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Fresh Prep Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Casa Madera West Hollywood

Prep Cook

West Hollywood, CA

$21 - $23/hr

The menu celebrates fresh, thoughtful ingredients, warm flavors, and dishes rooted in tradition ... The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients, simple dishes, condiments, and foundational ...

Walts Wharf Inc

Prep Cook

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Prep Cook - High Volume Seafood Restaurant Join our dynamic culinary team at a bustling seafood restaurant known for its fresh, high-quality dishes and vibrant atmosphere. We are seeking a dedicated ...

Walt's Wharf

Prep Cook

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Prep Cook - High Volume Seafood Restaurant Join our dynamic culinary team at a bustling seafood restaurant known for its fresh, high-quality dishes and vibrant atmosphere. We are seeking a dedicated ...

The Halal Shack SDSU

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Prep Cook Why This Job is Amazing: * Flexible Schedule : Enjoy working 32 weeks during the school ... Work with fresh, high-quality ingredients to prepare veggies, proteins, sauces, and other ...

Walts Wharf Inc

Prep Cook

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Description Prep Cook - High Volume Seafood Restaurant Join our dynamic culinary team at a bustling seafood restaurant known for its fresh, high-quality dishes and vibrant atmosphere. We are seeking ...

Urbane Cafe Operations LLC

Prep Cook

Goleta, CA · On-site

$20.50/hr

Prep and maintain the quantities of ingredients needed for our salads, sandwiches and bowls * Chop ... We craft gourmet sandwiches, farm fresh salads and unique bowls using refined local ingredients ...

Damor Chai SDSU

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Prep Cook Why This Job is Amazing: * Flexible Schedule : Enjoy working 32 weeks during the school ... Work with fresh, high-quality ingredients to prepare veggies, proteins, sauces, and other ...

mendocinofarms

PREP

Berkeley, CA

$20 - $25/hr

NOW HIRING PREP! Make up to $20.00 - $25.00 / hr including tips! We're not just selling sandwiches ... We use fresh ingredients you can feel good about. We believe that every guest is a friend we haven ...

Urbane Cafe Operations LLC

Prep Cook

Glendale, CA · On-site

$20.50/hr

Prep and maintain the quantities of ingredients needed for our salads, sandwiches and bowls * Chop ... We craft gourmet sandwiches, farm fresh salads and unique bowls using refined local ingredients ...

mendocinofarms

PREP

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

NOW HIRING PREP! Make up to $20.00 - $25.00 / hr including tips! We're not just selling sandwiches ... We use fresh ingredients you can feel good about. We believe that every guest is a friend we haven ...

Urbane Cafe

Prep Cook

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$20.50/hr

We are looking for Prep Cooks to maintain quantities needed for our amazing salads and sandwiches ... We create a warm, inviting, hip and contemporary setting where our guests enjoy fresh, healthy food ...

Urbane Cafe

Prep Cook

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$20.50/hr

We are looking for Prep Cooks to maintain quantities needed for our amazing salads and sandwiches ... We create a warm, inviting, hip and contemporary setting where our guests enjoy fresh, healthy food ...

Urbane Cafe

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20.50/hr

We are looking for Prep Cooks to maintain quantities needed for our amazing salads and sandwiches ... We create a warm, inviting, hip and contemporary setting where our guests enjoy fresh, healthy food ...

Urbane Cafe

Prep Cook

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$20.50/hr

We are looking for Prep Cooks to maintain quantities needed for our amazing salads and sandwiches ... We create a warm, inviting, hip and contemporary setting where our guests enjoy fresh, healthy food ...

Urbane Cafe

Prep Cook

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20.50/hr

We are looking for Prep Cooks to maintain quantities needed for our amazing salads and sandwiches ... We create a warm, inviting, hip and contemporary setting where our guests enjoy fresh, healthy food ...

Golden Corral

Food Prep Person

Modesto, CA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

The freshness of our Cold Choice Buffet makes a statement about our buffet being fresh and of high-quality. Operational Excellence: * Prepares prep items according to Golden Corral product ...

Golden Corral

Food Prep Person

Fresno, CA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

The freshness of our Cold Choice Buffet makes a statement about our buffet being fresh and of high-quality. Operational Excellence: * Prepares prep items according to Golden Corral product ...

