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

Gorham House

Sous Chef

Gorham, ME · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Manage and supervise Cooks, Lead Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Utility Workers as needed. Qualifications * 3+ years of experience working in a commercial kitchen environment and/or a related certificate or ...

Senior Lifestyle

Sous Chef

Gorham, ME · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Manage and supervise Cooks, Lead Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Utility Workers as needed. Qualifications * 3+ years of experience working in a commercial kitchen environment and/or a related certificate or ...

Senior Lifestyle

Sous Chef

Gorham, ME · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Manage and supervise Cooks, Lead Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Utility Workers as needed. Qualifications * 3+ years of experience working in a commercial kitchen environment and/or a related certificate or ...

Poland Provisions

Line Cook

Poland, ME · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Professional experience as a line cook, prep cook, or similar back-of-house role in a restaurant or food service setting. * Strong knowledge of basic cooking techniques, knife skills, and safe food ...

Bagel Works

Prep Cook (Portland, ME)

Portland, ME · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Prep Cook (slice, dice, measure, and mix) About us: The Works ® is a growing regional chain of community-minded cafés, dedicated to providing the highest quality food and friendliest customer ...

Spare Time Entertainment

Line Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$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 ...

Spare Time Entertainment

Line Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$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 ...

SSH DT Portland LLC

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Work efficiently under pressure during high-volume service periods. Assist with prep work, cleaning ... Understanding of basic cooking techniques and kitchen equipment. Strong attention to detail ...

LOST VALLEY MANAGEMENT LLC

Line Cook (Cook I)

Auburn, ME · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

This role is responsible for executing prep and service with consistency, speed, and attention to ... cook, or relevant kitchen experience preferred * Strong understanding of kitchen workflow, prep ...

StepStone Hospitality

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... Assist with prep work, cleaning duties, and other kitchen tasks as assigned. • Communicate ... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. • Understanding of basic ...

StepStone Hospitality Inc.

Cook

Portland, ME

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... Assist with prep work, cleaning duties, and other kitchen tasks as assigned. · Communicate ... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. · Understanding of basic ...

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All JobsCooks Prep Cooks JobsCooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Portland, ME

Cooks Prep Cooks information

See Portland, ME salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks prep cooks in Portland, ME is $16.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $17.69 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 Portland, ME?

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

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

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

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

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

Cooks Prep Cooks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 64% Physical, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,383 per year, or $16 per hour.

Sous Chef

Gorham House

Gorham, ME • On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Do you have HEART? We are looking for individuals who can embrace our mission to purposely brighten and enrich the lives of those we serve with HEART; Hospitality, Excellence, Appreciation, Respect & Teamwork. In this role you will assist in the oversight of daily operations in the kitchen and work with the Executive Chef to ensure the high-quality food products and kitchen cleanliness.

Job Description
  • Prepare meals from standardized recipes in accordance with order in a timely and attractive manner.
  • Set up food service line and workstations with needed condiments.
  • Ensure all condiments and garnishes that are required are prepared and served with the appropriate foods.
  • Assist in coordinating prep for the following day’s menu.
  • Participate in a pre-meal meeting with food servers to review detail of daily menu.  
  • Assist with training of new kitchen employees.
  • Assist with scheduling of employees within the department. 
  • Assist with food ordering, monitoring inventory and creating the menu cycle.
  • Keep stock rooms, coolers, and freezers clean and ensure that food supply stocks are rotated and that all perishables are labeled, dated, and stored properly.
  • Maintain kitchen cleanliness and food preparation according to state and local health department code requirements.
  • Keep food waste to a minimum by utilizing food storage and food recycling techniques.
  • Manage and supervise Cooks, Lead Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Utility Workers as needed.
Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience working in a commercial kitchen environment and/or a related certificate or degree from a college or technical school. 
  • Serv Safe or other required local, county or state certifications.
  • You are organized and great at communicating with co-workers and residents. 
  • You take pride in the quality and presentation of food that you have helped to prepare. 
  • You have basic to advanced knowledge of cooking and preparation of meals. 
  • You have a thorough understanding of food service techniques and requirements.

Additional Information

Senior Lifestyle offers a comprehensive benefits plan to eligible team members including health, dental, vision, retirement benefits, short-term disability, long-term disability, and paid time off. All Senior Lifestyle positions are eligible to use DailyPay, an application that allows you to access your earned but unpaid wages before your next payday. Senior Lifestyle requires that all employees provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination unless exempt due to medical, religious, or personal beliefs. Government requirements or exclusions may apply.