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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Lewiston, ME (NOW HIRING)

Rising Tide Co-op

Prep Cook

Damariscotta, ME · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Rising Tide is looking for a full-time prep cook. Responsibilities include making salads, sandwiches, and hot bar items by preparing fresh ingredients - washing, chopping, portioning, and storing ...

Posted today

Texas Roadhouse

Prep Cook

Augusta, ME · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Texas Roadhouse

Prep Cook

Augusta, ME · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Augusta, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Auburn, ME

$15.10 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Augusta, ME

$15.10 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Auburn, ME

$15.10 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Auburn, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Auburn, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Augusta, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Augusta, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Augusta, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $25/hr

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Metz Culinary Management

Cook

Lewiston, ME · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

LINE AND PREP COOKS: Prepare and present DELICIOUS meals and IMPRESSIVE presentations following our Executive Chef Menus. Ability to inventory and portion ingredients. Additionally, assist in kitchen ...

Holiday by Atria - Woods At Canco

Prep Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$16.75 - $20.10/hr

Keep kitchen floors clean (sweeps and mops) and trash emptied. * Assist with the transportation and storage of food and supplies. * Assist cooks as requested. * Adhere to standard food safety ...

Spare Time Entertainment

Line Cook

Portland, ME

$16 - $20/hr

Prep, cook, and assemble dishes according to recipes and standards * Practice portion control and minimize waste to help keep costs on track * Keep service running smoothly by restocking ingredients ...

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Cooks Prep Cooks information

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How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks prep cooks in Lewiston, ME is $16.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $18.12 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 Lewiston, ME?

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

What job categories do people searching Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Lewiston, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Lewiston, ME are:

What cities near Lewiston, ME are hiring for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs?

Cities near Lewiston, ME with the most Cooks Prep Cooks job openings:

Cooks Prep Cooks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Lewiston, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 64% Physical, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,153 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Prep Cook - Hiring Immediately

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

Brunswick, ME • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Prep Cook

$23/hr (Up to $23 per hour) Competitive hourly wage. Flexible schedule. Opportunities for advancement within the company. Employee discounts and promotions.

Job Title: Prep Cook 
Location: Margaritas 

Benefits: 
  • Competitive hourly wage. 
  • Opportunities for advancement in the kitchen. 
  • Discounts on meals. 

Job Summary: Margaritas is seeking a diligent and detail-oriented Prep Cook to support our culinary team. The Prep Cook will be instrumental in preparing ingredients and components of dishes to streamline cooking and service. This role requires someone who can maintain high standards of cleanliness and efficiency under the guidance of our senior kitchen staff. 
Key Responsibilities: 
  • Prepare cooking ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat, and other meal prep. 
  • Set up workstations and ingredients so that food can be prepared according to recipes. 
  • Follow the guidance of the executive or head chef and have items ready for cooking or serving. 
  • Use various kitchen equipment such as knives, blenders, mixers, and cookers. 
  • Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen by washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, and taking out trash. 
  • Ensure all food and other items are stored properly. 
  • Comply with nutrition and sanitation guidelines. 
  • Perform other kitchen duties as assigned. 
Skills and Qualifications: 
  • Proven experience as a prep cook. 
  • Knowledge of health and safety rules in a kitchen. 
  • Manual dexterity able to operate cutting tools and kitchen utensils. 
  • A team player with good communication skills. 
  • Patient with an ability to stay positive under pressure. 
  • High school diploma or equivalent is desirable; Training from a culinary school will be an asset. 
Physical Requirements: 
  • Ability to stand for extended periods. 
  • Ability to reach, bend, and stoop. 
  • Ability to frequently lift heavy and potentially hazardous materials, including but not limited to, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment. 
  • Ability to work in a hot, humid environment for long periods. 

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