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Food Preparation Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Culver's

Food Preparation

Wendell, NC · On-site

$13/hr

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 ...

El Pollo Loco

Food Preparation

Napa, 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.

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

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

San Rafael, CA

$16.50/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

$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

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.

The Melting Pot

Food Preparation

Red Bank, NJ · On-site

$16/hr

The HOH team members are involved with every facet of food preparation, as well as the final ... cooked at the table. We are the authority on the craveable and indulgent art of fondue. At Melting ...

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

Napa, 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.

The Melting Pot

Food Preparation

Red Bank, NJ

$16/hr

The HOH team members are involved with every facet of food preparation, as well as the final ... cooked at the table. We are the authority on the craveable and indulgent art of fondue. At Melting ...

Huddle House

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.

The Melting Pot

Food Preparation

Saint Petersburg, FL

$17/hr

The HOH team members are involved with every facet of food preparation, as well as the final ... cooked at the table. We are the authority on the craveable and indulgent art of fondue. At Melting ...

El Pollo Loco

Food Preparation

Roseville, 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 Rafael, CA · On-site

$16.50/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 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.

Huddle House

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.

Chick-fil-A

Food Preparation

Oldsmar, FL · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

At Chick-fil-A Oldsmar, our Back of House Food Preparation Team Members play a crucial role in delivering the quality and freshness our guests expect. This position focuses on preparing ingredients ...

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All JobsFood Preparation Cook Jobs

Food Preparation Cook information

See salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do food preparation cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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.

How to get hired as a prep cook?

To get hired as a prep cook, applicants should have basic cooking skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards, and experience with kitchen tools and ingredients. A high school diploma or equivalent is often required, and some employers prefer previous kitchen experience or culinary training. Applying to entry-level positions, demonstrating reliability, and being able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment can improve chances of employment.

What companies will pay you to cook?

Food preparation cooks can find employment at a variety of companies including restaurants, hotels, catering services, cafeterias, and institutional kitchens. These employers pay for cooking skills, often requiring food safety certifications and the ability to work flexible hours. Opportunities are available in both large organizations and small establishments across the hospitality and food service industries.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying roles for cooks include executive chefs and head cooks, often found in fine dining restaurants, hotels, or large culinary establishments. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary certifications, and they can earn significantly higher salaries than standard line cooks or prep cooks.

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 qualifications do you need to be a prep cook?

To be a prep cook, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with basic cooking skills and knowledge of food safety standards. Prior experience in food preparation or kitchen work can be beneficial, and some employers may require food handler certifications. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment are also important.

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.
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:
Food Preparation Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Preparation Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.
Food Preparation

Food Preparation

Culver's

Wendell, NC • On-site

$13/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Culver's rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 1,981 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 18 rated casual dining restaurants

Job description

Culvers is looking for True Blue Crew Members!

As a Culver’s True Blue Crew Member you will have the opportunity to work with a positive team, focus on providing a place to grow, learn and develop.

We offer:

• Competitive Wages

• On the Job Training

• Meal Discounts

• Career Opportunities

• And Much, Much More…

This is a Full-Time position for Food Preparation.

Prep is an important and vital position in our restaurant. This position requires lifting, bending and standing for long periods of time. Information about is position is as follows:

What you'll do:

• Manage Prep Levels by managing product shelf life is essential to preparing fresh products and quality.

• Food preparation activities should be ongoing throughout the day with a less more often approach verses prepping to avoid running out.

• Plan your prep activities based on sales to maintain adequate levels for each lunch and dinner hour to meet anticipated sales volume and maximize freshness. Items such as sliced tomatoes, cucumbers and lemons should be prepped at least twice a day to minimize next day carryover.

• Adjust prep and pull lists according to seasonality as a way to control cost and ensure quality.

• Provide excellent guest service and hospitality

• Help prepare and/or serve great food

• Support great dining and meal experiences for guests

Qualifications:

• Can work 35-40 hours per week

• A Genuine Smile!

• Dependability

• Physical Requirements: Stand/Walk constantly. Lift/Carry 10-50 lbs.

• Weekend and/or Dayside Availability Preferred.

• Servsafe is a plus but not required.

We make it our commitment that any guest that chooses Culver’s leaves happy – and that means creating a great experience for you as well!

Whether we’re cooking the perfect ButterBurger® to order or scooping up our freshest batch of the Flavor of the Day, we work hard to ensure you will always leave happy.
It all goes back to our small-town Wisconsin roots. We know you have a lot to do and many options to choose from, so we appreciate when you take the time to visit Culver’s. If we can do our part to make your day better – with a wholesome, delicious meal or a heartfelt smile – we’ve done our job.

What Culver's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Culver's logo

About Culver's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

In 1984, Craig and Lea Culver, along with Craig’s parents George and Ruth, opened the very first Culver's in the family’s beloved hometown of Sauk City, Wisconsin, and began serving ButterBurgers® and Frozen Custard. Craveable as our signature combination is, the Culver family knew right away that although the business is centered around the food, it is really about the people. While folks can vividly recall the first time they bit into a ButterBurger or tasted a scoop of rich, creamy Fresh Frozen Custard, it’s our way of welcoming guests that truly makes Culver’s delicious.

Industry

Food services and drinking places and restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Prairie du Sac, WI, US

View All Culver's Jobs