ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Prep Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Dead Dog Saloon

Prep Cook

Murrells Inlet, SC

$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 ...

Pepper Moon Corporation

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

The Prep Chef is a key member of our fast-paced, high-volume catering kitchen, responsible for supporting culinary production across three main stations: Hot Side, Cold Side, and Deli Prep. This role ...

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch

$14 - $17/hr

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch located in Shell, Wyoming, is looking for one Prep Cook to join our ... Responsibilities * Assist and help our chef to prepare all meals * Prepare and set out ingredients ...

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 ...

Lowes Foods

Pick & Prep Chef

Lexington, SC

$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 ...

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

Mooresville, NC

$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 ...

Lowes Foods

Pick & Prep Chef

Ocean Isle Beach, NC

$12 - $15.25/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 ...

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 ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsPrep Chef Jobs

Prep Chef information

See 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 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
What cities are hiring for Prep Chef jobs? Cities with the most Prep Chef job openings:
What states have the most Prep Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Prep Chef jobs include:
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

KINNEY LANE FOODS LLC

New Canaan, CT

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Hours: Sunday-Wednesday. About 35-45 hours per week. $18-$20 per hour 

Responsibilities: Help with food prep, food assembly, dishwashing 

Preferred not required: experience with health food