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Internship Prep Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant 604

Culinary Intern

Mascot, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

As a 604 Culinary Intern, you are required to complete both Prep Cook and Line Cook training agendas. This paid internship will be paired with the Internship Training Agreement, provided by the ...

604 Hospitality Group

Culinary Intern

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

As a 604 Culinary Intern, you are required to complete both Prep Cook and Line Cook training agendas. This paid internship will be paired with the Internship Training Agreement, provided by the ...

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How much do internship prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship prep cook in the United States is $15.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship prep cook?

Internship prep cooks are individuals, often culinary students or recent graduates, who work in kitchens as part of an internship program to gain hands-on experience in food preparation. They assist chefs and other kitchen staff by performing tasks such as chopping vegetables, preparing ingredients, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. This role helps them develop essential cooking skills, learn kitchen operations, and build a foundation for future roles in the culinary industry. An internship as a prep cook is a valuable stepping stone for those interested in pursuing a culinary career.

What does an internship prep cook do?

As an Internship Prep Cook, your daily responsibilities usually include preparing ingredients, such as chopping vegetables, portioning meats, and assembling sauces, to ensure that the line cooks and chefs have everything they need for meal service. You may also be responsible for maintaining cleanliness in your prep area, labeling and storing food items, and assisting with basic cooking tasks under supervision. This role is highly collaborative, requiring strong communication with chefs and other kitchen staff to keep the workflow smooth and efficient. The experience gained in this position is essential for building foundational culinary skills and understanding the fast-paced environment of a professional kitchen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship prep cook?

To thrive as an Internship Prep Cook, you need basic culinary knowledge, knife skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with enrollment in a culinary program. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and inventory systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to a high standard in a dynamic kitchen environment.

What is the difference between Internship Prep Cook vs Prep Cook?

AspectInternship Prep CookPrep Cook
CredentialsMinimal; often students or entry-levelExperience preferred; culinary certifications optional
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, entry-level kitchenEstablished kitchen, more responsibilities
Employer UsageInternship programs, culinary schoolsRestaurants, hotels, catering services

The main difference is that an Internship Prep Cook is typically a training position for those gaining experience, often part of a culinary program, while a Prep Cook is a more experienced role responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in kitchen operations. Internships focus on learning, whereas Prep Cooks are expected to have some foundational skills and contribute to daily kitchen tasks.

Do internship prep cooks make good money?

Internship prep cooks typically earn hourly wages that are at or slightly above minimum wage, depending on the location and establishment. They often receive tips and may gain valuable skills that can lead to higher-paying culinary positions in the future.

How to become an internship prep cook with no experience?

To become an internship prep cook with no experience, focus on gaining basic kitchen skills, such as knife handling and food safety, through online courses or volunteering. Apply to entry-level kitchen positions or internships that offer training, and demonstrate a willingness to learn and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

What cities are hiring for Internship Prep Cook jobs?

Cities with the most Internship Prep Cook job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs?

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Internship Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Prep Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, and 57% Part Time. Highlights an 67% Physical, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,628 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Prep Cook - Katsuya Ko

San Diego, CA • On-site

SBE Restaurant Group LLC
See more jobs at SBE Restaurant Group LLCexternal

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Prepare ingredients, cook, and assemble dishes according to restaurant recipes.

  • Maintain cleanliness of work area and restock items as needed throughout the shift.

  • Follow health and safety guidelines, including daily opening and closing duties set by the Kitchen Manager.

Job description

About sbe

sbe conceptualizes and develops innovative concepts that invite you to indulge in the extraordinary. As the global leader in “lifestyle hospitality,” we redefine the hospitality experience through innovation and collaboration. We ELEVATE THE EXTRAORDINARY.

A pioneering icon in lifestyle hospitality, sbe has become an international brand. As a multiplatform hospitality and nightlife company, we create innovative concepts and award-winning experiences. As incubators and operators, we develop globally acclaimed culinary brands, critically acclaimed restaurants, lounges, and nightclubs. What unites them is a continued commitment to innovation, and service, delivering an unparalleled experience that exceeds the highest of expectations and sets new industry standards. sbe conceptualizes and develops innovative concepts that invite you to INDULGE IN THE EXTRAORDINARY

Katsuya is truly a feast for the senses. With specialty cocktails, unique rolls, and spectacular sushi and sashimi platters, Chef Uechi skillfully translates Japanese flavors for the American palate. The superb talent and exacting precision of Katsuya has changed the face of Japanese cuisine. Katsuya analyzed the eating habits of the American public and stepped outside of what is considered traditional Japanese cuisine, mixing it with California-style cuisine. This innovation ignited a new sushi trend that spread like wildfire throughout the industry.


Role Overview

The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing food, processing customer orders, producing meals, and cleaning their workspace throughout the day to follow health and safety guidelines. The Prep Cook must follow recipes consistently, make adjustments based on customer requests, communicate with wait staff and prepare garnishes to make an attractive presentation for each meal.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Prepare ingredients then cook and assemble dishes as indicated by restaurant recipes.
  • Perform portion control to minimize waste.
  • Ensure that all dishes are prepared within restaurant ticket time guidelines to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Set up stations according to restaurant protocol and schematics.
  • Restock items as needed throughout the shift.
  • Maintain a clean work area to include kitchen equipment, tables, and shelving.
  • Ensure product being cooked is fresh and ingredients are to standard.
  • Follows daily opening and closing duties set by Kitchen Manager.
  • Perform additional tasks as assigned by Kitchen Manager.
  • Must be a highly organized individual with the ability to handle numerous tasks at a time
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
  • Has excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Maintains a "sense of urgency" attitude for the completion of responsibilities/tasks

Desired Qualifications

  • Prefer a minimum of one (1) years experience in a contemporary dining restaurant
  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older

Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to stand or walk a minimum eight (8)-hour shift and work inside assigned bar area in the venue.
  • Must be able to twist, tow (push or pull), reach, bend climb and carry objects as necessary.
  • Must be able to lift and carry 25-50 pounds.
  • Must be able to work inside and outside at all times of the year as needed, based upon business volumes.

Work Authorization

Must be able to provide documentation that shows you are authorized to work in the United States. Must be eighteen (18) years of age.

Education / Experience / Credentials

Minimum of two (2) years relevant experience in high-end, service-focused environment. It is the employee's responsibility to secure and maintain the current status of all required certificates, licenses, or registrations when required by local, state, or federal government agencies. ANSI approved Food Handler Card and Responsible Beverage Service certificate recognized by the ABC.

Affirmative Action / EEO Statement

We are an equal-opportunity employer who is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We believe in, embrace, and abide by the spirit, as well as, to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Our policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, internships, and apprenticeship. Our hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.