1

Food Prep Cook Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Cave Creek, AZ · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage. * Prepare a variety of ... A good Prep Cook must work quickly and efficiently so that our speed of service objectives are met ...

Prep Cook

Cave Creek, AZ · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage. * Prepare a variety of ... A good Prep Cook must work quickly and efficiently so that our speed of service objectives are met ...

Prep Cook

Cave Creek, AZ · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.Prepare a variety of ... A good Prep Cook must work quickly and efficiently so that our speed of service objectives are met ...

Prep Cook

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$15.15 - $18/hr

You are passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences through good, quality food. With previous experience as a prep cook, you are able to manage multiple priorities and contribute to a ...

Prep Cook

AZ · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Prep Cook Job Responsibilities and Duties ... Works closely with Executive Chef and Sous Chef in the planning, preparation and execution of food ...

Prep-Cook

Avondale, AZ · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

You are passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences through good, quality food. With previous experience as a prep cook, you are able to manage multiple priorities and contribute to a ...

New

Prep Cook

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$15.15 - $18/hr

Ideally, you have your ServeSafe or Food Handler's certification. You also have an attention for ... Ensure all prep is cooked and seasoned correctly. * Respond to guest feedback with appropriate ...

Prep Cook

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

You are passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences through good, quality food. As a prep cook, you are able to manage multiple priorities and contribute to a friendly and productive ...

Prep-Cook

Avondale, AZ · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

You are passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences through good, quality food. With previous experience as a prep cook, you are able to manage multiple priorities and contribute to a ...

Kuza Prep Cook

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

North Scottsdale Pay: $20.00+ / hour Job Summary Kuza Prep cooks are responsible for maintaining ... Key Responsibilities ● Maintain cleanliness when prepping ● keeping adequate pars of food prep ...

Prep Cook

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

As a prep cook, you are able to manage multiple priorities and contribute to a friendly and ... Ideally, you have your ServeSafe or Food Handler's certification. You also have an attention for ...

Prep Cook

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Great Food Starts with Great Prep We're looking for a hardworking, detail-oriented Prep Cook to join our culinary team. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced kitchen, take pride in quality and ...

Prep Cook

Peoria, AZ · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

At Bubba's 33, you'll take pride in scratch-made food for all, friendly service, and giving back to ... As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Bubba's 33 ...

Prep Cook

Peoria, AZ · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

At Bubba's 33, you'll take pride in scratch-made food for all, friendly service, and giving back to ... As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Bubba's 33 ...

Job opportunities as Cook / Food Prep / Kitchen Team Member / BOH Crew Member is generally offered as full time or part time restaurant job. Prior experience as a cook, grill cook, fry cook, prep ...

Prep Cook

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Delicious food in a beautiful restaurant! The Prep Cook is one of the most important positions we have in the kitchen to ensure recipe adherence, quality control, and overall sanitation. As a prep ...

Prep Cook

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Delicious food in a beautiful restaurant! The Prep Cook is one of the most important positions we have in the kitchen to ensure recipe adherence, quality control, and overall sanitation. As a prep ...

Prep Cook

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$15/hr

Our team shares a passion for food and life, we work together to create a hospitable experience for ... We are hiring for the position of Prep Cook These roles assist To produce all assigned prep items ...

Prep Cook

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Delicious food in a beautiful restaurant! The Prep Cook is one of the most important positions we have in the kitchen to ensure recipe adherence, quality control, and overall sanitation. As a prep ...

Prep Cook

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$15/hr

Our team shares a passion for food and life, we work together to create a hospitable experience for ... We are hiring for the position of Prep Cook These roles assist To produce all assigned prep items ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Prep Cook information

See Arizona salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do food prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep cook in Arizona is $14.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food prep cook?

Food Prep Cooks are kitchen staff responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the preparation of meals in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, as well as maintaining a clean and organized work area. Food Prep Cooks support chefs and cooks by ensuring that all necessary items are ready for meal service, which helps keep the kitchen running smoothly. This entry-level position is ideal for those interested in gaining experience in the culinary field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food prep cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Prep Cook, you need a solid understanding of basic culinary techniques, food safety practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling procedures, and certifications like ServSafe are commonly required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work efficiently in a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure that food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to a consistent quality standard, which is critical for kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges food prep cooks face during busy shifts, and how can they be managed?

Food Prep Cooks often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, which can make it challenging to keep up with large volumes of orders while maintaining food quality and safety standards. Staying organized, preparing ingredients in advance (mise en place), and maintaining clear communication with team members are essential strategies for managing these challenges. Adapting quickly to last-minute changes and prioritizing tasks also help ensure a smooth workflow and consistent service.

