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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Senior Living Cook

Springfield, MO

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Mission Ridge is currently accepting applications for Prep Cooks to help support residents within our beautiful community residents call home. If you are a compassionate, caring, responsible, and ...

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15/hr

We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts: opening shifts, closing shifts and ... cook, prep cook, drive-thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ...

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15/hr

We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts: opening shifts, closing shifts and ... cook, prep cook, drive-thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ...

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15/hr

We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts: opening shifts, closing shifts and ... cook, prep cook, drive-thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ...

Senior Living Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Mission Ridge is currently accepting applications for Prep Cooks to help support residents within our beautiful community residents call home. If you are a compassionate, caring, responsible, and ...

Breakfast Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

As a Cook/Prep person, you will be responsible for using the correct tools to prepare all items according to our recipes, plate presentations, and specifications while maintaining a clean work area ...

Prep Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Complete assigned prep work to stock and set-up stations * Contribute to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment About You * Friendly, warm, and caring demeanor with Team Members * Thinks and ...

Line Cook/Prep Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

For this position, pay will be variable by location - See additional job details and benefits below. You are the bread and honey butter of what makes Cheddar's, Cheddar's. The place to get great ...

Prep-Salad Bar

Springfield, MO · On-site

$12 - $15.25/hr

... and cooked items according to Ruby Tuesday recipes and menu specifications. Complete specific ... in refrigeration, prep, and dry storage areas. Ensure the highest quality preparation and ...

Prep-Salad Bar

Springfield, MO · On-site

$12 - $15.25/hr

... cooked items according to Ruby Tuesday recipes and menu specifications. • Complete specific ... refrigeration, prep, and dry storage areas. • Ensure the highest quality preparation and ...

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

As a Cook/Kitchen Prep person, you will be responsible for: * Using the correct tools and equipment to prepare all items. * Following Bricktown Brewery recipes and specifications for each menu item.

Line Cook

Republic, MO · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Accurately and efficiently cook meats, fish, vegetables, soups, and other hot food products as well ... Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed * Closes the kitchen properly ...

Line Cook

Ozark, MO · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Accurately and efficiently cook meats, fish, vegetables, soups, and other hot food products as well ... Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed * Closes the kitchen properly ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooks Prep Cooks information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks prep cooks in Springfield, MO is $14.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.45 and $15.72 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 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 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?

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 Springfield, MO? For Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Springfield, MO look for? The top searched job categories for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Springfield, MO are:
What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs? Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Cooks Prep Cooks job openings:
Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 51% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,680 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Senior Living Cook

Mission Ridge

Springfield, MO

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Senior Living Prep Cook

Are you passionate about working with seniors? Are you dedicated to supporting seniors on their wellness journey to ensure they are provided with an atmosphere that values individualism and dignity? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you! Mission Ridge is currently accepting applications for Prep Cooks to help support residents within our beautiful community residents call home.

If you are a compassionate, caring, responsible, and honest individual who genuinely loves working with the senior population, we would love the opportunity to speak with you! Please APPLY TODAY!

Family means everything to us. From the communities we create to the connections we make with residents, everything we do is rooted in our history as a fifth-generation family business.

We build on that family with the people we hire and the teams they form. As a family company, we can do things differently and for the past 30 years our long-term commitment to team members has been unsurpassed.

We offer our full-time employees:

  • Highly competitive pay and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance).
  • Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid time off – 7 holidays, and 11 vacation days.
  • Free daily meal every shift.
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting!
  • Tuition reimbursement for career growth.
  • Company-paid short & long-term disability insurance.
  • Pet insurance and team member discounts.
  • Advance Pay benefit – access wages before payday.
  • A stable, growing company with opportunities for advancement!

We offer our part-time employees:

  • Free daily meal every shift.
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting!
  • Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition reimbursement for career growth.
  • Pet insurance and team member discounts.
  • Advance Pay benefit – access wages before payday.
  • A stable, growing company with opportunities for advancement!

Our Prep Cook are responsible for:

  • Assists in preparing all food items following production amounts, proper recipes, and procedures.
  • Ensures all food items are prepared in a timely fashion. Uses batch-cooking and cook to order where appropriate to ensure a fresh product.
  • Prepares all food products in a manner to ensure the highest level of Food Safety and to preserve nutrients toward meeting the specific dietary requirements of the residents.
  • Attends all regularly scheduled dining services meetings and in-service trainings.
  • Maintains kitchen sanitation and safety standards:
    • Cleans and sanitizes all work areas and equipment before and after each use.
    • Practices proper food handling and food storage procedures as per Merrill Gardens and state
    • Food Safety guidelines always.
    • Maintains documentation of all temperature charts and records as per company policy and procedure.
    • Completes assigned cleaning to ensure compliance and sanitary standards are met.

If you are someone with:

  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience in quality food preparation
  • Experience in scratch cooking in a high volume, fine dining setting
  • Proficiency in computer skills including MS Outlook, Word, etc.
  • 1 – year previous dining experience in food preparation.
  • High School diploma required or GED; college degree or equivalent preferred.

Physical Requirements:

This role requires frequent standing, walking, and manual handling of materials up to 50 lbs. Regular bending, lifting, and reaching are also part of daily responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Consider applying to become a Prep Cook with the Merrill Family of Senior Living Communities!

Yes, You Can have a meaningful Career!

Our mission is to provide an inspiring environment for our residents, families, and team members where every life is defined by the possibilities.

Merrill Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer