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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Vestavia Hills, AL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Prep Cooks are the culinary masterminds that get all the pieces in place for our frontline team. Without you, the line would be missing its star ingredients, and the show couldn't go on.

Prep Cook

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Prep Cooks are the culinary masterminds that get all the pieces in place for our frontline team. Without you, the line would be missing its star ingredients, and the show couldn't go on.

Prep Cook

Vestavia Hills, AL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Prep Cooks are the culinary masterminds that get all the pieces in place for our frontline team. Without you, the line would be missing its star ingredients, and the show couldn't go on.

Line Cook/Prep Cook-Salt Pub

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Cooks will be held to high standards that produce great food quality, sanitation, and safety procedures. The duties and responsibilities of a Line Cook/Prep Cook include, but are not limited to:

Prep Cook

Hoover, AL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

  • Retirement

We hire line and prep cooks who understand high expectations for food presentation and execution. Our restaurants typically include an open-kitchen layout with visibility from the dining room.

Prep Cook

Birmingham, AL

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

  • Retirement

We hire line and prep cooks who understand high expectations for food presentation and execution. Our restaurants typically include an open-kitchen layout with visibility from the dining room.

Prep Cook

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

  • Retirement

We hire line and prep cooks who understand high expectations for food presentation and execution. Our restaurants typically include an open-kitchen layout with visibility from the dining room.

Prep Cook

Madison, AL · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

  • Retirement

We hire line and prep cooks who understand high expectations for food presentation and execution. Our restaurants typically include an open-kitchen layout with visibility from the dining room.

Prep Cook

Madison, AL · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

  • Retirement

We hire line and prep cooks who understand high expectations for food presentation and execution. Our restaurants typically include an open-kitchen layout with visibility from the dining room.

Prep Cook

Madison, AL

$13.50 - $17/hr

  • Retirement

We hire line and prep cooks who understand high expectations for food presentation and execution. Our restaurants typically include an open-kitchen layout with visibility from the dining room.

Prep Cooks: * Prepare and cook menu items to order with accuracy and efficiency * Maintain cleanliness and organization of your station * Ensure food quality, portion control, and presentation ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooks Prep Cooks information

What is a cook?

Cooks and prep cooks are culinary professionals who work in kitchens to prepare and cook food. Prep cooks focus on preparing ingredients by washing, chopping, and measuring, ensuring everything is ready for the main cooking process. Cooks, on the other hand, handle the actual cooking of dishes, following recipes and presentation standards. Both roles require attention to detail, good time management, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Together, they help ensure the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cook?

To thrive as a Cook or Prep Cook, you need solid food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, basic knife handling techniques, and adherence to food safety certifications like ServSafe are important. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and smooth workflow in fast-paced culinary environments.

What are some common challenges faced by prep cooks in a busy kitchen environment?

Prep cooks often work in fast-paced settings where managing time efficiently and maintaining attention to detail can be challenging. They must juggle multiple tasks, such as chopping ingredients, preparing sauces, and organizing supplies, all while adhering to strict food safety standards. Communication with chefs and other kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and prevent delays during service. Adapting to changing menus or last-minute requests is also a frequent part of the role, requiring flexibility and quick thinking.

What is the difference between Cooks Prep Cooks vs Line Cooks?

AspectPrep CooksLine Cooks
ResponsibilitiesPrepare ingredients, wash, chop, and set up stationsCook dishes during service, follow recipes, and manage station
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, food safety certification often preferredSimilar credentials, often with additional culinary training
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep areas, early shifts, less pressureFront-line cooking stations, during service hours, high-pressure environment
Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, catering, and hospitalityEssential in restaurant kitchens, culinary establishments

Prep Cooks focus on preparing ingredients and setting up stations, while Line Cooks handle cooking dishes during service. Both roles require similar credentials and work in busy kitchen environments, but their responsibilities differ based on the stage of food preparation.

Do prep cooks make good money?

Prep cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location and establishment, with median pay around minimum wage to slightly above. Experienced prep cooks or those working in high-end restaurants may earn higher wages, and some may receive tips or benefits. Overall, the pay is generally considered modest compared to more advanced culinary roles.

How much do prep cooks make a year?

Prep cooks typically earn an annual salary ranging from $20,000 to $30,000, depending on experience, location, and the establishment. Many prep cooks are paid hourly, with wages often between $10 and $15 per hour, and may receive benefits or overtime pay based on the employer's policies.

What qualifications do I need to be a prep cook?

Prep cooks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic cooking skills. Prior experience in food preparation, knowledge of kitchen safety, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions are often required. Some employers may also value food safety certifications such as ServSafe.

What are popular job titles related to Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Alabama?

For Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Cooks Prep Cooks job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 67% Physical, and 33% Remote job distribution.

Prep Cook

Chopt

Vestavia Hills, AL • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Chopt rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Prep Cook

Do you have an eye for detail and a knack for organization? Do you thrive in a behind-the-scenes role that's crucial to the whole show? If you want to be a part of a team that's changing the way America eats one salad at a time, then you can be a Prep Cook for Chopt! Our Prep Cooks are the culinary masterminds that get all the pieces in place for our frontline team. Without you, the line would be missing its star ingredients, and the show couldn't go on.


Responsibilities:

      Prep, Prep, and More Prep! You'll be the ultimate prep pro, cutting, washing, and preparing a wide variety of fresh, high-quality ingredients for our busy salad line.

      The Mise en Place Master: You'll be responsible for the "everything in its place" principle, making sure every station is stocked with the right ingredients and supplies.

      A Wizard with Weight: You'll accurately measure and portion ingredients according to our recipes to ensure consistency and quality.

      A Food Safety Fanatic: You'll keep your work area clean, safe, and sanitized, always following food safety and sanitation protocols.

      The Supply Chain Guardian: You'll help with receiving deliveries and organizing inventory, making sure everything is stored properly and that we don't run out of our fan-favorite ingredients.

      All-Hands-On-Deck Attitude: We're a team, and that means being ready to jump in and help with other tasks like dishwashing or cleaning to make sure the kitchen runs smoothly.

      We're All Cross-Trainers! You'll have opportunities to learn different roles like Salad Maker and Food Runner to become a more well-rounded team member.


Qualifications/Requirements:

      Previous restaurant experience is required, experience working in high volume restaurant settings is preferred.

      Must be able to move with urgency and hustle to keep up with the demands of a high-volume kitchen.

      Must have strong knife skills or experience in preparing ingredients to minimize waste and ensure consistent product.

      Must understand and execute food safety and sanitation protocols and maintain a BOH that is compliant with all DOH regulation.

      Standing, stooping, kneeling, walking, wiping, reaching, bending, and lifting are required actions throughout a shift.

      Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.


Benefits of working at Chopt:

      Competitive hourly rates and performance-based pay increases

      A clear career path with opportunities for advancement - 50% of all managers started in hourly positions

      Variety of Health and Wellness Benefits

      Pre-Tax Transit and Flexible Spending Benefits

      Generous PTO Policy for all employees

      Paid Meal Breaks

      Discounted meals

      Employee Assistance Resources


Work Conditions/Hours:

      Hours will vary and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

      All Chopt employees will be hired on a variable hour basis. Hours are scheduled based on performance and business necessities.

Work schedule
  • Day shift
  • Night shift
Supplemental pay
  • Tips
Benefits
  • Paid time off
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Referral program
  • Employee discount
  • Paid training
  • Flexible schedule

What Chopt employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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