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Prep Chef Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Dividend Restaurant Group

Prep Chef- High Paying

Boston, MA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

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 ...

DRG Employer LLC

Prep Chef- High Paying

Boston, MA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

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 ...

Hawksmoor - Boston

Prep Chef

Boston, MA

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Maintain a clean, safe,well organized, and efficient prep environment at all times. Support Line Cooks orPorters whenrequiredto ensuresmooth kitchen operations. Maintain a deep understanding ...

Hawksmoor - US

Prep Chef

Boston, MA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Maintain a clean, safe,well organized, and efficient prep environment at all times. Support Line Cooks orPorters whenrequiredto ensuresmooth kitchen operations. Maintain a deep understanding ...

The Fisherman's Market

Be Seen First

Sushi Chef / Prep

New Bedford, MA · On-site

$960 - $1.2K/wk

Sushi Prep Chef HOURS : W ed-Sun 9am to 2pm STARTNG WAGES : $24.00 - $32.00/HR* HIRING COMPANY: The Fisherman's Market, 255 Popes Island, New Bedford, MA DATE : Immediately In addition to someone ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef - Boston

Boston, MA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Boston, MA Salary : $80k-$90k Benefits : Bonus, PTO, MDV, 401k Sous Chef needed for an upscale ... Ensure prep, stations, line expo is successful * Manage 300+ covers daily

Evviva Trattoria

Sous Chef

Westford, MA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Writes and updates prep lists. * Oversees prep and line cooks, holds them to recipe standards. * Assists executive chef with progressive discipline, one on one's and performance/station reviews.

Evviva Trattoria

Sous Chef

Maynard, MA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Writes and updates prep lists. * Oversees prep and line cooks, holds them to recipe standards. * Assists executive chef with progressive discipline, one on one's and performance/station reviews.

Evviva Trattoria

Sous Chef

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Writes and updates prep lists. * Oversees prep and line cooks, holds them to recipe standards. * Assists executive chef with progressive discipline, one on one's and performance/station reviews.

The Ocean Club Restaurant & Bar

Sous Chef

Vineyard Haven, MA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

We are seeking a Sous Chef to join our team and work directly with a James Beard Award-nominated ... Support prep, organization, and daily execution * Be part of building a strong, focused kitchen ...

The Ocean Club Restaurant & Bar

Sous Chef

Vineyard Haven, MA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

DESCRIPTION We are seeking a Sous Chef to join our team and work directly with a James Beard Award ... Support prep, organization, and daily execution * Be part of building a strong, focused kitchen ...

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All JobsPrep Chef JobsPrep Chef Jobs in Massachusetts

Prep Chef information

See Massachusetts salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do prep chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep chef in Massachusetts is $17.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.89 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 Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,634 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Event & Prep Chef

Lombardos Hospitality Group LLC

Norwood, MA • On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Commissary Prep Cook & Event Chef (Catering Team)

Norwood, MA | Flexible Schedule | Per Diem Opportunities

Are you passionate about food, thrive in a fast-paced kitchen, and love the energy of live events? We’re looking for skilled, reliable, and motivated Commissary Prep Cooks and experienced Event Chefs to join our growing catering team!

This is a unique opportunity to be part of both behind-the-scenes food prep and on-site event execution, working with a team that takes pride in delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

What You’ll Do
  • Prepare fresh, highquality ingredients in a commissary kitchen
  • Assist with food production, prep, and organization for offsite catering events
  • Maintain strict food safety and sanitation standards
  • Support chefs with menu execution and plating
  • Load/unload catering equipment and food for events
  • Assist with onsite setup, organization, and breakdown
  • Collaborate with the MOD (Manager on Duty) / Lead Chef to review menus and execute events with excellence
  • Work efficiently under pressure in a highvolume, fastpaced environment
    • What We’re Looking For
  • Team players with a strong work ethic and positive attitude
  • Ability to stay organized and multitask under pressure
  • Pride in delivering highquality food and service
  • Flexibility to work both inkitchen and onsite events
    • Schedule Options
  • Morning Shifts
  • Day Shifts
  • Evening Shifts
  • Per Diem / AsNeeded Opportunities
    • Qualifications
  • 1+ year of culinary or cooking experience (preferred)
  • ServSafe Certification (preferred)
  • Fluent in English
  • Reliable transportation (required)
  • Ability to lift and carry equipment as needed
    • Why Join Us?
  • Work a variety of exciting events (weddings, corporate, private parties)
  • Be part of a collaborative, highenergy team
  • Flexible schedule with growth opportunities
  • Gain handson experience in both kitchen prep and live event execution

    • Apply today and be part of something delicious.

Apply