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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

COOKS: Basic Job Duties * Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe * Maintain high ... Responsible for various accurate prep sheets and checklists * Maintaining proper food handling ...

Cook

Manteca, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

COOKS: Basic Job Duties * Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe * Maintain high ... Responsible for various accurate prep sheets and checklists * Maintaining proper food handling ...

Cook

Merced, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

COOKS: Basic Job Duties * Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe * Maintain high ... Responsible for various accurate prep sheets and checklists * Maintaining proper food handling ...

Kitchen

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Line Cooks and Preop Cooks at Applebee's complete all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. They maintain product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu ...

Kitchen

Modesto, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Line Cooks and Preop Cooks at Applebee's complete all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. They maintain product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu ...

Kitchen

Merced, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Line Cooks and Preop Cooks at Applebee's complete all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. They maintain product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu ...

Kitchen

Manteca, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

Line Cooks and Preop Cooks at Applebee's complete all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. They maintain product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu ...

Cook

Modesto, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

COOKS: Basic Job Duties * Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe * Maintain high ... Responsible for various accurate prep sheets and checklists * Maintaining proper food handling ...

Cook/ Prep Cook/ Dish Washer

Lathrop, CA

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Summary of Job Function We?re looking for Team Members to become part of our Popeyes family with skills and behaviors to create memorable experiences for our guests. Must be passionate about ...

Cook

Los Banos, CA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned "prep work"as needed, storing and rotating ...

Cook

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned 'prep work'as needed, storing and rotating ...

Cook

Gustine, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned 'prep work'as needed, storing and rotating ...

Cook

Gustine, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned "prep work"as needed, storing and rotating ...

Cook

Modesto, CA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Modesto, CA

$17 - $19/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Modesto, CA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Manteca, CA · On-site

$17 - $19.77/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Showing results 41-60

Cooks Prep Cooks information

See Modesto, CA salary details

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$16

$21

How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks prep cooks in Modesto, CA is $16.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.27 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 Modesto, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Modesto, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Modesto, CA are:

What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs?

Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Cooks Prep Cooks job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 56% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 64% Physical, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,423 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Cook

Sizzler

Turlock, CA • On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Sizzler rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Very important to our product quality, food safety and success of the brand.  An important part of the “Heart of the House” and our guests dining experience.  After all, you are part of the team preparing, cooking and delivering it!
 
COOKS:

 
Basic Job Duties
  • Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe
  • Maintain high standards of plate presentation
  • Responsible for operating various cooking appliances: fryers, conventional oven flat grill, grooved grill and charbroiler
  • Responsible for various accurate prep sheets and checklists
  • Maintaining proper food handling, safety and sanitation standards
 
Qualifications:
  • Service and Hospitality is #1
  • Passion to Serve Others
  • Must be Reliable and Punctual
  • Be Team-Oriented
  • Be Multi-Tasking
  • Have Organizational Skills
  • Have Excellent Communication Skills
  • Ability to Thrive in the Fast-Paced Environment
  • Have Positive Attitude
  • Have Professional Appearance and meet Company Grooming Standards
  • Food experience preferred, but not required
  • Current Food Handler certificate
  • Ability to carry / lift 25 lbs
 
 

What Sizzler employees say

Pay

Benefits

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