ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assistant Prep Cook Jobs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

Whittier, CA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

R & R Breakfast Spot

Food Prep Cook

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Keep prep stations, storage areas, coolers, and freezers clean and organized * Assist cooks during busy service periods as needed * Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department ...

My Healthy Penguin

Prep Cook (Part Time)

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Executing the flow of prep and cook days * High Volume Preparation * Ensure proper food handling ... Will assist in the preparation of vegetables, proteins, carbs, sauces and garnishes. * Ensure ...

My Healthy Penguin

Prep Cook (Part Time)

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Executing the flow of prep and cook days * High Volume Preparation * Ensure proper food handling ... Will assist in the preparation of vegetables, proteins, carbs, sauces and garnishes. * Ensure ...

OCC Boy Scouts

Prep Cook

Orange, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Follow the prep list created by Food Service Director * Serve as a role model; abide by BSA code of ... Maintain kitchen in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition. * Assist cooks in preparation and ...

Rock-N-Water

Thousand Pines Prep Cook

Crestline, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $20/hr

Prep Cook Department: Food Service Status: Hourly $16-$17, non-exempt Reports To: Food Service ... Maintain kitchen cleanliness to meet or exceed all health and safety regulations. * Assist with the ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Ontario, CA · On-site

$23/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time PREP COOK position. * Location : QVC - 853 QVC Way ... The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with ...

Reunion Kitchen + Drink

Prep Cook

Brea, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Have a great sense of urgency to assist the cooks' line when needed during the peak hours. Duties and Responsibilities: * Ensures excellent food preparation and food quality. * Prepares a variety of ...

Reunion Kitchen + Drink

Prep Cook

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Have a great sense of urgency to assist the cooks' line when needed during the peak hours. Duties and Responsibilities: * Ensures excellent food preparation and food quality. * Prepares a variety of ...

Reunion Kitchen + Drink

Prep Cook

Brea, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Have a great sense of urgency to assist the cooks' line when needed during the peak hours. Duties and Responsibilities: * Ensures excellent food preparation and food quality. * Prepares a variety of ...

Reunion Kitchen + Drink

Prep Cook

Corona, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Have a great sense of urgency to assist the cooks' line when needed during the peak hours. Duties and Responsibilities: * Ensures excellent food preparation and food quality. * Prepares a variety of ...

Chubby Group

Prep & Line Cook

Rowland Heights, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

Maintain cleanliness and organization of prep areas, cooking stations, storage areas, walk-ins, and kitchen equipment. * Assist with receiving, labeling, storing, and rotating inventory to maintain ...

HANGAR 24 BREWERY

Prep Cook/Dishwasher

Riverside, CA

$16.90 - $21/hr

As a Dishwasher / Prep Cook, you'll help ensure our kitchen stays clean, organized, and ready for ... Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the kitchen * Assist with food prep including ...

Hangar 24

Prep Cook/Dishwasher

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $21/hr

As a Dishwasher / Prep Cook, you'll help ensure our kitchen stays clean, organized, and ready for ... Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the kitchen * Assist with food prep including ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrep Cook JobsAssistant Prep Cook JobsAssistant Prep Cook Jobs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Assistant Prep Cook information

See Rancho Cucamonga, CA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do assistant prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant prep cook in Rancho Cucamonga, CA is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $17.69 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 Rancho Cucamonga, CA?

The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA are:

What cities near Rancho Cucamonga, CA are hiring for Assistant Prep Cook jobs?

Cities near Rancho Cucamonga, CA with the most Assistant Prep Cook job openings:

Assistant Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Prep Cook job openings in Rancho Cucamonga, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,343 per year, or $16 per hour.

EL Cook/Prep

El Pollo Loco

Whittier, CA • On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position: Prep Cook
Reports to: Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager
Job Overview
The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food safety standards. This role supports kitchen efficiency and consistency, ensuring ingredients are ready for grilling and service.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation
  • Prepare ingredients including marinating chicken, chopping produce, portioning proteins, and preparing salsas according to brand standards.
  • Follow approved recipes, prep lists, and portion controls.
  • Label, date, store, and rotate food items according to FIFO guidelines.
  • Assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as assigned.

Kitchen Support & Operations
  • Maintain clean and organized prep areas, coolers, and storage spaces.
  • Clean and sanitize prep tools, utensils, and equipment.
  • Monitor prep levels and communicate shortages or quality concerns to management.
  • Support kitchen operations during high-volume periods.

Food Safety & Compliance
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
  • Properly handle raw and cooked products to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Comply with company safety policies and cleanliness standards.

Teamwork & Professionalism
  • Work collaboratively with cooks and grill staff.
  • Follow direction from managers and shift leaders.
  • Demonstrate dependability, teamwork, and professionalism.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Physical Activity
  • Standing, walking, bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, and grasping.
  • Cutting, marinating, mixing, and portioning food items.
  • Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects.
  • Communicating with restaurant team members and management.
  • Use of knives, prep equipment, and kitchen tools, as permitted by applicable state age requirements.

Physical Requirements
  • Standing and walking for extended periods during the work shift.
  • Lifting and carrying ranges:
  • 0-10 lbs: Frequent
  • 11-25 lbs: Frequent
  • 26-50 lbs: Occasional with assistance
  • 51-75 lbs: Seldom; team-lift only
  • Pushing and pulling approximately 10-40 lbs of force occasionally.
  • Frequent repetitive hand and wrist movements.

Work Environment
  • Work performed primarily in a restaurant kitchen environment.
  • Exposure to open-flame grills, heat, cold storage areas, noise, wet or slippery surfaces, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Fast-paced environment with variable schedules, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant)
  • Ability to follow prep procedures and recipes accurately.
  • Ability to maintain focus and food safety standards.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Requirements
  • Previous food prep or kitchen experience preferred but not required.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

This document describes the job and its traditional physical, cognitive, and environmental demands. It does not describe the abilities of any individual employee. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Apply