What is the difference between Food Prep Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectFood Prep CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesPrepares ingredients, washes, cuts, and organizes food items before cookingCooks and plates dishes during service, following recipes and timing
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep area, often before service hoursHot line during meal service, fast-paced environment
CredentialsBasic culinary skills, food safety knowledgeSimilar credentials, often with more experience

Food Prep Cooks focus on preparing ingredients and organizing food items, while Line Cooks handle cooking and plating dishes during service. Both roles require culinary skills and food safety knowledge, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

Do food prep cooks make good money?

Food prep cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location and experience, with the median wage around minimum wage to slightly above. They may also receive tips and benefits depending on the employer. Advancement opportunities and additional skills can lead to higher pay in the culinary industry.

How to get a job as a food prep cook?

To get a job as a food prep cook, you should gain basic cooking skills, often through on-the-job training or culinary courses, and demonstrate reliability and attention to hygiene. Experience in a kitchen environment and knowledge of food safety standards can improve your chances of employment. Applying to restaurants, cafes, or catering services and highlighting relevant skills in your resume can help you secure a position.
Infographic showing various Food Prep Cook 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 $30,406 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

$19 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

El Encanto Restaurants is hiring a prep cook to join our team! We are a family run restaurant who treats all of its employees like family! This position starts at $19.00 - $22.00 an hour. We offer benefits for full time employees and incentives like company parties, meal discounts, growth opportunities and major holidays off!
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Prep Cook at El Encanto is responsible for managing the preparation of a variety of food products including meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, sauces, stocks, tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and other food products using a variety of equipment and utensils according to the Daily Prep List.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
  • Promote, work, and act in a manner consistent with the El Encanto Mission Statement and Core Values.
  • Always arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled time and in a clean uniform
  • Immediately ask the Kitchen Manager or manager-on-duty about menu specials and any other product, menu issues you should be aware of.
  • Refer to Daily Prep List at the start of each shift for assigned duties.
  • Understand and comply with standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards, and kitchen rules, policies, and procedures.
  • Clean and sanitize work station area including tables, shelves, walls grills, broilers, fryers, pasta cookers, saut burners, convection oven, flat top range and refrigeration equipment.
  • Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
  • Prepare a variety of foods, such as meats, vegetables, or desserts, according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions, following approved procedures in broilers, ovens, grills, fryers and a variety of other kitchen equipment.
  • Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.
  • Wash, peel, and cut various foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to prepare for cooking or serving.
  • Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service, or store them in refrigerated storage cabinets.
  • Portion according to standard portion sizes and recipe specifications and wrap the food, or place it directly on plates for service to guests.
  • Weigh or measure ingredients.
  • Mix ingredients for green salads, molded fruit salads, vegetable salads, and pasta salads.
  • Receive and store food supplies, equipment, and utensils in refrigerators, cupboards, and other storage areas.
  • Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers.
  • Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items.
  • Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
  • Use manual or electric appliances to clean, peel, slice, and trim foods.
  • Promptly inform supervisors when equipment is not working properly and when food and supplies are getting low, and order needed items.
  • Make special dressings and sauces as condiments for sandwiches.
  • Stir and strain soups and sauces.
  • Uses the Standard Recipe Card for preparing all products; does not rely on the memory of oneself or others.
  • Complete opening and closing checklists and assists others in opening and closing the kitchen.
  • Attend all scheduled employee meetings and offers suggestions for improvement.
  • Coordinate with and assist fellow employees to meet guests' needs and support the operation of the restaurant.
  • Fill-in for fellow employees where needed to ensure guest service standards and efficient operations

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB
Efficiency and speed: A good Prep Cook must work quickly and efficiently so that our speed of service objectives are met while preparing food that meets our high standards of quality and plate presentation.
Organization: Since speed of execution is so important so is maintaining an organized work area. A good Prep Cook has the right tools and equipment ready when needed
Focus on quality, pride in work: A Prep Cook's work is placed directly in front of our guests. The type of job performed by our Prep Cooks influences our guests' entire experience. Good Prep Cooks take great pride in serving great food and follow our high standards of quality and consistency on every product that leaves their station.
Always a Team Player: A good Prep Cook is always aware of what's happening on the Prep and in the kitchen and is ready and willing to help others get the job done. You may be asked to work some shifts at another location.
REQUIRED/NECESSARY SKILLS
Ability to lift 20 lbs or more.
Willing to stand or walk for extended periods.
Availability to work evenings and on weekends, including holidays.
Physical Strength required to include significant bending, carrying, reaching, lifting
Tools & Technology
o Commercial use:
o blenders, choppers, cubers, dicers, grinders, processors, and/or slicers
o broilers, deep fryers, griddles, grills, microwave ovens, ovens, pizza ovens, ranges, rotisseries, steamers, and/or toasters
o cutlery
o dishwashers
o food warmers
o measuring cups
o mixers
o scales
o woks
o Ice dispensers
o Personal computers
o Point of sale terminal
o Roasting machinery