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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cooks/Prep Cooks (Hiring Event)

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

We have exciting plans for continued development of the brand from a culinary perspective (and beyond), and now's a great time to jump on board! We're looking for experienced Cooks/Prep to join our ...

Prep Cooks

Carmel, IN ยท On-site

$17/hr

Prep Cook Our Prep Cooks are part of our collaborative kitchen team responsible for preparing a variety of ingredients with precision and care. Attention to detail and desire to work in a team ...

If you're - * excited about real, local, organic, and artisanal ingredients * passionate about cooking from scratch and meticulous about quality * open to learning and growing your skills * looking ...

Prep Cook

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

COOKS-PREP COOKS APPLY: * ONLINE: ( * TEXT2APPLY: Text doubledogs to 85000 Double Dogs Chowhouse is a full-service and established restaurant concept, a "made-from-scratch" menu focus, and that ...

Cooks/Prep Cooks (Hiring Event)

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

We have exciting plans for continued development of the brand from a culinary perspective (and beyond), and now's a great time to jump on board! We're looking for experienced Cooks/Prep to join our ...

Cooks/Prep Cooks (Hiring Event)

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

We're looking for experienced Cooks/Prep to join our team. You'll have at least a year's experience at executing under pressure in a high-volume, full-service environment. You'll take pride in ...

Prep Cook

Lexington, KY ยท On-site

$12 - $15.25/hr

COOKS-PREP COOKS APPLY: * ONLINE: ( * TEXT2APPLY: Text doubledogs to 85000 Double Dogs Chowhouse is a full-service and established restaurant concept, a "made-from-scratch" menu focus, and that ...

Prep Cook

Louisville, KY ยท On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

COOKS-PREP COOKS APPLY: * ONLINE: ( * TEXT2APPLY: Text doubledogs to 85000 Double Dogs Chowhouse is a full-service and established restaurant concept, a "made-from-scratch" menu focus, and that ...

Prep Cook

Bowling Green, KY ยท On-site

$12.25 - $15.25/hr

COOKS-PREP COOKS APPLY: * ONLINE: (www.montanagrille.com/careers) * TEXT2APPLY: montanagrille to 85000 Montana Grille is a full-service and established restaurant concept, a "made-from-scratch" menu ...

Prep Cook

Gallatin, TN ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

COOKS-PREP COOKS APPLY: * ONLINE: ( * TEXT2APPLY: Text doubledogs to 85000 Double Dogs Chowhouse is a full-service and established restaurant concept, a "made-from-scratch" menu focus, and that ...

Prep Cooks

Hickory, NC

$12.75 - $16/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Canton, GA ยท On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cook

Athens, GA ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

COOKS-PREP COOKS APPLY: * ONLINE: (www.raffertys.com/careers) * TEXT2APPLY: raffertys to 85000 Rafferty's Restaurant & Bar is a full-service restaurant concept with a 40-year history, a "made-from ...

Prep Cook

Evansville, IN ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

COOKS-PREP COOKS APPLY: * ONLINE: (www.raffertys.com/careers) * TEXT2APPLY: raffertys to 85000 Rafferty's Restaurant & Bar is a full-service restaurant concept with a 40-year history, a "made-from ...

Prep Cook

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

COOKS-PREP COOKS APPLY: * ONLINE: ( * TEXT2APPLY: Text doubledogs to 85000 Double Dogs Chowhouse is a full-service and established restaurant concept, a "made-from-scratch" menu focus, and that ...

Prep Cook

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

COOKS-PREP COOKS APPLY: * ONLINE: (www.raffertys.com/careers) * TEXT2APPLY: raffertys to 85000 Rafferty's Restaurant & Bar is a full-service restaurant concept with a 40-year history, a "made-from ...

Prep Cook

Bowling Green, KY ยท On-site

$12.25 - $15.25/hr

COOKS-PREP COOKS APPLY: * ONLINE: (www.raffertys.com/careers) * TEXT2APPLY: raffertys to 85000 Rafferty's Restaurant & Bar is a full-service restaurant concept with a 40-year history, a "made-from ...

Prep Cook

Greenville, SC ยท On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

COOKS-PREP COOKS APPLY: * ONLINE: ( * TEXT2APPLY: Text doubledogs to 85000 Double Dogs Chowhouse is a full-service and established restaurant concept, a "made-from-scratch" menu focus, and that ...

Prep Cook

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

COOKS-PREP COOKS APPLY: * ONLINE: ( * TEXT2APPLY: Text doubledogs to 85000 Double Dogs Chowhouse is a full-service and established restaurant concept, a "made-from-scratch" menu focus, and that ...

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Cooks Prep Cooks information

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How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks prep cooks in the United States is $15.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.31 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.
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Cities with the most Cooks Prep Cooks job openings:

What states have the most Cooks Prep Cooks jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Cooks Prep Cooks jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs are:

Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 55% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 69% Physical, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,628 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Line Cooks / Prep Cooks

Northstar Cafe in Shaker Heights

Shaker Heights, OH โ€ข On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Working at Northstar Cafe is much more than just a job. It’s the chance to become an important member of a close-knit team, responsible for shaping the experience at a most-loved restaurant. It’s an opportunity to bring communities together and help them thrive. And it’s a way to play a key part in the bigger picture, supporting food practices that elevate local growers and producers and keep the environment healthy.
It’s also the best place to launch the rest of your working life. Here, you’ll gain the practical skills that will make you an outstanding professional in any industry. You’ll know how to maintain the highest standards and work in an environment of utmost integrity. And, you’ll develop the collaboration, communication, and leadership skills that will serve you throughout your career.


If you’re —

  • excited about real, local, organic, and artisanal ingredients

  • passionate about cooking from scratch and meticulous about quality

  • open to learning and growing your skills

  • looking forward to being valued as an integral member of a team

— then becoming a member of the Northstar Cafe KITCHEN TEAM might be the perfect job for you.

Bring your upbeat attitude and gritty work-ethic. We’ll teach you the rest. 


We want you to be successful here, and support you with:

  • thorough training in our production bakery and professional kitchen

  • top-notch teammates who’ll become close friends

  • An efficient, productive, upbeat work environment


Here’s what you’d do:

  • Create delicious food alongside a high-energy team with a sincere desire to delight guests

  • Use the finest ingredients, including foods from more than twenty Ohio producers 

  • Prepare a broad menu from scratch using classic and modern cooking techniques and a variety of tools and machinery

  • Take pride in being part of the most loved restaurant in the neighborhood


And our team gets great benefits:

  • medical/dental/vision/life insurance

  • 401(k)

  • paid vacations, paid sabbaticals

  • healthy lifestyle reimbursement

  • free meal with every shift (pretty much everyone’s favorite benefit)

  • endless opportunities to grow, challenge yourself, and have fun


Our team loves working here, and we strive to make this a place worthy of them. Here’s what some of them had to say:

“We source locally whenever we can and always find ingredients of the highest quality. We have good relationships with people who deliver our food. It’s really a community that’s behind all of these amazing meals.”

“I’m proud of how clean we keep the restaurant, how we treat each other, and how we treat guests. Our standards are really high, which I love.”

“Shift meals is one of the best parts about working here! Our food is so wholesome and good.”

“The style of communicating, even when something’s wrong, is very kind. It makes people actually want to change. Learning this has helped me be a better communicator in all areas of my life.” 

“I love being a part of a group of conscientious and intelligent people, and being a part of a company that has high standards of excellence. It’s truly a company that goes above and beyond.”