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Prep Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $18/hr

Training & development SUMMARY The Prep Cook prepares raw product to be used by the restaurant staff in the preparation of entrees, appetizers and side items. Reports To: Restaurant Manager SPECIFIC ...

Prep Cook

Greenville, SC · On-site

$16/hr

Prep Cook Pay: Hourly, starting at $16 and up (dependent on experience and location, will be discussed in the interview) Benefits: Flexible scheduling PTO Health Insurance 401K plus match We are ...

Prep Cook

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$17/hr

Prep Cook Pay: Hourly, starting at $16 and up (dependent on experience and location, will be discussed in the interview) Benefits: Flexible scheduling PTO Health Insurance 401K plus match We are ...

Prep Cook

Myrtle Beach, SC · On-site

$18/hr

Prep Cook Pay: Hourly, starting at $16 and up (dependent on experience and location, will be discussed in the interview) Benefits: Flexible scheduling PTO Health Insurance 401K plus match We are ...

Prep Cook

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$15/hr

Prep Cook Pay: Hourly, starting at $16 and up (dependent on experience and location, will be discussed in the interview) Benefits: Flexible scheduling PTO Health Insurance 401K plus match We are ...

Prep Cook

Greenville, SC · On-site

$16/hr

Prep Cook Pay: Hourly, starting at $16 and up (dependent on experience and location, will be discussed in the interview) Benefits: Flexible scheduling PTO Health Insurance 401K plus match We are ...

Prep Cook

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$17/hr

Prep Cook Pay: Hourly, starting at $16 and up (dependent on experience and location, will be discussed in the interview) Benefits: Flexible scheduling PTO Health Insurance 401K plus match We are ...

Prep Cook

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$16/hr

Prep Cook Pay: Hourly, starting at $16 and up (dependent on experience and location, will be discussed in the interview) Benefits: Flexible scheduling PTO Health Insurance 401K plus match We are ...

Prep Cook

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15/hr

Prep Cook Pay: Hourly, starting at $16 and up (dependent on experience and location, will be discussed in the interview) Benefits: Flexible scheduling PTO Health Insurance 401K plus match We are ...

Prep Cook

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15/hr

Prep Cook Pay: Hourly, starting at $16 and up (dependent on experience and location, will be discussed in the interview) Benefits: Flexible scheduling PTO Health Insurance 401K plus match We are ...

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How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook 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 Cook?

A prep cook works in a restaurant or private kitchen, preparing ingredients for other chefs to cook. As a prep cook, your responsibilities center on simplifying the cooking process for everyone in the kitchen. Your duties include cleaning, peeling, chopping, cutting, slicing, and dicing vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, and other food. You are also responsible for maintaining health and safety standards in the kitchen, which is a responsibility of everyone on the staff. You need excellent knife skills to safely and quickly prepare food, and you need communication skills to follow instructions and collaborate with your coworkers. Experience working in a kitchen is helpful when you look for jobs as a prep cook, but a prep cook can sometimes be considered to be an entry-level position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Prep Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prep Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and experience with kitchen equipment, usually gained through on-the-job training or a culinary certificate. Familiarity with commercial kitchen tools such as slicers, mixers, and standardized recipes is common in this role. Strong attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are essential soft skills for handling multiple tasks efficiently. These abilities ensure high-quality food preparation, kitchen safety, and smooth operation during busy service periods.

What are some common challenges faced by prep cooks, and how can they be managed effectively?

Prep cooks often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintaining consistency in food preparation. To manage these effectively, it’s important to develop strong time-management skills, stay organized, and communicate clearly with other kitchen staff. Building stamina and adaptability will also help handle peak hours, and being attentive to detail ensures quality and food safety standards are consistently met.

What are prep cooks?

Prep cooks are kitchen professionals responsible for preparing ingredients and basic components needed for recipes. Their duties typically include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, as well as organizing workstations and ensuring that the kitchen runs efficiently. Prep cooks support chefs and line cooks by making sure everything is ready for meal preparation and service. This role is essential in both restaurants and catering operations, as it helps maintain a smooth workflow and consistent food quality.

Is prep cook entry level?

Prep cook positions are often entry-level roles that require basic cooking skills, such as knife handling and food preparation. Many employers provide on-the-job training, making it accessible for those with little or no prior experience in professional kitchens.

What is the difference between Prep Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectPrep CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesPrepares ingredients, washes, chops, and organizes supplies cooks dishes during service, manages specific station
Skills & CertificationsBasic cooking skills, food safety, knife skillsAdvanced cooking skills, station-specific knowledge
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep area, early shiftsHot line during service, fast-paced environment
Typical EmployerRestaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering

Prep cooks focus on preparing ingredients and organizing supplies, while line cooks handle cooking dishes during service. Both roles require food safety knowledge, but line cooks often need more advanced skills and work in a faster, high-pressure environment. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right culinary role.

What cities are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities with the most Prep Cook job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs? The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs are:
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What states have the most Prep Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Prep Cook jobs include:
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What are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs? For Prep Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 58% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,628 per year, or $15.7 per hour.
Prep Cook

Prep Cook

Original Roadhouse Grill

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$16.90 - $18/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development

SUMMARY
The Prep Cook prepares raw product to be used by the restaurant staff in the preparation of entrees, appetizers and side items.
Reports To: Restaurant Manager
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Sets up work area, equipment and utensils.
  • Reads prep list for the day's assignments.
  • Prepares prep list items according to recipe book.
  • Maintains safety and sanitation standards at all times.
  • Covers, labels, dates and stores prepared products.
  • Rotates products according to FIFO principle.
  • Maintains high standards of personal hygiene in compliance with local health ordinances.
  • Cleans work area, stores utensil, disassembles and cleans equipment.
  • On occasion, the Prep Cook will need to work in the dish machine area and operate the dish machine.
  • Follows all health, safety, sanitation and security standards.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
The Prep Cook must be well groomed and neatly dressed in a clean uniform. See employee handbook for a complete description of the dress code for the back or the house employee.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Physical Actions:
The Prep Cook will be required to engage in the following physical action for up to an eight-hour shift:
  • 55% Standing
  • 5% Walking
  • 15% Carrying
  • 10% Lifting
  • 5% Reaching
  • 10% Cleaning
The Prep Cook will be required to lift up to 50 pounds. The Prep Cook works extensively with knives, and mechanized cutting and slicing equipment. The Prep Cook's hands are submerged in water for extended periods.
Environmental Exposure:
The Prep Cook is exposed to heat, moisture, smoke and cleaning chemicals used in the kitchen.
BENEFITS/PERKS
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package (Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/LTD)
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid sick leave
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • A dynamic and energetic work atmosphere
  • Career development