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Prep Chef Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Tamayo

Sous Chef

Denver, CO

$68K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Prep: * Coordinate prep lists prepared by each of the chefs for prep cooks and coordinate the execution of the corresponding prep. * Ensure all food items are properly prepared. * Ensure frozen ...

New

Modern Mexican Restaurants

Sous Chef

Denver, CO · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Prep: * Coordinate prep lists prepared by each of the chefs for prep cooks and coordinate the execution of the corresponding prep. * Ensure all food items are properly prepared. * Ensure frozen ...

New

Modern Mexican Restaurants

Sous Chef

CO · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Prep: * Coordinate prep lists prepared by each of the chefs for prep cooks and coordinate the execution of the corresponding prep. * Ensure all food items are properly prepared. * Ensure frozen ...

Venga Venga

Sous Chef

Snowmass Village, CO · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Prep: * Coordinate prep lists prepared by each of the chefs for prep cooks and coordinate the execution of the corresponding prep. * Ensure all food items are properly prepared. * Ensure frozen ...

Modern Mexican Restaurants

Sous Chef

Snowmass Village, CO · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Prep: * Coordinate prep lists prepared by each of the chefs for prep cooks and coordinate the execution of the corresponding prep. * Ensure all food items are properly prepared. * Ensure frozen ...

Dusty Boot

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Beaver Creek, CO · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

  • PTO

Sous Chef at a fast pace high volume resort family restaurant in Beaver Creek ski resort. You will ... prep and of course COOKING! Must be bilingual (English and Spanish)

Atlas Group COS

Ephemera Sous Chef

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Sous Chef - Ephemera Location: Ephemera at COATI Uprise - Colorado Springs, CO Position Type ... This is a hands-on role working directly in service and prep production while helping maintain the ...

Atlas Group COS

Ephemera Sous Chef

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Sous Chef - Ephemera Location: Ephemera at COATI Uprise - Colorado Springs, CO Position Type ... This is a hands-on role working directly in service and prep production while helping maintain the ...

Atlas Group COS

Ephemera Sous Chef

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Hourly + Tips (Negotiable) Sous Chef Ephemera Location: Ephemera at COATI Uprise Colorado Springs ... This is a hands-on role working directly in service and prep production while helping maintain the ...

Denver Rescue Mission

CHEF - DENVER

Denver, CO · On-site

$20.75 - $22.31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Chef reports to the Denver Food Services leadership team (i.e. Supervisor, Manager or Director ... Oversees the preparation of meals by preparing a food prep list that can be executed by all kitchen ...

Perry's Restaurants

Prep

Lone Tree, CO · On-site

$21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

A dynamic work environment based upon professionalism, respect and teamwork The Prep position is ... Maintains par level set by Executive Chef and or Sous Chefs. * Proper labeling and storage of all ...

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille

Prep

Lone Tree, CO · On-site

$21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

A dynamic work environment based upon professionalism, respect and teamwork The Prep position is ... Maintains par level set by Executive Chef and or Sous Chefs. * Proper labeling and storage of all ...

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille

Prep

Lone Tree, CO · On-site

$21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

A dynamic work environment based upon professionalism, respect and teamwork The Prep position is ... Maintains par level set by Executive Chef and or Sous Chefs. * Proper labeling and storage of all ...

Perry's Restaurants

Prep

Lone Tree, CO · On-site

$21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

A dynamic work environment based upon professionalism, respect and teamwork The Prep position is ... Maintains par level set by Executive Chef and or Sous Chefs. * Proper labeling and storage of all ...

Eleven Experience

Prep Cook

Crested Butte, CO · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Notify Chef or Kitchen Manager when ingredients, products, or supplies require replenishment. * Maintain clean, organized prep areas throughout each shift. * Ensure all equipment is cleaned and ...

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All JobsPrep Chef JobsPrep Chef Jobs in Colorado

Prep Chef information

See Colorado salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do prep chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep chef in Colorado is $16.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do prep chefs make good money?

Prep chefs typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location and experience, with median pay around minimum wage to slightly above. Experienced prep chefs working in busy kitchens or high-end establishments can earn higher wages, and some may receive benefits or tips. Overall, the role provides a starting point in culinary careers but is generally not considered highly lucrative.

What is a prep chef?

