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Prep Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Up On The Roof

Prep Cook

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$16/hr

The prep cook is required to perform basic cooking duties, monitor stock levels, and take on culinary tasks as they arise. Prep cooks will be expected to prepare both savory and sweet recipes.Prep ...

UP On The Roof

Prep Cook

Charlottesville, VA · 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 ...

Glory Days Grill

Prep Cook

Falls Church, VA

$15/hr

Prep Cook Main Responsibilities of a Prep Cook: * Completing all tasks, in order, on the prep list that was assigned by the Manager * Will use kitchen equipment for cooking and be responsible for the ...

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Glory Days Grill

Prep Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Prep Cook Main Responsibilities of a Prep Cook: * Completing all tasks, in order, on the prep list that was assigned by the Manager * Will use kitchen equipment for cooking and be responsible for the ...

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Cafe Monet

Prep Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prep Cook Cafe Monet | McLean, VA KNEAD Hospitality + Design Cafe Monet, a new concept from KNEAD Hospitality + Design, is seeking dedicated Prep Cooks to join our opening team in McLean, VA.

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Cafe Monet

Prep Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prep Cook Cafe Monet | McLean, VA KNEAD Hospitality + Design Cafe Monet, a new concept from KNEAD Hospitality + Design, is seeking dedicated Prep Cooks to join our opening team in McLean, VA.

Knead Hospitality

Prep Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prep Cook Cafe Monet | McLean, VA KNEAD Hospitality + Design Cafe Monet, a new concept from KNEAD Hospitality + Design, is seeking dedicated Prep Cooks to join our opening team in McLean, VA.

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This role requires ...

Finn & Fire

Prep Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

We are seeking dynamic, experienced Back of House Staff (Cooks, Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Sushi Chef & Dishwashers) to join our team as we create an elevated dining experience. Ideal candidates will ...

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Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Coastal Flats Tysons Corner

Prep Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Coastal Flats Fairfax

Prep Cook

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Jackson's

Prep Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Della J's

Prep Cook

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Prep Cook Job Responsibilities: * Perform routine kitchen tasks. * Follow the prep list created to plan duties. * Label and stock all ingredients on shelves so they can be organized and easily ...

Sweetwater Tavern Centreville

Prep Cook

Centreville, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Randy's Prime Seafood & Steaks

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Texas Roadhouse

Prep Cook

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Bubba's 33

Prep Cook

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Bubba's 33 legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Sweetwater Tavern Merrifield

Prep Cook

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

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Prep Cook information

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How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Virginia is $15.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $17.16 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 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 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 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.

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.
More about Prep Cook jobs
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Prep Cook jobs near you
Prep Cook

Prep Cook

Up On The Roof

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$16/hr

Other

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

UP on the Roof: Prep CookPay: Hourly, starting at $16 and up (dependent on experience and location, will be discussed in the interview)Benefits:Flexible schedulingPTO Health Insurance401K plus matchWe are looking for a hard-working prep cook to be responsible for setting up workstations in the kitchen and preparing ingredients for the cooking process. The prep cook is required to perform basic cooking duties, monitor stock levels, and take on culinary tasks as they arise. Prep cooks will be expected to prepare both savory and sweet recipes.Prep Cook Responsibilities:Setting up and sanitizing workstations.Following prep lists created by chefs.Measuring ingredients and seasonings, and preparing cooking ingredients such as soup stock to be used in the cooking process.Preparing simple dishes, such as entrees or salads.Ensuring all food items are properly stored and easily accessible.Assisting chefs in preparing food and attending to any culinary tasks that arise.Distributing plates to wait staff to be served, cleaning plates for dishwashing, and preparing takeaway packages for customers.Supervising food and cooling room temperatures.Accepting or rejecting ingredients from suppliers.Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen.

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