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

Prep Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$16.75 - $20.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Prep Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$16.75 - $20.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Prep Cook (Portland, ME)

Portland, ME · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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 ...

Prep Cook (Portland, ME)

Portland, ME · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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

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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Portland, ME

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Cook

South 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooks Prep Cooks information

See Portland, ME salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 54% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,383 per year, or $16 per hour.

$16.75 - $20.10/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Holiday by Atria rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
We create communities where employees thrive in their work, helping our residents thrive in their homes.
Atria Senior Living's family of brands has openings for individuals looking for a career with outstanding benefits, including:
  • Paid holidays and PTO
  • Employees may receive annual anniversary rewards dependent on classification, starting at $500 for Full Time employees
  • Employees may be eligible to receive an Annual Scores Reward of $500 (Full Time) or $250 (Part Time) based on community survey results
  • Benefits package also includes Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • Retirement Savings Plan / 401(k) employer match
  • Tuition reimbursement (U.S Based Communities)

*Enrollment in benefits varies by employee classification; anniversary reward amounts vary by location
As a valued team member at Atria, you'll work in a supportive environment that provides advancement opportunities and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Apply now!
Qualifications
  • Effectively read, write and communicate in English with residents and other employees.
  • Food handlers permit as required by provincial law/local/state and/or Company standards.
  • Serv safe is required
  • Able to follow and read recipes and production guides.
  • Knowledge of food handling, preparation, cooking and service.

Responsibilities
Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals.
  • Provide a high level of customer service.
  • Work closely with the Executive Chef and/or Sous Chef to keep residents satisfied with food and dining programs.
  • Maintain kitchen in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition at all times.
  • Adhere to cleaning schedules as assigned.
  • Ensure that all food is received, stored, and prepared according to company standards.
  • Assist cook with preparation and presentation of meals and snacks in accordance with Company recipes and production guides.
  • 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 practices.
  • Assist with preparing and executing special events, banquets, and theme meals.
  • Operate and maintain kitchen equipment in a clean and sanitary manner.
  • Will attend pre-meal stand-up in the kitchen prior to meal service.
  • May perform other duties as needed and/or assigned.

Salary Range
The wage range for this position is $16.75/hr - $20.10/hr, dependent on prior work history and experience

What Holiday by Atria employees say

Pay

Benefits

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