Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Dishwasher / Food Preparation Full Time
Las Vegas, NV · On-site
$13 - $15/hr
You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...
Quick apply
Dishwasher / Food Preparation Full Time
Las Vegas, NV · On-site
$13 - $15/hr
You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...
Dishwasher / Food Preparation Full Time
Las Vegas, NV · On-site
$13 - $15/hr
You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...
Quick apply
Dishwasher / Food Preparation Full Time
Las Vegas, NV · On-site
$13 - $15/hr
You will assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals in our professional kitchen. Responsibilities: * Prepare all served food * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving ...
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Quick apply
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Tracy, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Tracy, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Dublin, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Dublin, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
San Jose, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
San Jose, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Tracy, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Tracy, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Salinas, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Salinas, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Pittsburg, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Pittsburg, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation Worker
Sylva, NC · On-site
$10.25 - $14/hr
Steaming vegetables and other basic cooking responsibilities. * Ensuring ingredients are tagged ... Food Preparation Worker Requirements: * High school diploma, GED, or a suitable alternative.
Food Preparation Worker
Sylva, NC · On-site
$10.25 - $14/hr
Steaming vegetables and other basic cooking responsibilities. * Ensuring ingredients are tagged ... Food Preparation Worker Requirements: * High school diploma, GED, or a suitable alternative.
Food Preparation
Concord, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Concord, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Concord, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Concord, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Banquet Preparation Cook
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$17.50 - $21.75/hr
Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality standards, presentation standards, and food preparation checklist. Prepare cold foods. Operate ovens, stoves, grills, microwaves, and fryers. Test ...
Banquet Preparation Cook
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$17.50 - $21.75/hr
Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality standards, presentation standards, and food preparation checklist. Prepare cold foods. Operate ovens, stoves, grills, microwaves, and fryers. Test ...
Food Preparation
Oakland, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Oakland, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Vacaville, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Vacaville, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
This is a Full-Time position for Food Preparation. Prep is an important and vital position in our ... Whether we're cooking the perfect ButterBurger ® to order or scooping up our freshest batch of the ...
Quick apply
This is a Full-Time position for Food Preparation. Prep is an important and vital position in our ... Whether we're cooking the perfect ButterBurger ® to order or scooping up our freshest batch of the ...
Food Preparation
Sacramento, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation
Sacramento, CA · On-site
$20/hr
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Quick apply
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary: Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Food Preparation Cook information
See salary details
$8.89 - $10.10
2% of jobs
$10.10 - $11.30
4% of jobs
$11.30 - $12.50
9% of jobs
$13.70 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.50 - $13.70
10% of jobs
$13.70 - $14.90
14% of jobs
The median wage is $15.71 / hr.
$14.90 - $16.11
16% of jobs
$16.11 - $17.31
15% of jobs
$17.74 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.31 - $18.51
12% of jobs
$18.51 - $19.71
9% of jobs
$19.71 - $20.91
5% of jobs
$20.91 - $22.12
3% of jobs
$8
$16
$22
How much do food preparation cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for food preparation cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Is a food preparation cook an entry-level job?
Yes, a food preparation cook is often considered an entry-level position in the culinary industry. It typically requires basic cooking skills, a high school diploma or equivalent, and sometimes a food handler's certification. Many cooks gain experience on the job and can advance to higher roles with additional skills and training.
Do food preparation cooks make good money?
Food preparation cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location and experience, with median pay around minimum wage to slightly above, depending on the establishment. Experienced cooks or those working in high-end restaurants can earn higher wages, and some may receive tips or benefits. Overall, the pay is generally considered modest compared to other culinary or hospitality roles.
How to get a job as a food preparation cook?
To become a food preparation cook, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in food handling or cooking. Gaining skills through on-the-job training or culinary courses can improve your chances, and certifications like food safety training are often preferred by employers.
What is a food preparation cook?
Food Preparation Cooks, also known as prep cooks, are kitchen staff responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting chefs or line cooks in restaurant and food service settings. Their duties typically include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, preparing simple dishes, and ensuring the kitchen is clean and organized. Prep cooks play a crucial role in making sure that meals are prepared efficiently and according to recipes. They often work under the supervision of chefs and help maintain a smooth workflow in the kitchen.
What are some typical challenges faced by food preparation cooks, and how can they be managed on the job?
Food preparation cooks often face challenges such as working efficiently under time pressure, maintaining consistent food quality, and adhering to strict food safety standards. Balancing multiple tasks, such as prepping ingredients, keeping workstations clean, and assisting chefs, requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective communication with team members and a willingness to adapt to changing kitchen demands can help manage these challenges and contribute to a smooth workflow.
What is the difference between Food Preparation Cook vs Line Cook?
| Aspect | Food Preparation Cook | Line Cook |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Basic culinary skills, food safety certifications | Similar culinary skills, often with additional station-specific training |
| Work Environment | Kitchen, food prep areas, sometimes in catering or large kitchens | Hot line stations in restaurants, fast-paced kitchen settings |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Restaurants, catering services, hotels | Restaurants, hotels, catering |
| Common Search & Comparison | Often compared for kitchen roles involving food prep | Compared for station-specific cooking roles |
Food Preparation Cooks focus on preparing ingredients and dishes in a variety of kitchen settings, often handling multiple tasks. Line Cooks specialize in cooking specific dishes at designated stations during service. Both roles require culinary skills and food safety knowledge, but Food Preparation Cooks typically handle prep work, while Line Cooks focus on cooking during service hours.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food preparation cook?
To thrive as a Food Preparation Cook, you need a solid understanding of basic cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen sanitation, often supported by a food handler’s permit or similar certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and recipe management software is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safety, and smooth kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment.
More about Food Preparation Cook jobs
What job categories do people searching Food Preparation Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Preparation Cook jobs are:
Job description
Food Preparation/Dishwasher
Food Preparation/Dishwasher Job Summary:
Prepare all the delicious side dishes that accompany our chicken, assist in maintaining the kitchen clean and organized.
Responsibilities/Duties:
- Follows company food handling and safety procedures.
- Follows projections through the shift to maintain proper food product levels at expected quality.
- Follows cold and hot preparation recipes according to standards, and inspects all ingredients.
- Maintains dishes clean throughout the shift following manual warewashing standards.
- Provides support to peers such as restocking packed products in coolers for cashiers, packaging cold prepped items, and other tasks assigned.
- Maintains a clean and sanitized work area, including equipment, tools and storage areas.
- Assists in training new Food Preparation personnel.
- Performs additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to move 50lbs, with assistance is required
- Ability to lift, pull, toss 40lbs trash bags
- Must have a high level of mobility/flexibility
- Ability to reach, bend, stoop, scrub, lift and wipe.
- Exposure to heat, cold, smoke and odor.
- Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
- Must be able to work under stress/pressure during peak periods.
Qualification Standards:
- CA Food Handler Certificate is required
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must be able to read company recipes cards in either English or Spanish
- Must have a basic understanding of how to follow a recipe.
- Flexible schedule
- Referral program
- Employee discount
About El Polo Loco
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Restaurants
Company size
11 - 50 Employees
Headquarters location
Gardena, CA, US