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Entry Level Prep Cook Jobs in Houston, AK (NOW HIRING)

Raising Cane's

Crew Member

Wasilla, AK · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Raising Cane's

Crew Member

Wasilla, AK · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Pacific Rim Canes, LLC

Crew Member

Wasilla, AK

$16 - $17/hr

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

All JobsPrep Cook JobsEntry Level Prep Cook JobsEntry Level Prep Cook Jobs in Houston, AK

Entry Level Prep Cook information

See Houston, AK salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do entry level prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level prep cook in Houston, AK is $15.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level prep cook?

Entry level prep cooks are kitchen workers who assist chefs and cooks by preparing ingredients and performing basic cooking tasks. Their duties often include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, organizing the kitchen, and ensuring that all food items are ready for use. Prep cooks are essential for maintaining an efficient workflow in restaurants and other food establishments, especially during busy periods. This position is a great starting point for those interested in a culinary career, as it provides hands-on experience in a professional kitchen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level prep cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Prep Cook, you need basic culinary knowledge, knife skills, and a willingness to follow recipes and food safety standards, typically with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, proper food handling procedures, and sometimes a food handler's certification are important. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills. These abilities ensure consistent food quality, maintain kitchen safety, and support smooth kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level prep cooks, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level prep cooks often face challenges such as managing time efficiently during busy meal periods, maintaining consistency in food preparation, and adapting quickly to the fast-paced kitchen environment. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and follow recipes and instructions closely. Developing good knife skills and a strong sense of teamwork will also help new prep cooks work more efficiently and confidently as they gain experience.

What is the difference between Entry Level Prep Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectEntry Level Prep CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsSimilar; may require more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep area, assisting with ingredient preparationCooking stations, actively preparing dishes during service
Employer UsageEntry-level position in restaurants, hotels, cateringMore experienced role, often with specific station responsibilities

While both roles work in restaurant kitchens, an Entry Level Prep Cook primarily focuses on preparing ingredients and assisting with basic tasks, whereas a Line Cook actively cooks and manages specific stations during service. The prep cook position is ideal for those starting in the culinary industry, with opportunities to advance to a line cook role with experience.

How to become an entry level prep cook with no experience?

To become an entry level prep cook with no experience, focus on developing basic cooking skills, understanding food safety practices, and gaining familiarity with kitchen tools. Many employers offer on-the-job training, so a positive attitude and willingness to learn are important. Having a high school diploma or equivalent can also improve your chances of getting hired.

What qualifications do I need to be an entry level prep cook?

Entry level prep cooks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic cooking skills. Prior experience is not required, but familiarity with kitchen safety, sanitation standards, and food handling is beneficial. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs in Houston, AK?

The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Houston, AK are:

Entry Level Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Prep Cook job openings in Houston, AK as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 58% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 65% Physical, and 35% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,800 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Restaurant Cook Apprentice Paid Registered Apprenticeship

The SkyBridge Group Inc

Anchorage, AK • On-site

$14 - $27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE

Restaurant Cook Apprentice Paid Registered Apprenticeship

COMPANY

The SkyBridge Group Inc.

LOCATION

Anchorage, Alaska

JOB TYPE

Paid Apprenticeship / Culinary Training Pathway

PAY

Starting wage begins at $14.00 per hour for entry-level apprentices.

Applicants with prior kitchen experience, culinary training, food safety credentials, military food service experience, Job Corps culinary training, school-based culinary education, institutional kitchen experience, catering experience, or other related background may be evaluated for advanced standing, higher initial wage placement, or accelerated progression when documentation and skill verification support it.

Apprenticeship wage progression may move up to $22.00 per hour during the program. Journeyworker wage target: $27.00 per hour.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The SkyBridge Group Inc. is recruiting motivated applicants for its Restaurant Cook Registered Apprenticeship Program in Anchorage, Alaska.

This is a paid culinary career pathway for people who want to learn the trade, build real kitchen skills, earn industry credentials, and grow into dependable long-term food service professionals.

This is not random kitchen work. This is a structured apprenticeship pathway that combines paid on-the-job learning, employer-supervised kitchen experience, related instruction, food safety training, documented skill development, and progressive wage advancement.

