banditos team. Essential Duties and ...

Prep Cook

Catonsville, MD

$13.50 - $17/hr

Charlestown by Erickson Senior Living Join our team as a Prep Cook if you're passionate about food ... * Assist in the consistent preparation all food items according to proper safety and cooking ...

Prep Cook

Catonsville, MD ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Charlestown by Erickson Senior Living Join our team as a Prep Cook if you're passionate about food ... * Assist in the consistent preparation all food items according to proper safety and cooking ...

Prep Cook

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Ashby Ponds by Erickson Senior Living Join our team as a Prep Cook i f you're passionate about food ... * Assist in the consistent preparation all food items according to proper safety and cooking ...

Prep Cook

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Ashby Ponds by Erickson Senior Living Join our team as a Prep Cook i f you're passionate about food ... * Assist in the consistent preparation all food items according to proper safety and cooking ...

Prep Cook

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Join our team as a Prep Cook if you're passionate about food and teamwork, with culinary experience ... * Assist in the consistent preparation all food items according to proper safety and cooking ...

Prep Cook

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Join our team as a Prep Cook if you're passionate about food and teamwork, with culinary experience ... * Assist in the consistent preparation all food items according to proper safety and cooking ...

PREP COOK

College Park, MD ยท On-site

$22/hr

Previous 1 year of prep cooking experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available ... The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with ...

PREP COOK

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$21/hr

Previous 1 year of prep cooking experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available ... The advertised program is an AI recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass ...

PREP COOK

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$25/hr

Cooking and prep experience required. Must be a team player. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus ... The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Prep Cook information

See Washington salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do assistant prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant prep cook in Washington is $17.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant prep cook?

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 does an assistant prep cook do?

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?

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 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.

Do assistant prep cooks make good money?

Assistant prep cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location and establishment, with median pay around minimum wage to slightly above. They often work part-time or full-time shifts in kitchens, and wages can increase with experience or additional skills such as knife proficiency or food safety certifications.

Is an assistant prep cook an entry level job?

Yes, an assistant prep cook is typically an entry-level position in the culinary industry. It often requires basic cooking skills, such as knife handling and food preparation, and provides opportunities to gain experience and learn kitchen operations. Most employers do not require prior professional experience for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Assistant Prep Cook jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Assistant Prep Cook job openings:

Prep Cook

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Maman - Prep Cook/Baker 

maman is a french bakery, café and leading lifestyle brand founded in 2014 by owners elisa marshall & benjamin sormonte, with locations across north america and canada. inspired by family traditions, and the highest quality ingredients, maman offers a selection of delicious baked goods {including their famous nutty chocolate chip cookie}, coffee, fresh breakfast, and lunch options spanning from hearty salads & sandwiches to savory quiches. in addition to hosting intimate events, maman has partnered with leading brands for partnerships and activations. from baby showers and birthday parties to engagements, they're able to help celebrate customers & make new beautiful memories. in september 2021, maman founders elisa marshall & benjamin sormonte released the highly anticipated maman: the cookbook. 

our ideal candidate is passionate about food, pastries and following industry trends. you love cookies, are always ready to lend a helping hand to a colleague and you don’t take yourself too seriously. when you join our team, you’ll be responsible for providing a friendly, helpful, and responsive level of collaboration with the BOH team.

Position Summary

The Prep Cook/Baker is responsible for preparing high-quality pastries and menu items to support daily bakery and café operations. This role ensures consistency, efficiency, food safety, and organization while working collaboratively with the BOH team. The Prep Cook/Baker plays a key role in delivering an exceptional guest experience through excellent preparation, presentation, and execution of all maman menu items.

Essential ResponsibilitiesFood Preparation & Baking Support

  • Prepare pastries and menu items according to maman recipes following portioning, and quality standards, including doughs, batters, fillings, and garnishes.

  • Perform daily prep tasks such as chopping, measuring, mixing, and assembling ingredients with accuracy and efficiency.

  • Utilize strong knife skills and proper techniques to ensure consistency and safety.

  • Support baking and production needs to ensure all items meet visual and quality expectations.

  • Uphold high standards for aesthetics and presentation so every item served reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence.

Kitchen Operations

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workstation at all times.

  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards in accordance with local regulations and ServSafe guidelines.

  • Properly label, date, and store all food items to maintain freshness and minimize waste.

  • Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing deliveries as needed.

  • Communicate any issues impacting quality, safety, or presentation to the Kitchen Leader promptly.

Teamwork & Communication

  • Work positively and collaboratively with the back-of-house team to achieve the highest standards of execution.

  • Support front-of-house operations when needed to ensure smooth service and a seamless guest experience.

  • Communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully with team members and leadership.

  • Maintain an upbeat, friendly, and collaborative attitude that contributes to a supportive team environment.

  • Perform additional tasks and ad hoc projects as assigned to support daily operations.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Previous prep cook or back-of-house kitchen experience in a café, bakery, or similar fast-paced environment.

  • Familiarity with pastry preparation and basic baking techniques.

  • Strong knife skills and working knowledge of basic kitchen techniques.

  • Ability to follow recipes, portion guidelines, and operational procedures.

  • Strong time management, multitasking, and adaptability skills.

  • Passion for hospitality, teamwork, and delivering a high-quality product.

  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs.

  • A strong sense of urgency is essential.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a bakery or café setting with exposure to pastry and baked goods production.

  • Food Handler’s Certification or ServSafe Certification.

  • Keeping up with the latest industry trends.

Schedule & Work Environment

  • Flexible availability required, including early mornings, weekends, holidays, and special events.

  • Fast-paced kitchen environment with exposure to heat, cold, and food allergens.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs.

  • Ability to safely handle knives, kitchen equipment, and hot surfaces.

What We Offer

At maman, we’re proud to provide a supportive and people-first environment where team members can thrive and grow. Some benefits offered:

  • A collaborative culture that values teamwork, initiative, and continuous improvement.

  • Competitive pay and growth opportunities within a fast-growing brand.

  • Comprehensive healthcare options and commuter benefits.

  • Ongoing professional development, training, and opportunities for internal mobility.

  • Sweet perks cookies, coffee, and in-store discounts while working.

  • A company culture where we roll up our sleeves, support one another, and celebrate shared success.