1

Prep Chef Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef - Cold Food Prep

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$27 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Sous Chef - Cold Prep supports the Chef Garde Manger in managing day-to-day cold food preparation. Includes helping prepare meals for catered events, retail operations, and an employee cafeteria.

Sous Chef - Cold Food Prep

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Sous Chef - Cold Prep supports the Chef Garde Manger in managing day-to-day cold food preparation. Includes helping prepare meals for catered events, retail operations, and an employee cafeteria.

Sous Chef - Cold Food Prep

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Sous Chef Cold Prep supports the Chef Garde Manger in managing day-to-day cold food preparation. Includes helping prepare meals for catered events, retail operations, and an employee cafeteria.

Sous Chef - Cold Food Prep

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$27 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Sous Chef - Cold Prep supports the Chef Garde Manger in managing day-to-day cold food preparation. Includes helping prepare meals for catered events, retail operations, and an employee cafeteria.

Sous Chef - Cold Food Prep

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$27 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Sous Chef - Cold Prep supports the Chef Garde Manger in managing day-to-day cold food preparation. Includes helping prepare meals for catered events, retail operations, and an employee cafeteria.

Sous Chef - Cold Food Prep

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Sous Chef - Cold Prep supports the Chef Garde Manger in managing day-to-day cold food preparation. Includes helping prepare meals for catered events, retail operations, and an employee cafeteria.

Buca Prep Cook

Osseo, MN ยท On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

The Prep Cook will work closely with chefs and other kitchen staff to prepare ingredients for various dishes, ensuring that all items are fresh and properly stored. By effectively managing time and ...

Chef | AMFM Healthcare AMFM Healthcare is seeking a dedicated and experienced Chef to join our team ... Mission Prep aims to provide support and sustainable change for adolescents and families who are ...

Homshuk - Prep Cook

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Ultimately, the Prep Cook helps create a foundation for the kitchen's success by preparing ingredients that allow chefs to focus on cooking and plating dishes promptly and consistently. Minimum ...

Sous Chef - Rosalia NE

Minneapolis, MN

$50K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Chef de Cuisine Salary Range: $50,000 - $70,000 per year This role reports to the Chef de Cuisine ... Overseeing all prep cooks, line cooks, and dishwashers of restaurant Coordinate cooks, and all ...

Unit Chef

Eden Prairie, MN ยท On-site

$90 - $120/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

POSITION SUMMARY The Executive Chef is responsible for planning/preparing meals and managing/directing the kitchen staff including sous chefs, prep and line cooks, and dishwashers. ESSENTIAL DUTIES ...

New

Sous Chef - Minari

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Overseeing all prep cooks, line cooks, and dishwashers of restaurantCoordinate cooks, and all staff ... other chefs are on vacation, sick or in the event of a call in. Sometimes this may require coming ...

Sous Chef - Porzana

Minneapolis, MN

$60K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Overseeing all prep cooks, line cooks, and dishwashers of restaurantCoordinate cooks, and all staff ... other chefs are on vacation, sick or in the event of a call in. Sometimes this may require coming ...

Prep Cook

Mcgregor, MN ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Minnesota National Golf Club & Resort is seeking a dependable and motivated Part-Time Prep Cook to ... Support cooks and chefs with additional tasks as needed Qualifications: * Previous kitchen ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Prep Chef information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do prep chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep chef in Minnesota is $15.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $16.97 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.
Infographic showing various Prep Chef job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 42% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,957 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Sous Chef - Cold Food Prep

Kelber Catering

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Sous Chef - Froid

Kelber Catering

Minneapolis MN

Full time

$27-$29 / Hour + Quarterly Bonus

Medical, Dental, 401K, PTO, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Life

Kelber Catering

As a majority woman-owned and operated business, Kelber Catering (KC) distinguishes itself through a commitment to sustainable practices. Cultivating a positive work environment that respects, celebrates and retains its employees.

Executive Chef Shane Streitz and the culinary team create visionary recipes so our menus reflect trends, tastes, and versatility. Every detail is attended to whether it is a lavish corporate dinner, an intimate company affair, a major sports event or a bustling convention.

Position Summary:

The Sous Chef – Cold Prep supports the Chef Garde Manger in managing day-to-day cold food preparation. Includes helping prepare meals for catered events, retail operations, and an employee cafeteria. The Sous Chef ensures that pantry items are prepped, presented, and stored according to food safety and quality standards.

This position requires hands-on leadership and active participation in preparing and plating food items. The Sous chef helps guide pantry staff, maintain cleanliness and organization, and assists with production needs based on schedule events.

Key Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

  • Assist with preparation of all cold food items for functions, both catering and retail along with the employee cafeteria.
  • Follow recipes and production sheets to ensure consistency and portion control.
  • Support the Chef Garde Manger with setup and timely execution of cold food production.
  • Maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness in work areas.
  • Help assign and guide pantry staff based on daily prep needs and event schedules.
  • Monitor cold food quality and presentation before service or delivery.
  • Keep cooler and prep areas clean, organized, and labeled.
  • Assist with HACCP logs, proper food storage, and temperature checks.
  • Participate in menu development.
  • Communication supply and prep needs to; the Chef Garde Manger and assist with inventory rotation.
  • Use software platform for scheduling, recipe platform and Microsoft.

Qualifications

Availability: Must be fully available and flexible with scheduling, including evenings and weekends as required.

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience: Minimum 3 years in foodservice with 1 year in leadership or lead line cook role preferred.

Physical: Refer to the attached Functional Capacities Evaluation for this role.

Key Skills & Attributes

  • Strong leadership and team-building skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively
  • Proven problem-solving and decision-making abilities
  • High level of professionalism and attention to detail

PI285840174