Prep chefs, also known as preparation cooks or prep cooks, are culinary professionals responsible for preparing ingredients and basic components of dishes before they are finished by line cooks or chefs. Their duties often include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, preparing sauces, and ensuring that the kitchen is organized and stocked for service. Prep chefs play a crucial role in keeping a restaurant kitchen running smoothly and efficiently by ensuring that everything is ready to go during busy meal periods.

How much do prep chefs get paid?

Prep chefs typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $12 to $20, depending on experience, location, and establishment. Entry-level prep cooks may start at the lower end, while those with more skills or working in high-cost areas can earn higher wages. Many prep chefs work part-time or full-time shifts in restaurant kitchens, often requiring basic culinary skills and food safety knowledge.

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

To thrive as a Prep Chef, you need strong knife skills, food safety knowledge, and experience with basic culinary techniques, often gained through culinary school or on-the-job training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and adherence to sanitation standards like ServSafe certification are typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are essential soft skills that help maintain kitchen efficiency. These abilities ensure the kitchen runs smoothly, ingredients are prepped accurately, and food quality and safety standards are consistently met.

What is the difference between Prep Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectPrep ChefLine Cook
Primary ResponsibilitiesPreparing ingredients, chopping, measuring, and setting up stationsCooking dishes during service, following recipes and timing
Work EnvironmentPre-shift prep areas, back of house kitchensHot line during service, fast-paced kitchen environment
CredentialsBasic culinary training, food safety certifications often requiredSimilar credentials, often with more experience in cooking techniques

Prep Chefs focus on preparing ingredients and setting up stations before service, while Line Cooks execute the cooking during service. Both roles require culinary training and food safety knowledge, but Prep Chefs typically work in prep areas, whereas Line Cooks work on the hot line during busy hours.

What are some common challenges faced by prep chefs, and how can they be managed?

Prep chefs often work in fast-paced environments, managing large volumes of food preparation while meeting strict quality and safety standards. One common challenge is balancing speed with accuracy, as mistakes can impact the entire kitchen's workflow. Effective time management, strong organizational skills, and clear communication with other kitchen staff help prep chefs stay on track and support smooth kitchen operations. Embracing these practices can also pave the way for advancement to more senior kitchen roles.
Prep Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Chef job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,309 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Prep Chef- Eddie Merlots High Paying Baking Experience

Dividend Restaurant Group

Englewood, CO • On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

About the Organization
OVERVIEW
ABOUT DIVIDEND RESTAURANT GROUP
Dividend Restaurant Group (DRG) was built on the core belief that the foundation of a company is defined by the character of the team, the versatility of its systems and the discipline of its actions. DRG is a guest first and team focused organization that has a successful track record of revitalizing iconic brands and driving value for all stakeholders.
Housed in Denver, DRG brings together some of the country's best-known brands, leveraging an industry-leading platform with a clear vision for continued growth. Our driving mantra- we pay 'dividends' to every stakeholder of our business; our guests, our team members, our vendors and our financial partners, all in different but meaningful ways.
Description
Eddie Merlot's is hiring qualified applicants for Prep Chefs in your area! Submit your resume or apply directly at www.DividendRestaurantGroupCareers.com.
Team Members enjoy the following benefits for being a part of our growing team!
  • ALL Team Members 401k eligible after 30 days employment
  • Health/Dental/Vision benefits
  • Ancillary benefits including Critical Illness, Accident, and Legal insurance
  • Referral Bonus for referring new Team Members

Essential Duties:
  • Ability to handle knives and to operate kitchen equipment
  • Assist Line Cooks and Pantry when necessary with food preparation
  • Continually maintain a clean, safe and sanitary Prep Area, Walk-In Cooler and Freezer

Position Requirements
Salary Range
Position
Prep Chef- Eddie Merlots
Division
Eddie Merlot's
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Non-Exempt
EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
This position is currently accepting applications.
Dividend Restaurant Group logo

About Dividend Restaurant Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Dividend Restaurant Group(DRG) is a renowned name in the hospitality and restaurant industry, headquartered in Denver, CO, US. The company owns and operates a suite of premier dining establishments that offer a diverse culinary experience ranging from casual dining places to upscale restaurant destinations. It was established with the vision of creating dining experiences that bring people together, contribute positively to the communities they serve, and provide a place for guests to unwind, indulge, and discover culinary delights. DRG's core mission is to serve excellent food and beverages in an atmosphere of warmth, friendliness, and fun, upholding the highest standards of quality and service.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Denver, CO, US

Year founded

2001

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