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

Chipotle

Crew Member

Rochester, MN

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

... 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 ...

CHIPOTLE

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 ...

CHIPOTLE

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 ...

Chipotle

Crew Member

Rochester, MN

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

... 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 ...

CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar

Cook

Rochester, MN · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Prepares all food items, following standard recipes and procedures within specified time limits. * Assist cooks in the preparation of basic dessert items. * Preps assigned items according to the Prep ...

CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar

Cook

Rochester, MN · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Prepares all food items, following standard recipes and procedures within specified time limits. * Assist cooks in the preparation of basic dessert items. * Preps assigned items according to the Prep ...

CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar

Cook

Rochester, MN · On-site

$19/hr

Prepares all food items, following standard recipes and procedures within specified time limits. * Assist cooks in the preparation of basic dessert items. * Preps assigned items according to the Prep ...

Compass Group

COOK

Rochester, MN · On-site

$20.25/hr

Previous cooking, food prep, or back of house experience required. * Fixed Pay Rate: $20.25 per hour Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself . At Morrison Healthcare, a ...

Morrison Healthcare

COOK (FULL TIME)

Rochester, MN · On-site

$20.25/hr

Previous cooking, food prep, or back of house experience required. * Fixed Pay Rate: $20.25 per hour Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself . At Morrison Healthcare, a ...

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Rochester, MN · On-site

$20.25/hr

Previous cooking, food prep, or back of house experience required. * Fixed Pay Rate: $20.25 per hour Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself . At Morrison Healthcare, a ...

Morrison Healthcare

COOK (FULL TIME)

Rochester, MN

$20.25/hr

Previous cooking, food prep, or back of house experience required. * Fixed Pay Rate: $20.25 per hour Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself . At Morrison Healthcare, a ...

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How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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.

Is a prep cook a hard job?

A prep cook role involves preparing ingredients and assisting with kitchen tasks, which can be physically demanding and require attention to detail. The job often involves standing for long periods, working quickly, and following safety and hygiene standards, making it moderately challenging for some individuals.

How to get hired as a prep cook?

To get hired as a prep cook, applicants should have basic cooking skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions. Relevant experience or a culinary background can improve chances, and some employers may require food handler certifications. Applying to entry-level kitchen positions and demonstrating reliability and a willingness to learn can also help secure a prep cook role.

How much do prep chefs get paid?

Prep cooks typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and establishment. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced prep cooks or those working in high-end restaurants can earn higher wages. Many prep cooks also receive tips and benefits based on their 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.

Do prep cooks make more than line cooks?

Prep cooks generally earn less than line cooks because line cooks have more responsibilities, such as cooking and plating dishes during service. Salary differences can vary by establishment, location, and experience, but line cooks typically have higher wages due to their advanced skills and direct customer-facing roles.

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.
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Cooks Prep Cooks jobs near you
Restaurant Team Member - Cook

Restaurant Team Member - Cook

Noodles & Company

Rochester, MN • On-site

$13.50 - $19/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Noodles & Company rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 187 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 18 rated casual dining restaurants

Job description

Overview
At Noodles and Company, our mission is to nourish and inspire every team member, guest, and community we serve. We are hiring Team Members to join our back-of-house kitchen crew as cooks and line cooks who prepare fresh ingredients, cook dishes to order, and help keep our kitchens running smoothly and consistently.
We know noodles, and we know how great food, made with care, brings people together. Our back-of-house teams bring that to life every day through fresh prep, real cooking techniques, and care put into every bowl we serve. Whether you're learning our sauté skills, supporting your team during a rush, or helping maintain a positive kitchen environment, your work shapes every bowl we serve.
If you're ready to build skills, learn something new, and grow with a team that values your contribution, apply today. After your interview, we'll treat you to a complimentary meal (up to $10 value), because every great connection starts with great food.
Why Choose Noodles & Company?
We offer a place to learn, grow, and build confidence, with perks designed to support both work and life:
  • Competitive pay plus tips
  • Flexible schedules for part-time or full-time needs
  • Ability to get early access to earned pay
  • Meal and lifestyle discounts, including event tickets and cell phones
  • Tuition assistance and scholarship opportunities
  • Recognition programs that celebrate your achievements
  • Free mental health, legal, and financial resources to support your well-being
  • Medical & pharmacy, dental, vision, and pet insurance
  • 401(k) with employer match and stock purchase discounts
  • Leadership development programs to fuel your growth
  • Free online Spanish and English courses
  • Noodles Resource Groups - inclusive communities that foster belonging, build connections, and support your personal and professional growth
  • Learn more about our benefits: https://www.noodles.com/careers/perks

What You Bring to the Table
As a Back-of-House Team Member, you help create a great guest experience by:
  • Preparing fresh ingredients and cooking dishes to order. No experience with a sauté pan is needed; we will provide paid training.
  • Ensuring each dish is made with consistency, quality, and attention to presentation.
  • Following recipes, prep guides, and standard procedures accurately.
  • Learning and refining kitchen and sauté skills through hands-on training.
  • Maintaining pace during peak hours and supporting smooth kitchen flow.
  • Working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where communication matters.
  • Managing multiple tasks effectively to help meet guest expectations during busy shifts.
  • Working safely around kitchen equipment, heat, and steam.
  • Using kitchen tools, timers, and basic systems as part of daily routines.
  • Keeping the restaurant clean and organized while following food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Bringing dependability, positivity, and a supportive attitude to every shift.
  • Meeting the physical requirements of the role, which may include, but are not limited to, standing for long periods, bending, twisting, reaching, lifting up to 55 pounds, and performing routine restaurant tasks, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Obtaining and maintaining any required food safety licenses or certifications in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Must be at least 16 years old, making this a great opportunity for teens or anyone eager to gain new skills and start building their career.

Noodles & Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Military Friendly workplace. We encourage Veterans and their spouses to apply. We are proud to be recognized on Forbes' Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes' Best Employers for Women, and Forbes' Best Employers for Company Culture lists, and are committed to creating a workplace where Noodlers feel supported, respected, and able to bring their full self to work.
Application Deadline: We accept applications for this position on an ongoing basis. There is no specific application deadline, and we encourage interested individuals to submit their applications at their convenience.
Pay Range
USD $13.50 - USD $19.00 /Hr.
Location : Address
4607 Maine Avenue SE
Location : City
Rochester
Location : State/Province
MN

What Noodles & Company employees say

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About Noodles & Company

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Noodles & Company, our mission is to always nourish and inspire every team member, guest and community we serve. We accomplish this by living our values of We Care, We Show Pride, We are Passionate, and We Love Life! We provide opportunities to learn culinary skills working with fresh food and the art of personal connection with our guests. Come join our amazing team, make new friends, develop your career, skills, and have fun. We are proud to be recognized on Forbes' America's Best Employers for Diversity 2021 and Forbes' Best Employers for Women 2021 lists and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where Noodlers can bring their full self to work.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Broomfield, CO, US

Year founded

1995

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