Prep Cook
$17 - $21/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Quick apply
Prep Cook
$17 - $21/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Quick apply
Prep Cook
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Piscataway, NJ · On-site
$14.25 - $18/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Piscataway, NJ · On-site
$14.25 - $18/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
$14.50 - $18.25/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
$14.50 - $18.25/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
$16 - $20/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
$16 - $20/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Rosedale, NY · On-site
$17 - $21/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Rosedale, NY · On-site
$17 - $21/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Hicksville, NY · On-site
$17 - $21/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Hicksville, NY · On-site
$17 - $21/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Woodbridge, NJ · On-site
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Woodbridge, NJ · On-site
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Butler, NJ · On-site
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Butler, NJ · On-site
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Manahawkin, NJ · On-site
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Manahawkin, NJ · On-site
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Howell, NJ · On-site
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Howell, NJ · On-site
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
$14.50 - $18.25/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
$14.50 - $18.25/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Quick apply
Prep Cook
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Newark, NJ · On-site
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Newark, NJ · On-site
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Westbury, NY · On-site
$17 - $21/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Westbury, NY · On-site
$17 - $21/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Manalapan, NJ · On-site
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Manalapan, NJ · On-site
$15.92 - $20.50/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Shirley, NY · On-site
$17 - $21/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Prep Cook
Shirley, NY · On-site
$17 - $21/hr
If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you. What We Offer * Competitive pay
Fresh Prep information
See salary details
$8.89 - $9.75
2% of jobs
$9.75 - $10.60
2% of jobs
$10.60 - $11.45
5% of jobs
$11.45 - $12.30
11% of jobs
$12.69 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.30 - $13.16
11% of jobs
$13.16 - $14.01
18% of jobs
The median wage is $14.06 / hr.
$14.01 - $14.86
19% of jobs
$15.26 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$14.86 - $15.71
15% of jobs
$15.71 - $16.56
12% of jobs
$16.56 - $17.42
4% of jobs
$17.42 - $18.27
1% of jobs
$8
$14
$18
How much do fresh prep jobs pay per hour?
As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for fresh prep in the United States is $14.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.38 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 worker, and why are they important?
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?
| Aspect | Fresh Prep | Food Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred | High school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred |
| Work Environment | Commercial kitchens, meal kit assembly lines | Commercial kitchens, catering services, meal preparation areas |
| Industry Usage | Meal kit delivery companies, food service providers | Restaurants, catering, food manufacturing |
| Job Focus | Assembling meal kits, portioning ingredients | Preparing 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 Fresh Prep workers?
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.
More about Fresh Prep jobs
What cities are hiring for Fresh Prep jobs? Cities with the most Fresh Prep job openings:
What states have the most Fresh Prep jobs? States with the most job openings for Fresh Prep jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Fresh Prep jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fresh Prep jobs are:
Doherty Enterprises rating
7.8
Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
Job description
Overview
Applebee’s is hiring Prep Cooks who enjoy working behind the scenes to keep the kitchen running strong. If you take pride in fresh prep, organization, and being part of a team that serves up great food in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, this role is for you.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay
- Health care benefits (for both part-time and full-time team members)
- Flexible schedules
- Paid, on-the-job training
- Meal discounts
- Real advancement opportunities
- WOW-a-Friend Foundation – Employee Assistance Program
Responsibilities
What You’ll Do
Prepare ingredients according to recipes and prep sheets, follow proper food storage and rotation, maintain a clean and organized prep area, and support overall kitchen operations.
Qualifications
- Ability to stand and move throughout the entire shift
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen
- Strong attention to cleanliness and food quality
- Team-oriented with a positive attitude
Apply today and be part of the neighborhood team at Applebee’s.
What Doherty Enterprises employees say
Pay
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About Doherty Enterprises
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Doherty Enterprises is a well-known name in the foodservice industry, based in Allendale, New Jersey, United States and operates through its official website, dohertyinc.com. Conceived by Ed Doherty in 1985, the company has made a mark for itself as a recognized and respected multi-brand franchisee. Doherty Enterprises is responsible for the operation and management of over 150 establishments, related to a range of restaurant and pub brands. This includes the likes of Applebee’s, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. The company’s mission pivots around the concept of ‘Wow’, standing for outstanding customer experiences, commitment to the team, improving operations, and building relationships with the community.
Industry
Restaurants
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Allendale, NJ, US
Year founded
1985