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Prep Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zany's

Prep Chef Sushi

Lewiston, ID · On-site

$17/hr

Training & development Zany's is currently seeking a motivated Sushi Chef to join our dynamic and professional culinary team. Happy Day employees are excited to come to work, to learn, and to produce ...

Alex Lee

Pick & Prep Chef

Wendell, NC · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

To prepare Pick & Prep product and provide product preparation services to create a sensory and engaging experience for guests, while operating at or above company standards. 1. Actively engage ...

Lowes Foods

Pick & Prep Chef

Kernersville, NC · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

To prepare Pick & Prep product and provide product preparation services to create a sensory and engaging experience for guests, while operating at or above company standards. 1. Actively engage ...

Alex Lee

Pick & Prep Chef

Johns Island, SC · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

To prepare Pick & Prep product and provide product preparation services to create a sensory and engaging experience for guests, while operating at or above company standards. 1. Actively engage ...

Lowes Foods

Pick & Prep Chef

Johns Island, SC · On-site

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

To prepare Pick & Prep product and provide product preparation services to create a sensory and engaging experience for guests, while operating at or above company standards. Responsibilities: 1. ...

Lowes Foods

Pick & Prep Chef

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

To prepare Pick & Prep product and provide product preparation services to create a sensory and engaging experience for guests, while operating at or above company standards. 1. Actively engage ...

Zany's

Prep Chef Sushi

Lewiston, ID · On-site

$17/hr

Training & development Zany's is currently seeking a motivated Sushi Chef to join our dynamic and professional culinary team. Happy Day employees are excited to come to work, to learn, and to produce ...

Lowes Foods

Pick & Prep Chef

Banner Elk, NC · On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

To prepare Pick & Prep product and provide product preparation services to create a sensory and engaging experience for guests, while operating at or above company standards. 1. Actively engage ...

Lowes Foods

Pick & Prep Chef

Johns Island, SC · On-site

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

To prepare Pick & Prep product and provide product preparation services to create a sensory and engaging experience for guests, while operating at or above company standards. Responsibilities: 1. ...

Brenner's Steakhouse

Pastry Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Have 1+ year Prep Chef experience * Have a passion for great food and great fun * Enjoy working in fast-paced environment Learn more about Landry's by visiting our website at www.landrysinc.com EOE ...

Nicosora Ventures Inc

Prep Cook

Clarksburg, MD · On-site

$18/hr

Supportive Team Environment Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Prep Cook / Prep Chef to join our team at a busy outlet food court location. This role is essential to maintaining speed ...

Nicosora Ventures Inc

Prep Cook

Clarksburg, MD · On-site

$18/hr

Supportive Team Environment Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Prep Cook / Prep Chef to join our team at a busy outlet food court location. This role is essential to maintaining speed ...

Brenner's Steakhouse

Pastry Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Have 1+ year Prep Chef experience * Have a passion for great food and great fun * Enjoy working in fast-paced environment Learn more about Landry's by visiting our website at www.landrysinc.com EOE ...

Nicosora Ventures Inc

Prep Cook

Clarksburg, MD · On-site

$18/hr

Supportive Team Environment Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Prep Cook / Prep Chef to join our team at a busy outlet food court location. This role is essential to maintaining speed ...

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Prep Chef information

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How much do prep chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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, prep chef salaries are generally considered modest compared to more advanced culinary roles.

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 does a prep chef do?

A prep chef is responsible for preparing ingredients and components needed for cooking, such as chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and organizing supplies. They work in the kitchen to ensure that dishes can be assembled efficiently and often assist with basic cooking tasks under the supervision of chefs or cooks.
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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 43% Full Time, and 57% Part Time. Highlights an 67% Physical, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,628 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Prep Chef Sushi

Lewiston, ID • On-site

Zany's
See more jobs at Zany'sexternal

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Employee discounts
  • Free uniforms
  • Training & development

Zany's is currently seeking a motivated Sushi Chef to join our dynamic and professional culinary team. Happy Day employees are excited to come to work, to learn, and to produce the best experiences possible for our guests. This position requires a strong work ethic, time management skills, and an enthusiastic, teachable attitude. 
Enjoy the benefits of working for a successful company, with comprehensive training, benefits to qualifying employees including a monthly meal discount card to all Happy Day locations, medical and dental insurance, 401(k) with company match, tuition assistance, and daycare reimbursement, and being a partner to the community. 
If you want a job where you will develop your personal and professional skills and be a part of a community committed to excellence, this may be the job for you! Read through our qualifications below. 
The ideal sushi chef candidate will: 
  • Prepare all types of sushi according to recipes and customer specifications
  • Properly utilize, store, and label food items, and monitor stock
  • Help develop new sushi menu items within guidelines
  • Communicate effectively with service staff
  • Any other related duties as assigned by a supervisor. 
Job Qualifications: 
  • Prior experience with Japanese cuisine and sushi rolling techniques 
    • If you lack experience but are motivated and teachable, we would still love to talk to see if you are a good fit for our team! 
  • A strong work ethic and commitment to uncompromising quality 
  • A team-oriented approach and a calm demeanor during time-sensitive tasks 
  • Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully 
  • Willingness to cross-train into other areas and Happy Day restaurants 
  • Maintain high standards for work areas and appearance 
  • Maintain a positive attitude and commitment to excellence 
  • Must be flexible with scheduling, including weekends, evenings, and holidays 
  • Access to reliable transportation 
 
About Us:
Zany Graze is a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant in Lewiston, ID, serving an eclectic menu of the best American cuisine, barbecue, Mexican, and sushi around. With 24 beers on tap in our ZPub lounge, a vintage throwback family side, and two private party rooms, we've got great spaces for all your moods. 
Join us for our Tap Takeovers on the last Tuesday of the month, featuring a rotating list of regional breweries, or on Tuesdays when Smiles the Clown makes the rounds creating balloon animals for the kids. With something for everyone, Zany's is your go-to for exciting meal experiences. Learn more at zanygraze.com. 
Happy Day Restaurants corporation is a Lewiston, ID–based business founded in 1969 to bring the freshest products and most dynamic customer service experiences in the industry to our guests in the Inland Northwest. We operate 13 restaurants and a catering company in the LC Valley and on the Palouse and have won many regional and national awards for our businesses, including induction into the Idaho Hall of Fame in 2016. 
HDR values our employees and offers a variety of opportunities, benefits, and services to help develop leadership qualities in each person. Community is our favorite word, and we give back frequently by supporting many local and regional non-profits and other community-based efforts. 
We constantly strive to raise our standards and go the extra mile. If you want to be a part of this community of excellence, apply today! For more information about Happy Day, please visit happydayrestaurants.com.