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Food Preparation Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Huddle House

Food Preparation Worker

Franklin, NC · On-site

$10.50 - $14.25/hr

Steaming vegetables and other basic cooking responsibilities. * Ensuring ingredients are tagged ... Food Preparation Worker Requirements: * High school diploma, GED, or a suitable alternative.

Culver's

Food Preparation

Wendell, NC

$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 ...

The Melting Pot

Food Preparation

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

$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 ...

Huddle House

Food Preparation Worker

Franklin, NC · On-site

$10.50 - $14.25/hr

Steaming vegetables and other basic cooking responsibilities. * Ensuring ingredients are tagged ... Food Preparation Worker Requirements: * High school diploma, GED, or a suitable alternative.

SodexoMagic

Food Preparation Worker

Summit, NJ · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Food Preparation Worker Location: CELGENE, SUMMIT - 93032001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Sodexo

Food Preparation Worker

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$15.50 - $17/hr

Food Preparation Worker Location: COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY - 10900021 Workdays/shifts : Varying ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Cumberland Farms

Food Preparation Worker

Westborough, MA · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

This position will prepare raw items for cooking to include slicing meat and cheese for the ... Preferred Experience: 3 years of experience in a food service or manufacturing environment to ...

Magruder Hospital

Cook/Food Prep

Port Clinton, OH

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

What You'll Do Food Preparation & Cooking Prepare ingredients and cook menu items for patient meals, cafe service, and special functions Execute short-order grill and deli station cooking with speed ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Newark, DE · On-site

Preparing and cooking menu items according to McDonald's food safety and quality standards ... Assembling sandwiches, fries, and breakfast items quickly and accurately * Maintaining a clean ...

FH BAGELS LLC

Food Preparation

Landenberg, PA · On-site

$15/hr

Descripción del puesto Buscamos un(a) Auxiliar de Cocina / Preparación de Alimentos con experiencia para unirse a nuestro equipo en un ambiente dinámico y de alto ritmo. Este es un rol operativo y ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Newark, DE · On-site

Preparing and cooking menu items according to McDonald's food safety and quality standards ... Assembling sandwiches, fries, and breakfast items quickly and accurately * Maintaining a clean ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

Preparing and cooking menu items according to McDonald's food safety and quality standards ... Assembling sandwiches, fries, and breakfast items quickly and accurately * Maintaining a clean ...

McDonald's

Food Preparation Specialist

Wilmington, DE · On-site

Preparing and cooking menu items according to McDonald's food safety and quality standards ... Assembling sandwiches, fries, and breakfast items quickly and accurately * Maintaining a clean ...

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All JobsFood Preparation Cook Jobs

Food Preparation Cook information

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$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 Worker

Food Preparation Worker

Huddle House

Franklin, NC • On-site

$10.50 - $14.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Huddle House rating

4.0

Company rating: 4.0 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Food Preparation WorkerFood Preparation Worker Responsibilities:
  • Working effectively with the kitchen team, and complying with company procedures and food safety policies.
  • Preparing workstation with required ingredients and equipment, and keeping station sanitary and organized throughout the shift.
  • Preparing ingredients following recipes and guidelines.
  • Steaming vegetables and other basic cooking responsibilities.
  • Ensuring ingredients are tagged, date-labeled, covered, stored, and rotated effectively.
  • Overseeing food levels and restocking items on time.
  • Keeping utensils and equipment clean and sanitary.
  • Establishing stock levels at end of shift and capturing information on standardized stock sheets.
  • Removing trash and clearing storage bins.
Food Preparation Worker Requirements:
  • High school diploma, GED, or a suitable alternative.
  • Excellent understanding of food preparation fundamentals.
  • Ability to follow recipes.
  • Sound understanding of food allergies and foodborne illnesses.
  • Basic mathematical skills.
  • Proficient knife handling skills.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Available to work shifts, on public holidays, and over weekends.

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