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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Middlebury, VT (NOW HIRING)

Silver Bay YMCA

Full Time Kitchen Utility Staff

NY · On-site

$16/hr

Food Prep: Prepares salad and fruit bars, and other prep needs as assigned. d. Catering: Prepares ... cooking orders, and preparing other menu items to be sold. 2. Follows proper food handling and ...

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How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks prep cooks in Middlebury, VT is $16.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.03 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.
Cooks Prep Cooks jobs near you

Full Time Kitchen Utility Staff

Silver Bay YMCA

Silver Bay, NY • On-site

$16 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description

Under the direction of Dining Services management, the position of Food Service Staff is to support back of house functions, front of house operations and catering functions.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: N/A

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Food Service Staff support Dining Services, as following: 

a. Dish Room: Cleans dishes and kitchen area. 

b. Dining Room: Greets and assists guests, clears tables, maintains table set-ups and bus stations, cleans the dining room and outdoor food service areas. 

c. Food Prep: Prepares salad and fruit bars, and other prep needs as assigned. 

d. Catering: Prepares, delivers, and serves food in venues across the campus.

e. Line Server: Supplies and maintains dining room buffet lines and beverage set-ups. 

f. Retail Food Service: Supports the retail operations related to food items, such as scooping ice cream, completing short-order cooking orders, and preparing other menu items to be sold.

2. Follows proper food handling and sanitation procedures.

3. Serves as a customer service agent through positive and friendly guest interactions.

4. Performs other duties, as requested. 

5. As a 24-hour operation, all staff may be asked to work weekends, evenings, night shifts and/or holidays in order to serve our members, guests, and program participants.


Requirements


A high school degree or equivalent is required.

Experience preferred but not a requirement

Must have the ability to understand and follow instructions, including proper food handling and sanitation procedures.

Must have the ability to operate cooking and food preparation equipment.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups of people representing all social and economic segments of the community.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

This position requires the ability to stand, walk, and kneel for prolonged periods; must be physically able to access and navigate all areas of dining and catering services. Other physical requirements include the ability to lift up to 25 pounds at a time and to work in excessive heat and cold, as required in association with the kitchen environment. 

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