PROGRAM SNAPSHOT

Occupation: Restaurant Cook

RAPIDS Number: 0663HY

Sponsor: The SkyBridge Group Inc.

Program Length: 4,0004,500 on-the-job learning hours

Location: Anchorage, Alaska

Program Type: Registered Apprenticeship

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Apprentices may receive structured training in:

Food safety and sanitation

Prep work and mise en place

Knife skills

Receiving and storage

Labeling and FIFO

Cooking methods

Production flow

Portion control

Plating and service

Equipment use and care

Teamwork and kitchen communication

Professional conduct and reliability

Speed, organization, and consistency

Inventory support and station management

Culinary math

Recipe conversion

Service recovery

Guest service and hospitality

Allergen awareness

Station closing, cleaning, and restocking

REQUIRED / ASSIGNED CREDENTIALS AND RELATED INSTRUCTION

Apprentices may be required to complete or maintain valid credentials and related instruction, including:

ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certificate

ServSafe Food Handler Certificate

ServSafe Allergens Certificate

Restaurant Professional Credential

Guest Service Gold Tourism Certification

Certified Kitchen Cook Credential

Alaska Training for Alcohol Professionals / TAP Certification

Alaska State Food Handler Certification

Municipality of Anchorage Food Handler Certification

ManageFirst content

Penn Foster Gourmet Cooking and Catering Program coursework or approved equivalent instruction

Applicants who already hold valid certifications may receive credit for those items. Expired certifications must be renewed. Prior culinary degrees, military culinary training, Job Corps culinary training, ProStart, pre-apprenticeship training, or other approved education may be reviewed for credit toward related instruction when properly documented.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

This opportunity may be a strong fit for:

Entry-level kitchen workers

Prep cooks

Line cooks seeking advancement

Culinary students or graduates

Job Corps culinary graduates

People with prior restaurant, cafeteria, catering, hotel, or institutional kitchen experience

People looking for a stable culinary career path

Job seekers who want structured paid training

Individuals reentering the workforce and ready to work

Motivated applicants who want to prove themselves through performance

Adults ready for discipline, growth, and long-term skill building

IDEAL APPLICANTS ARE

Ready to work

Coachable

Dependable

Able to follow instructions

Comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen

Serious about attendance and professionalism

Interested in food service as a real career path

Willing to complete required training and credentials

Able to accept feedback and improve performance

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should be prepared to:

Complete the application process

Participate in screening and interview review

Provide required identification and work documents

Provide documentation of prior experience, education, credentials, or training if requesting advanced standing or higher initial wage consideration

Meet employer and training-site expectations

Maintain professional conduct

Commit to training, learning, and consistent work performance

Perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation

Complete required related instruction and credential requirements

Maintain attendance, communication, and workplace accountability standards

WAGE PROGRESSION

Entry-Level Starting Wage: $14.00 per hour

Advanced Standing / Prior Experience Starting Wage:

May be higher based on documentation, skill evaluation, sponsor approval, and employer/training-site placement.

Standard Progression:

1st Progression: $14.00 per hour

2nd Progression: $16.00 per hour

3rd Progression: $19.00 per hour

4th Progression: $22.00 per hour

Journeyworker Target: $27.00 per hour

WHY APPLY

This apprenticeship can help you build:

Verified kitchen experience

Documented skill development

Stronger employability

Better wages over time

Food service credentials

Career mobility

A pathway toward long-term culinary success

A structured record of training and performance

A foundation for advancement into stronger culinary roles

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Acceptance is not automatic. Application does not guarantee selection, enrollment, employment, funding, advanced standing, higher starting wage, or training-site placement. Prior experience, education, or credentials may be considered but must be documented and verified. Placement depends on program eligibility, screening, employer availability, training-site matching, and sponsor approval. Advancement depends on satisfactory on-the-job learning performance, related instruction progress, attendance, professionalism, credential completion, and sponsor evaluation.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your application or request the apprentice application packet from The SkyBridge Group Inc.

Website: www.skybridgegroupinc.com

The SkyBridge Group Inc.

Build Workers. Strengthen Industries. Change Lives.