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Prep Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DRG Employer LLC

Prep Chef- Eddie Merlots

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/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 ...

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 ...

DRG Employer LLC

Prep Chef- Eddie Merlots

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/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 ...

Destroyer

Prep Cook

Culver City, CA

$18.47/hr

Destroyer in Culver City is looking for a prep chef to join our team. Our ideal candidate has at least 2 years of prior experience in a high volume restaurant. This is a full time AM shift position.

Decoys Seafood Ops LLC

Prep Chef

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Fill out Prep List according to pan levels. Prep 86'ed items first. * Understand and comply with standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards, and kitchen rules, policies, and ...

Destroyer

Prep Cook

Culver City, CA

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Destroyer in Culver City is looking for a prep chef to join our team. Our ideal candidate has at least 2 years of prior experience in a high volume restaurant. This is a full time AM shift position.

Decoys Seafood Ops LLC

Prep Chef

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Fill out Prep List according to pan levels. Prep 86'ed items first. * Understand and comply with standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards, and kitchen rules, policies, and ...

Decoys Seafood Ops LLC

Prep Chef

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Fill out Prep List according to pan levels. Prep 86'ed items first. * Understand and comply with standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards, and kitchen rules, policies, and ...

SideQuest

Prep Cook

Boise, ID · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Prep Chef Responsibilities Set up and maintain stocked workstation throughout shift Assist in stocking and cleaning the entire line throughout the shift Operate a variety of kitchen equipment and ...

Dead Dog Saloon

Prep Cook

Murrells Inlet, SC · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

About the Prep Cook position We are seeking an experienced Prep Chef to join our company. You will be required to assist in making the preparation of food easier by following the prep list. You will ...

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 ...

Dead Dog Saloon

Prep Cook

Murrells Inlet, SC · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

About the Prep Cook position We are seeking an experienced Prep Chef to join our company. You will be required to assist in making the preparation of food easier by following the prep list. You will ...

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How much do prep chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep chef 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.

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.
More about Prep Chef jobs
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Prep Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 53% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,628 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Prep Chef - Sturbridge, MA

Sturbridge Coffee House

Sturbridge, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary: $20 per hour

We are bringing our small town charm to Connecticut and are currently hiring for experienced FT/PT(not seasonal)Prep Chefs.


As a Prep Chef, you will be responsible forthe daily preparation and execution of our breakfast and lunch menu. You will work closely with the Head Chef to ensure all dishes meet our standards for quality and presentation whilemaintaininga clean, efficient workspace during busy service hours.


Key Responsibilities

  • Food Assembly& Quality:Prepareand oversee breakfast and lunch menu items.Maintain recipe consistency and qualityfollowingSturbridge Coffee Housestandards.
  • Food Knowledge:Maintaina thorough understanding of the menu, ingredients, and food allergens.
  • Collaboration:Work effectively with both kitchen and front-of-house staff to ensure smooth,timelyservice.
  • Cleanliness:Maintainan organized station and follow strict sanitation protocols during and after rush periods.
  • Stocking:Assistwith restocking food items, organizing deliveries, and putting supplies in their proper areas.
  • Compliance:Follow all local and state health department regulations and safety protocols.

Requirements & Physical Demands

  • Must be at least 18years of age (standard for equipment operation).
  • Be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and/or holidays
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Previous kitchen, quick service or line cook experience preferred; ServSafecertification is a plus.
  • Ability to read and speak English to understand safety instructions and interact with the team.
  • Must be able to stand and walk for the duration of anup to8-hour shift.Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to40 lbs.
  • Works well in a team environment


Benefits:

  • We provide a workplace free from discrimination and harassmentin accordance withthe Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act.We also provide a positive, supporting,dramafree culture.
  • Flexible hours with two days off in a row.
  • Free meal with an 8-hour shift.


Mini Sturbridge Coffee House is a subsidiary of Sturbridge Coffee House which has grown from a small caf over the last 19 years, into a bustling coffee house, with multiple Mini Sturbridge Coffee House locations.
We serve hundreds of people in the heart of Sturbridge, MA and beyond. We wouldn't be the great coffee house we are today, nor be opening additional locations, without the dedication of every employee and customer over the years.