Golden Corral

Food Prep Person

Concord, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

The freshness of our Cold Choice Buffet makes a statement about our buffet being fresh and of high-quality. Operational Excellence: * Prepares prep items according to Golden Corral product ...

Wood Ranch

Prep Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Position Summary: The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and ... Prepares fresh produce by peeling, cutting, and portioning. * Prepares meat by trimming, cutting ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFresh Prep JobsFresh Prep Jobs in California

Fresh Prep information

See California salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do fresh prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for fresh prep in California is $14.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $15.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Fresh Prep team members and how are they typically addressed?

Fresh Prep team members often navigate challenges such as maintaining food safety standards during busy shifts and managing time efficiently to ensure all ingredients are prepped according to schedule. Working as part of a team in a fast-paced kitchen environment also requires strong communication and adaptability. Most organizations address these challenges by providing thorough training, clear protocols, and encouraging open communication among staff. Regular feedback and supportive supervision help team members grow and improve their workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fresh Prep?

To thrive as a Fresh Prep worker, you need a basic understanding of food safety, kitchen hygiene, and efficient food preparation techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure food quality, safety compliance, and a productive, collaborative work environment in fast-paced food service operations.

What is the difference between Fresh Prep vs Food Prep?

AspectFresh PrepFood Prep
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, meal kit assembly linesCommercial kitchens, catering services, meal preparation areas
Industry UsageMeal kit delivery companies, food service providersRestaurants, catering, food manufacturing
Job FocusAssembling meal kits, portioning ingredientsPreparing ingredients, cooking, portioning

Fresh Prep and Food Prep roles both involve working in food service environments with similar credentials and certifications. Fresh Prep focuses on assembling meal kits and portioning ingredients, while Food Prep encompasses a broader range of food preparation tasks including cooking and ingredient prep. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ mainly in scope and specific responsibilities.

What is a Fresh Prep?

Fresh Prep workers are employees who prepare fresh ingredients and meals in food service settings, such as restaurants, cafeterias, or meal kit companies. Their duties typically include washing, chopping, and portioning produce, as well as assembling salads, sandwiches, or meal kits. Fresh Prep workers help ensure that food is prepared safely, efficiently, and according to quality standards. This role is essential for maintaining a smooth kitchen operation and delivering fresh, high-quality meals to customers.
What are popular job titles related to Fresh Prep jobs in California? For Fresh Prep jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fresh Prep jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Fresh Prep jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Fresh Prep jobs? Cities in California with the most Fresh Prep job openings:
Fresh Prep jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fresh Prep job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,375 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Prep Cook

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

General Description: 
 
As a Prep Cook, you will be responsible for a strict adherence to recipe standards. The Prep Cook is committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, safety, and sanitation standards during the shift and prepares food with proper safety equipment, tools and recipe specs with further direction from Management. The Prep Cook is also responsible for knowing the food hierarchy in the storage of products in the walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer, and also keeping the dry storage organized. The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing fresh, delicious food that looks great too.
 
Responsibilities: 
  • Responsible for the preparation of food items. We have a diverse menu that requires speed and accurate preparation, and you should feel proud of each item you prepare. 
  • Follow prep list and be proactive about keeping prep items always in stock
  • Follow recipes by accurately measuring ingredients and following mixing methods
  • Prepare ingredients by washing and slicing vegetables and cutting meats
  • Undertake basic cooking duties such as sauteeing vegetables and boiling soups
  • Label and stock all food products for proper rotation
  • Understanding of sanitation and cleanliness standards and procedures
  • Perform other related duties as requested
  • Responsible for maintaining equipment and the cleanliness of your surroundings. 
  • Working as a team to achieve standards in preparation and delivery of food items 

Qualifications:  
  • Good understanding of ingredients, recipes, kitchen safety and hygiene 
  • Familiar with general kitchen equipment and appliances 
  • Able to follow instructions accurately and efficiently 
  • Able to perform well under pressure in a fast-paced environment 
  • Reliable transportation  
  • Able to lift a minimum of 20 lbs  
Education Background:  
  • None 
 
Schedule/Compensation:  
  • Part-time/Full-Time/Hourly 
  • 10-40 hours weekly.