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Food Preparation Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Preparation Worker Location: CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY - 45065004 Workdays/shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

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 ...

Food Preparation Worker

Westborough, MA · On-site

$12.25 - $17/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 ...

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 ...

Food Preparation Worker Location: CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY - 45065004 Workdays/shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

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 ...

Food Preparation Worker Location: CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY - 45065004 Workdays/shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

Food Preparation Worker Location: CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY - 45065004 Workdays/shifts ... May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads. * Attends work ...

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 ...

Food Preparation Workers

Orangeburg, NY

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

The persons selected for this position will perform a variety of food preparation tasks other than cooking, to include preparing cold foods / shellfish and slicing meat; storing and stocking of food ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Food Preparation Cook information

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$8

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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.
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 Worker

Food Preparation Worker

Sodexo

Thousand Oaks, CA

$17 - $20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 1,107 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

300th of 425 rated business services


Job description

Food Preparation Worker


Location: CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY - 45065004

Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Employment Type: Part-time

Pay Range: $17.00 per hour - $20.00 per hour

University students with restrictions on number of hours they can work, including international students, should apply for open student worker positions at the school they attend. You can search student worker jobs here (https://sodexo.paradox.ai/7nq0G05)


Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. 


What You’ll Do: As a Food Preparation Worker at Sodexo, you are a pair of helping hands and a good mood motivator. This role includes the preparation and serving of our vibrant menus and ensuring all working areas are kept clean and tidy. Your welcoming customer service puts a smile on people's faces and makes an impact in their everyday lives. 


Responsibilities include:

  • Reads recipes and/or product directions and assists in the preparation of hot and/or cold foods using a variety of kitchen utensils/equipment
  • Clean and sanitize work stations and production equipment
  • May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads.
  • Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity
  • Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements.


What You Bring:

  • Successful candidates will be team-oriented, adaptable, reliable, and nurturers of a healthy/safe working environment for all.
  • 0 – 1 year of related experience is beneficial


Link to full Job description 


What We Offer:

  • Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life’s important moments.
  • Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career
  • Full array of benefits that support you and your family’s wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more. 
  • In addition to Sodexo’s standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free “shift” meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking. 


Link to benefits summary


Overall, Sodexo strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo’s benefit offerings during the interview process. 


Who we are:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. 


Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace culture and belonging as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form.




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