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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Prep Cooks work with the entire kitchen team to prepare the menu items for service. Prep cooks have full knowledge of our recipes, ingredients, prepping techniques and standards of quality. Prep ...

Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...

Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...

Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...

Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...

Line Cook

Columbia, SC

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...

Line Cook

Columbia, SC

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...

Line Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...

Line Cook

Columbia, SC

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...

Prep Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$16/hr

Prep Cook Pay: Hourly, starting at $16 and up (dependent on experience and location, will be discussed in the interview) Benefits: Flexible scheduling PTO Health Insurance 401K plus match We are ...

Prep Cook

Columbia, SC

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

As a pivotal member of the culinary staff our Prep Cooks are a "go to" and reliable resource to the team to ensure we are providing an optimal dining experience to our guests. Responsibilities:

Prep Cook

Irmo, SC · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Prep Cook - Liberty on the Lake | Irmo, SC Join the team at Liberty on the Lake , a lakeside ... Support Line Cooks and other team members during service * Ensure a safe and organized work ...

Prep Cook

Irmo, SC · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Prep Cook - Liberty on the Lake | Irmo, SC Join the team at Liberty on the Lake , a lakeside ... Support Line Cooks and other team members during service * Ensure a safe and organized work ...

Prep Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

As a Prep Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards while preparing food with proper safety equipment, tools, and recipe specifications. Prep Cook ...

Prep Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

As a Prep Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards while preparing food with proper safety equipment, tools, and recipe specifications. Prep Cook ...

PREP

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Prep Cooks are a key part of Metro Diner's success. It is absolutely critical that you prep all food products according to Metro Diner recipes using a variety of processes, equipment, and utensils.

PREP

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Prep Cooks are a key part of Metro Diners success. It is absolutely critical that you prep all food products according to Metro Diner recipes using a variety of processes, equipment, and utensils.

PREP

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Prep Cooks are a key part of Metro Diners success. It is absolutely critical that you prep all food products according to Metro Diner recipes using a variety of processes, equipment, and utensils.

PREP

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Prep Cooks are a key part of Metro Diners success. It is absolutely critical that you prep all food products according to Metro Diner recipes using a variety of processes, equipment, and utensils.

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Cooks Prep Cooks information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks prep cooks in Columbia, SC is $14.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.69 and $16.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Columbia, SC?

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

What job categories do people searching Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Cooks Prep Cooks job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,186 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Prep Cook

Tazza Kitchen in Columbia, SC is seeking part-time Prep Cooks to join our team. Every great meal starts with fresh ingredients and proper prepping. Prep Cooks work with the entire kitchen team to prepare the menu items for service. Prep cooks have full knowledge of our recipes, ingredients, prepping techniques and standards of quality. Prep cooks assist with dishwashing when needed and adhere to all safety and sanitation standards. Essential duties include standing and moving around the restaurant for extended periods of time and lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds.

Pay rates are $18-20/hour based on experience.

We offer some of the best benefits in the industry:

  • Culture of Respect and Teamwork
  • Flexible schedules
  • No late nights
  • Paid Time Off
  • Starting hourly wages $18-$20/hour
  • Excellent health, dental, vision insurance with low deductible to those who qualify.
  • New Parent Leave

ABOUT TAZZA KITCHEN

Tazza Kitchen is a high energy eatery centered on made from scratch wood-fired cooking, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, craft beverages, and the heads up hospitality of an incredible team of people. We recognize that people come first and that includes our employees. We are committed to hiring the most diverse and qualified staff possible because we know that having the right people in place will make us all successful. We value our team and offer a supportive work environment that people want to be a part of.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Safe, competent knife skills
  • Physically able to stand for the duration of your shift and lift up to 30 lbs
  • Experience as a prep cook preferred

If you enjoy learning new recipes from scratch using high quality ingredients and being a part of a friendly team, apply now with our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application!

*Tazza Kitchen Trenholm Plaza participates in E-Verify