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Food Prep Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook-Corsica Reston

Reston, VA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Description The Prep Cook is responsible for working under the leadership of the restaurant's executive chef for all food preparation needs. He/she performs routine and day-to-day tasks that are ...

Prep Cook-14th Street

Washington, DC · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

The Prep Cook is responsible for working under the leadership of the restaurant's executive chef for all food preparation needs. He/she performs routine and day-to-day tasks that are needed to allow ...

Prep Cook-14th Street

Washington, DC

$16 - $20.25/hr

Description The Prep Cook is responsible for working under the leadership of the restaurant's executive chef for all food preparation needs. He/she performs routine and day-to-day tasks that are ...

Prep Cook-14th Street

Washington, DC · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

Description The Prep Cook is responsible for working under the leadership of the restaurant's executive chef for all food preparation needs. He/she performs routine and day-to-day tasks that are ...

Prep Cook-14th Street

Washington, DC · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

The Prep Cook is responsible for working under the leadership of the restaurant's executive chef for all food preparation needs. He/she performs routine and day-to-day tasks that are needed to allow ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Prep information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do food prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep in Springfield, VA is $16.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food prep worker do?

A food prep worker is responsible for preparing ingredients and assembling dishes in a kitchen or food service setting. They wash, chop, and measure ingredients, follow safety and sanitation standards, and often use tools like knives and food processors to ensure efficient meal preparation. Attention to detail and adherence to hygiene protocols are essential in this role.

What is a food prep?

Food prep workers, or food preparation workers, assist chefs and cooks by performing routine tasks such as washing, peeling, cutting, and measuring ingredients. They help ensure that food is prepared efficiently and safely, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and following food safety guidelines. Their responsibilities may also include stocking supplies, cleaning workstations, and occasionally assisting with basic cooking duties. Food prep workers are essential in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments.

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

To thrive as a Food Prep, you need basic food safety knowledge, knife skills, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically expected. Strong attention to detail, time management, and teamwork make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality food preparation in busy kitchen environments.

How to become a food prep worker?

To become a food prep worker, typically no formal education is required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. On-the-job training is common, and skills such as knife handling, food safety, and sanitation are important; certifications like ServSafe can enhance job prospects. Experience in a kitchen environment and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced setting are also valuable.

What are some common challenges faced in a food prep role, and how can they be managed?

Food Prep roles often involve working in fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are crucial. Common challenges include maintaining strict food safety standards, handling repetitive tasks efficiently, and adapting to fluctuating demand during busy periods. Staying organized, communicating clearly with kitchen staff, and following established protocols help manage these challenges. Additionally, being proactive about cleanliness and preparation can ensure smooth kitchen operations and reduce stress during peak hours.

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.

What is the difference between Food Prep vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood PrepFood Service Worker
Primary DutiesPreparing ingredients, assembling dishes, basic cookingServing customers, taking orders, handling transactions
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food production areasDining area, customer service stations
CredentialsFood safety certifications often requiredCustomer service skills, sometimes food safety training
Industry UsageRestaurants, catering, food manufacturingRestaurants, cafes, fast food outlets

Food Prep roles focus on preparing ingredients and dishes in the kitchen, while Food Service Workers handle customer interactions and serve food. Both roles are essential in food service establishments but differ mainly in responsibilities and work environment.

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Food Prep jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Food Prep job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Prep job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,081 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Prep Cook-Corsica Reston

Barcelona Wine Bar

Reston, VA • On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago


Barcelona Wine Bar rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

The Prep Cook is responsible for working under the leadership of the restaurant's executive chef for all food preparation needs. He/she performs routine and day-to-day tasks that are needed to allow the line cooks to turn out perfect meals. Tasks include chopping vegetables, breaking down stations, cutting meat, weighing and mixing ingredients, washing and preparing vegetables, storing food properly, and more.

Responsibilities

  • Follow clear direction in food preparation and storing
  • Clearly label and date all prepped items, especially those stored for later use
  • Ensure that all food properly prepared for use by the line cooks

Skills

  • Strong listener in order to understand specific directions on food prep
  • Understand the English language in order to execute recipes
  • Clear communication skills in between coworkers
  • Basic math and written communication skills

Working Conditions

  • Be able to use manual dexterity to cut/chop food
  • Stand for the entirety of a scheduled shift
  • Be able to endure hot/cold work conditions while preparing food

Education/Experience

  • High school diploma, or equivalent (preferred).
  • 2 or 4 year culinary degree preferred, but not required.
  • Minimum of 1-2 years experience in food service/hospitality field
  • Food handler's card may be required according to local and or state regulations

What Barcelona Wine Bar employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Barcelona Wine Bar logo

About Barcelona Wine Bar

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Barcelona Restaurant and Wine Bar is an award-winning Spanish tapas restaurant group. Barcelona was begun in 1995 by Sasa Mahr-Batuz, based on his memories of years of living in Spain and Portugal, and Andy Pforzheimer, based on his 20 years as a chef at world-famous restaurants in France, California and New York. Beginning with a tiny, 38-seat wine bar they set out to recreate the feel and the look of an evening in Barcelona. They worked hard and made no compromises to achieve their aims: sophisticated décor that evoked Milan, SoHo, or Rio de Janeiro. Simple, flavor-filled dishes redolent with olive oil, lemon, smoky paprika. A comprehensive list of wines by the glass from around the world, with an emphasis on the lesser-known regions of Spain and Portugal. They were guided not by any places that existed at the time, but only by what they liked, and the way they liked it.

Industry

Alcoholic beverages wholesalers

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Norwalk, CT, US

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