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Food Prep Assistant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

Peoria, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

Buckeye, AZ · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

Goodyear, AZ · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

Glendale, AZ · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

The Party Staff

Tucson - Cooks & Prep Cooks

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Set up and maintain cook and prep stations efficiently * Assist with food prep, batch cooking, plating, and service execution * Follow all food safety, sanitation, and temperature guidelines

Nexdine Hospitality

$21/hr

Clean and rotate the walk-in cooler * Assist with food prep * Other duties of theUtility Worker are assigned by the Chef Manager Requirements: * Must be able to work independently as well as part of ...

The Party Staff

Phoenix - Cook & Prep-Cook

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Set up and maintain cook and prep stations efficiently * Assist with food prep, batch cooking, plating, and service execution * Follow all food safety, sanitation, and temperature guidelines

El Pollo Loco

Prep Cook

Prescott Valley, AZ · On-site

$16.50 - $17.50/hr

Requirements/Responsibilities Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized. Job opportunities as Cook / Food Prep / Kitchen ...

Trinity Services Group

Food Service Worker

Eloy, AZ · On-site

$20/hr

Manage inmate labor and team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Serve food during planned meal schedules and according to department procedures. * Use ...

CASA RAMIREZ MEXICAN FOOD LLC

Prep Cook

Catalina, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

A Prep Cook, or Kitchen Assistant, is responsible for food preparation, which then allows the Cooks to maximize their time cooking food. Their main responsibilities include chopping and peeling ...

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All JobsFood Prep JobsFood Prep Assistant JobsFood Prep Assistant Jobs in Arizona

Food Prep Assistant information

See Arizona salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do food prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep assistant in Arizona is $14.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food prep assistant?

Food Prep Assistants are entry-level workers in kitchens who help chefs and cooks by preparing ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, and organizing supplies. Their tasks often include washing, chopping, and measuring food items, as well as ensuring workstations are sanitary. They play a vital role in keeping kitchen operations running smoothly and efficiently, especially during busy periods. This position is a common starting point for those interested in advancing to more skilled culinary roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food prep assistant?

To thrive as a Food Prep Assistant, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and sometimes a food handler’s certification are important technical requirements. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial to maintaining kitchen efficiency, ensuring food safety, and supporting smooth meal preparation in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by food prep assistants in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Food Prep Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining speed and accuracy during busy meal periods, adhering to strict hygiene and safety standards, and efficiently managing multiple prep tasks simultaneously. Adapting to last-minute menu changes and effectively communicating with chefs and other kitchen staff are also key to ensuring smooth kitchen operations. Developing strong organizational skills and staying calm under pressure can help overcome these common challenges and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

What is the difference between Food Prep Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Prep AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsNone required or basic food safety certificationsNone required
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, catering
Job DutiesPreparing ingredients, assembling dishes, basic food prepAssisting with cleaning, basic prep, support tasks

Food Prep Assistants focus on preparing ingredients and assembling dishes in professional kitchens, often requiring basic food safety knowledge. Kitchen Helpers typically perform support tasks like cleaning and basic prep, with less emphasis on food preparation. While both roles work in similar environments, Food Prep Assistants have more specialized responsibilities related to food preparation.

How to become a food prep assistant?

To become a food prep assistant, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic cooking or food handling skills. On-the-job training is common, and knowledge of food safety standards and proper sanitation is important. Some employers may prefer previous experience in food service or culinary skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Prep jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Food Prep jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Prep Assistant jobs in Arizona?

For Food Prep Assistant jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Prep Assistant jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Assistant jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Food Prep Assistant jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Food Prep Assistant job openings:

Food Prep Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Assistant job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,722 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

EL Cook/Prep

El Pollo Loco

Tempe, AZ • On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Position: Prep Cook
Reports to: Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager
Job Overview
The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food safety standards. This role supports kitchen efficiency and consistency, ensuring ingredients are ready for grilling and service.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation
  • Prepare ingredients including marinating chicken, chopping produce, portioning proteins, and preparing salsas according to brand standards.
  • Follow approved recipes, prep lists, and portion controls.
  • Label, date, store, and rotate food items according to FIFO guidelines.
  • Assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as assigned.

Kitchen Support & Operations
  • Maintain clean and organized prep areas, coolers, and storage spaces.
  • Clean and sanitize prep tools, utensils, and equipment.
  • Monitor prep levels and communicate shortages or quality concerns to management.
  • Support kitchen operations during high-volume periods.

Food Safety & Compliance
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
  • Properly handle raw and cooked products to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Comply with company safety policies and cleanliness standards.

Teamwork & Professionalism
  • Work collaboratively with cooks and grill staff.
  • Follow direction from managers and shift leaders.
  • Demonstrate dependability, teamwork, and professionalism.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Physical Activity
  • Standing, walking, bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, and grasping.
  • Cutting, marinating, mixing, and portioning food items.
  • Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects.
  • Communicating with restaurant team members and management.
  • Use of knives, prep equipment, and kitchen tools, as permitted by applicable state age requirements.

Physical Requirements
  • Standing and walking for extended periods during the work shift.
  • Lifting and carrying ranges:
  • 0-10 lbs: Frequent
  • 11-25 lbs: Frequent
  • 26-50 lbs: Occasional with assistance
  • 51-75 lbs: Seldom; team-lift only
  • Pushing and pulling approximately 10-40 lbs of force occasionally.
  • Frequent repetitive hand and wrist movements.

Work Environment
  • Work performed primarily in a restaurant kitchen environment.
  • Exposure to open-flame grills, heat, cold storage areas, noise, wet or slippery surfaces, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Fast-paced environment with variable schedules, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant)
  • Ability to follow prep procedures and recipes accurately.
  • Ability to maintain focus and food safety standards.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Requirements
  • Previous food prep or kitchen experience preferred but not required.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

This document describes the job and its traditional physical, cognitive, and environmental demands. It does not describe the abilities of any individual employee. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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