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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Border Café/Jose Tejas

Line and Prep Cooks

Saugus, MA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Line Cooks & Prep Cooks Full and Part Time! Competitive & negotiable salaries Border Cafe has always focused on quality food at an amazing value accompanied by outstanding, hospitality driven service.

Border Café/Jose Tejas

Line and Prep Cooks

Lynn, MA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Line Cooks & Prep Cooks Full and Part Time!Competitive & negotiable salariesBorder Cafe has always focused on quality food at an amazing value accompanied by outstanding, hospitality driven service.

Picco

Prep Cooks, Line Cooks & Dishwashers

Boston, MA · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Picco is looking to hire line cooks, prep cooks & dishwashers! Picco stands for pizza & ice cream company. We are a busy, full-service restaurant in the South End of Boston that features "Best of ...

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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 Massachusetts?

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

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

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

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

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

Cooks Prep Cooks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 67% Physical, and 33% Remote job distribution.

Line and Prep Cooks

Border Café/Jose Tejas

Saugus, MA • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Line Cooks & Prep Cooks
Full and Part Time!
Competitive & negotiable salaries
Border Cafe has always focused on quality food at an amazing value accompanied by outstanding, hospitality driven service. Our scratch kitchen and focused service has made us the leader in Authentic Tex-Mex and Cajun cooking in the Boston area for over 30 years. Our Back of the House Team Members are a key piece in our success. We are looking for some great people with the following qualities:
- Positive Attitude
- Intensity
- Teamwork
- Attention to Detail
- Speed
- Recipe Adherence
Do you have any of these qualities? Are you ready to part of one of the busiest restaurants around? Are you ready to help move our winning team forward? $20.00 per hour and up. Pay based on experience.

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