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Fresh Prep Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/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 ...

Prep Cook

Agoura Hills, CA ยท 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 ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/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 ...

Prep Cook

Valencia, CA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/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 ...

Prep Cook

Irvine, CA ยท 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 ...

Prep Cook

Irvine, CA ยท 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 ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/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 ...

Prep Cook

Laguna Niguel, CA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/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 ...

Prep Cook

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/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 ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/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 ...

Prep Cook

Irvine, CA ยท 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 ...

Prep Cook

Manhattan Beach, CA ยท 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 ...

Prep Cook

Chino Hills, CA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/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 ...

Prep Cook

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$15 - $18.75/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 ...

Prep Cook

Moorpark, CA ยท On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Prep Cook

Camarillo, CA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/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 ...

Prep Cook

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Prep Cook

Thousand Oaks, CA ยท On-site

$15 - $19/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 ...

Prep Cook

Moorpark, CA

$14.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Fresh Prep information

See California salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do fresh prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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 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 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Fresh Prep job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. 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

woodranch

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up, stocking, preparing ingredients, preparing simple dishes, and presenting dishes according to Wood Ranchโ€™s recipes and specification.ย 

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Prep Cook Responsibilities:

  • Setting up and sanitizing workstations.
  • Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors.
  • Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools.
  • Prepare food according to Wood Ranch recipes and health department standards.
  • Ensuring all food items are labelled, properly stored, and easily accessible.ย 
  • Washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients, like fruits, vegetables, and meats.ย 
  • Prepares fresh produce by peeling, cutting, and portioning.
  • Prepares meat by trimming, cutting, and portioning.
  • Perform culinary duties, including slicing, chopping, frying, broiling, and grilling.ย 
  • Communicate openly with management regarding any work-related concerns.ย 
  • Ensures and promote kitchen safety, hygiene codes, and cleanliness.ย 
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Minimum of 6 monthsโ€™ experience as a line cook or prep cook in a full-service restaurant.

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Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Basic understanding of or the ability to learn basic sanitation and regulations for workplace safety.
  • Basic understanding of or the ability to learn food handling techniques, preparation, and cooking procedures.
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
  • Ability to work quickly and efficiently.ย 
  • Ability to work well as part of a team.
  • Ability to follow instructions and respond positively to feedback.ย 
  • Ability to maintain personal hygiene.

Physical Requirements:

  • Physically able to stand and move around for extended periods of time.ย 
  • Exposure to extreme heat, steam, and cold present in a kitchen environment.
  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. at times.ย 
  • Must be able to work late nights and unpredictable hours.
  • Manual dexterity to cut and chop foods and perform other related tasks.
  • Physically able to continuously bend, reach, and twist.ย 

Salary:

  • Starting at minimum wage, with wage increases based on experience.ย ย