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Food Preparation Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Industrial Tent Systems LLC

Food Preparation Cook

Houston, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

The Food Preparation Cook is responsible for assisting in the preparation of ingredients, basic cooking, and supporting overall kitchen operations. This role plays a key part in ensuring food is ...

El Pollo Loco

Food Preparation

San Jose, CA

$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.

Wegmans

Food Preparation

Depew, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

... Cook to Executive Chef. Learn about our career paths, training programs, and the heart of what ... cashier, food preparation, stocking, pharmacy, perishable, culinary, and overnight operations.

El Pollo Loco

Food Preparation

Hayward, CA

$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.

El Pollo Loco

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.

El Pollo Loco

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.

El Pollo Loco

Food Preparation

Dublin, CA

$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.

El Pollo Loco

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.

El Pollo Loco

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.

El Pollo Loco

Food Preparation

Hayward, CA

$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.

El Pollo Loco

Food Preparation

Hayward, 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.

El Pollo Loco

Food Preparation

Tracy, CA

$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.

El Pollo Loco

Food Preparation

Concord, CA

$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.

El Pollo Loco

Food Preparation

Concord, CA

$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.

El Pollo Loco

Food Preparation

Concord, CA

$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.

El Pollo Loco

Food Preparation

San Pablo, 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.

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How much do food preparation cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 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.

What are Food Preparation Cooks?

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?

AspectFood Preparation CookLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary skills, food safety certificationsSimilar culinary skills, often with additional station-specific training
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food prep areas, sometimes in catering or large kitchensHot line stations in restaurants, fast-paced kitchen settings
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, catering services, hotelsRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for kitchen roles involving food prepCompared 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, and why are they important?

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.
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Food Preparation Cook jobs near you

Food Preparation Cook

Industrial Tent Systems LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description:

The Food Preparation Cook is responsible for assisting in the preparation of ingredients, basic cooking, and supporting overall kitchen operations. This role plays a key part in ensuring food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to quality standards under the guidance of kitchen leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Prepare ingredients for cooking, including washing, peeling, chopping, and slicing fruits, vegetables, and meats.
  • Assist in basic cooking and assembly of menu items following standardized recipes and instructions.
  • Set up workstations and ingredients so that food can be prepared according to recipes.
  • Label, date, and properly store food items in accordance with food safety standards.
  • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of work areas, utensils, and equipment.
  • Monitor food stock and inform supervisors of shortages or spoilage.
  • Follow all kitchen safety, hygiene, and health procedures.
  • Assist with receiving and organizing kitchen deliveries.
  • Support cooks and chefs during service periods as needed.
  • Dispose of waste and adhere to recycling protocols.
Requirements:
  • High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Prior kitchen or food service experience is an asset.
  • Basic knowledge of food safety and kitchen sanitation standards.
  • Ability to follow instructions and work well as part of a team.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs.
  • Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Preferred Skills:

  • Familiarity with kitchen tools and food preparation techniques.
  • Strong time-management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and physically demanding environment.