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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Rochester, MN

$11.41 - $25/hr

Setting up and stocking prep and line stations * Cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the kitchen ... Substituting for or assisting other cooks and kitchen positions during peak business periods What ...

Setting up and stocking prep and line stations * Cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the kitchen ... Substituting for or assisting other cooks and kitchen positions during peak business periods What ...

Cook

Rochester, MN · On-site

$11.41/hr

Setting up and stocking prep and line stations Cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the kitchen ... cooks and kitchen positions during peak business periods What it Takes to Succeed (Physical Job ...

Cook

Rochester, MN · On-site

$11.41 - $25/hr

Setting up and stocking prep and line stations * Cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the kitchen ... Substituting for or assisting other cooks and kitchen positions during peak business periods What ...

Cook

Rochester, MN · On-site

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

Has sufficient knowledge of cooking stations, menu items and prep procedures to ensure correct ... Cooks and prepares menu items according to guest request within company standards and following ...

... cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to meet ...

Crew Member

Rochester, MN · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

So, whether you have experience as a dishwasher, cashier, server, host, bartender, cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our ...

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Cooks Prep Cooks information

See Rochester, MN salary details

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How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks prep cooks in Rochester, MN is $15.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are cooks and prep cooks?

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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cook or Prep Cook, and why are they important?

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 popular job titles related to Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Rochester, MN? For Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Cooks Prep Cooks job openings:
Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Rochester, MN as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, and 59% Part Time. Highlights an 62% Physical, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,167 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
Cook

$11.41 - $25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday


Red Lobster rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 256 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 85 rated restaurants


Job description

Why You Want to Work Here:

  • We offer weekly pay and competitive wages
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Options for medical, dental and vision starting at less than $10/week
  • Life insurance, short-term disability and voluntary benefits
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match after 1 year of service
  • Anniversary pay (must meet eligibility requirements)
  • Discounted shift meals and a 25% discount when dining as a guest
  • Opportunities – we train and provide career opportunities so you can advance and grow 

Who We Are:

It all began with a single family-owned restaurant and the vision to give people something special:  a connection to seafood and the coast.  Over fifty years later, every seat in our over 500 restaurant family is an extension of that founding passion.  We proudly set the table for our guests’ favorite meals and moments because we are more than just a place to eat and work.  We are part of the communities we serve, and this is where new friends become familiar faces. 

Your responsibilities as a Cook will include, but are not limited to:

  • Setting up and stocking prep and line stations
  • Cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the kitchen area, equipment, and utensils
  • Checking the quality and freshness of ingredients
  • Prepping, seasoning, and cooking food according to recipes, quantity calls, and specification while maintaining portion control systems
  • Inspecting food preparation and serving areas, tools, and equipment to ensure observance of safe, sanitary food-handling practices
  • Substituting for or assisting other cooks and kitchen positions during peak business periods

What it Takes to Succeed (Physical Job Requirements)

  • Must meet the minimum age requirement and authorized to work in the country you are applying
  • Culinary experience preferred
  • Ability to bend, reach, stoop and lift up to 60 pounds safely
  • Ability to move about the restaurant and remain standing for an 8 – 12 hour shift
  • Team player with attention to detail and ability to multi-task

The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

BIG plans are on the horizon for Red Lobster. Our team and restaurants are great today, but our future is even better. There is no better time than now to be a part of the Red Lobster Family! 

***We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer who provides a welcoming workplace for everyone. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status***


USD $11.41 - USD $25.00 /Hr.

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