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Kitchen Prep Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mekiko Cantina

Kitchen Prep

Kapolei, HI · On-site

$16/hr

A Prep Cook is responsible for providing a supportive role to kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and ingredients. Their duties include organizing and labeling food items in storage closets ...

Mother's Market & Kitchen, Inc.

Kitchen Prep

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment Skills & Abilities: * Able to read, understand, and follow recipes in English * Basic math skills to perform food prep calculations * Work accurately in ...

Brookhaven Market

Kitchen Prep/Cook

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

This Kitchen Prep/Cook role is all about solid execution: prep and cook menu items to standardized recipes, keep your workstation clean and organized, and stay sharp on food safety, sanitation, and ...

Old Carolina Barbecue Co.

Kitchen Prep Supervisor

Stow, OH · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Kitchen Prep Supervisor Old Carolina Barbecue Company (BBQ) Full-Time or Part-Time Hourly Position Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour Take Ownership of the Food That Built Our Brand. Old Carolina Barbecue ...

Mother's Market & Kitchen, Inc.

Kitchen Prep

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment Skills & Abilities: * Able to read, understand, and follow recipes in English * Basic math skills to perform food prep calculations * Work accurately in ...

Brookhaven Market

Kitchen Prep/Cook

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

This Kitchen Prep/Cook role is all about solid execution: prep and cook menu items to standardized recipes, keep your workstation clean and organized, and stay sharp on food safety, sanitation, and ...

Haidilao Hot Pot

Kitchen Prep

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.27 - $22/hr

The Kitchen Prep is to produce the highest quality food with precision and accuracy, continually observing and implementing the proper quality-assurance and food-safety procedures. To include daily ...

Haidilao Hot Pot

Kitchen Prep

Seattle, WA

$21.65 - $25/hr

The Kitchen Prep is to produce the highest quality food with precision and accuracy, continually observing and implementing the proper quality-assurance and food-safety procedures. To include daily ...

Culver's

Kitchen Prep

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Culver's - Urgent Kitchen Prep Position Available! Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where teamwork and delicious food come together? Would you love to be part of a motivated team that values ...

Culver's

Kitchen Prep

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Culver's - Urgent Kitchen Prep Position Available! Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where teamwork and delicious food come together? Would you love to be part of a motivated team that values ...

Haidilao Hot Pot

Kitchen Prep

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.27 - $22/hr

The Kitchen Prep is to produce the highest quality food with precision and accuracy, continually observing and implementing the proper quality-assurance and food-safety procedures. To include daily ...

Haidilao Hot Pot

Kitchen Prep

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.65 - $25/hr

The Kitchen Prep is to produce the highest quality food with precision and accuracy, continually observing and implementing the proper quality-assurance and food-safety procedures. To include daily ...

Chicken Salad Chick

Kitchen Prep Full Time

Paducah, KY

$10/hr

Loves Serving and Helping Others Kitchen Prep/Production Team Members prepare a variety of products including over 12 different flavors of chicken salad, pimento cheeses, side salads, and other food ...

Chicken Salad Chick

Kitchen Prep

Leland, NC · On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Must maintain kitchen cleanliness/sanitation standards. * Completes duties on opening and closing prep and checklists. * Refers to Daily Prep List at the start of each shift for assigned duties.

Chicken Salad Chick

Kitchen Prep

Wilmington, NC

$15 - $18/hr

Must maintain kitchen cleanliness/sanitation standards. * Completes duties on opening and closing prep and checklists. * Refers to Daily Prep List at the start of each shift for assigned duties.

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Kitchen Prep information

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How much do kitchen prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen prep 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 the difference between Kitchen Prep vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchen PrepLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesPreparing ingredients, washing, chopping, and basic food prepCooking dishes, assembling orders, and executing recipes
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredSimilar credentials; food safety certification usually required
Work EnvironmentKitchen support area, often early shiftsFront-line cooking station, fast-paced environment
Employer UsageCommon in restaurants, catering, and food serviceEssential in restaurants, hotels, and catering

Kitchen Prep roles focus on ingredient preparation and support tasks, while Line Cooks handle cooking and dish assembly. Both roles require food safety knowledge and are vital in restaurant operations, but they differ in responsibilities and pace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kitchen Prep, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kitchen Prep, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic knife skills, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory systems is valuable. Attention to detail, teamwork, and time management are critical soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and a safe working environment.

What are Kitchen Prep workers?

Kitchen Prep workers, also known as kitchen prep cooks or food preparation workers, are responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting chefs or cooks in a commercial kitchen. Their tasks typically include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, organizing the kitchen, and ensuring workstations are clean and stocked. They play a crucial role in maintaining kitchen efficiency and food safety standards, allowing chefs to focus on cooking and plating dishes. Kitchen Prep workers often serve as entry-level positions and provide valuable experience for those pursuing a culinary career.

What are the main challenges Kitchen Prep staff face during busy service hours?

Kitchen Prep staff often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, as they must quickly and accurately prepare ingredients while keeping up with the pace of incoming orders. Staying organized and maintaining a clean workstation are essential to ensure efficiency and food safety. Additionally, effective communication with chefs and line cooks is important to anticipate needs and avoid delays. Adaptability and the ability to multitask are key traits that help Kitchen Prep staff succeed in these fast-paced environments.
More about Kitchen Prep jobs
What cities are hiring for Kitchen Prep jobs? Cities with the most Kitchen Prep job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen Prep jobs? The most popular types of Kitchen Prep jobs are:
What states have the most Kitchen Prep jobs? States with the most job openings for Kitchen Prep jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Prep jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Prep jobs are:
Kitchen Prep jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Prep job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,628 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Kitchen Prep

Mekiko Cantina

Kapolei, HI • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

A Prep Cook is responsible for providing a supportive role to kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and ingredients. Their duties include organizing and labeling food items in storage closets, performing tasks like chopping ingredients, and sanitizing their workstation during and after service.
Prep Cooks perform various food preparation, cooking, and cleaning tasks to ensure the kitchen remains efficient in creating and delivering dishes for patrons. Their duties and responsibilities include:
Completing all tasks, in order, on the prep list from the Head Chef or other kitchen manager
Labeling and stocking all ingredients on easily accessible shelves
Washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and meats
Measuring quantities of seasonings and other cooking ingredients
Cleaning dishes, washing cooking utensils, and cookware taking out the trash, and sanitizing the kitchen
Adhering to all relevant nutrition and sanitary regulations and standards
Keeping track of ingredient inventory and collaborating with other kitchen and management staff to order resupply
Pay consideration up to $16.00 per hour, based on experience.
Mekiko Cantina offers a Kitchen Education & Appreciation Program. A 3% fee, applied to each bill, allows our kitchen staff to share in the success of the restaurant and creates a better guest experience. This fee is paid out to the back-of-house team every week. It helps Mekiko attract and develop top talent, fosters teamwork, rewards consistency, encourages creativity, and elevates the expectations of our entire staff.
Join our team and share in our success.

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