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Prep Cook Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Original Mels Pinole

Prep Cook

Pinole, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

The Original Mels is looking for experienced Prep Cooks at our 24-hour Pinole location. Applicants must be available to work weekends and nights. This is a high volume, fast paced restaurant, serving ...

The Original Mels Pinole

Prep Cook

Pinole, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

The Original Mels is looking for experienced Prep Cooks at our 24-hour Pinole location. Applicants must be available to work weekends and nights. This is a high volume, fast paced restaurant, serving ...

Hillstone Restaurant Group

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Prep Cook positions are available. * Health benefits are available. * Training will begin immediately. * Full and part-time opportunities available. Prep Cook : High volume experience is preferred.

Hillstone

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA

Prep Cook positions are available. * Health benefits are available. * Training will begin immediately. * Full and part-time opportunities available. Prep Cook : High volume experience is preferred.

Hillstone Restaurant Group

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA

$21 - $25/hr

Prep Cook positions are available. * Health benefits are available. * Training will begin immediately. * Full and part-time opportunities available. Prep Cook : High volume experience is preferred.

Crestline Hotels and Resorts

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

The Prep Cook produces required cold prep items in kitchen to forecasted business. He/she reviews production sheets, BEOs (Banquet Event Orders), and par sheets in order to prepare for the day ...

Hotel Spero

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

The Prep Cook produces required cold prep items in kitchen to forecasted business. He/she reviews production sheets, BEOs (Banquet Event Orders), and par sheets in order to prepare for the day ...

Oakland Athletic Club

Prep Cook

Oakland, CA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Do you enjoy being the backbone of a busy kitchen, setting the team up for success before the rush hits? We're looking for a reliable and detail-oriented Prep Cook to help keep things running ...

Equator Coffees

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Prep Cook - Retail Cafe - Round House CLASSIFICATION​: Non-Exempt REPORTS TO: Café General Manager COMPENSATION: $20.00/HOUR About Equator In 1995, Equator Founders Helen Russell and Brooke ...

Equator Coffees

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Prep Cook - Retail Cafe - Round House CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt REPORTS TO: Café General Manager COMPENSATION: $20.00/HOUR About Equator In 1995, Equator Founders Helen Russell and Brooke ...

Equator Coffees

Prep Cook

Orinda, CA · On-site

$19.45/hr

Prep Cook - Retail Cafe - Orinda CLASSIFICATION​: Non-Exempt REPORTS TO: General Manager COMPENSATION: $19.45/HOUR About Equator In 1995, Equator Founders Helen Russell and Brooke McDonnell began ...

Equator Coffees

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA

$20/hr

Prep Cook - Retail Cafe - Round House CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt REPORTS TO: Cafe General Manager COMPENSATION: $20.00/HOUR About Equator In 1995, Equator Founders Helen Russell and Brooke McDonnell ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

Walnut Creek, CA

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA

$19.61 - $24.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Horatio's

Prep Cook

San Leandro, CA

$18 - $27/hr

Prep Cook This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that delivers on our promise to meet and exceed our guest's experience the moment they walk through our ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

Corte Madera, CA

$17.75 - $21/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Kincaid's

Prep Cook

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Prep Cook This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that delivers on our promise to meet and exceed our guest's experience the moment they walk through our ...

Kincaid's

Prep Cook

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Prep Cook This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that delivers on our promise to meet and exceed our guest's experience the moment they walk through our ...

Horatio's

Prep Cook

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$18 - $27/hr

Prep Cook This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that delivers on our promise to meet and exceed our guest's experience the moment they walk through our ...

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All JobsPrep Cook JobsPrep Cook Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Prep Cook information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$11

$19

$25

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Berkeley, CA is $19.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $21.20 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 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.

Is a prep cook a hard job?

A prep cook role involves preparing ingredients and assisting with kitchen tasks, which can be physically demanding and require attention to detail. The job often involves standing for long periods, working quickly during busy hours, and following safety and hygiene standards. Experience with kitchen tools and time management skills can help manage the workload effectively.

What does a prep cook do?

A prep cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and basic dishes in a kitchen, such as chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and assembling components for chefs. They work in a fast-paced environment, often using knives, food processors, and other kitchen tools, and typically follow food safety and sanitation standards.
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Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, and 56% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,952 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Prep Cook

The Original Mels Pinole

Pinole, CA • On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

The Original Mels is looking for experienced Prep Cooks at our 24-hour Pinole location. Applicants must be available to work weekends and nights. This is a high volume, fast paced restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner and provides profitable opportunities for strong performers in an environment that is friendly and fun.
Prep Cook responsibilities include setting up and stocking stations with all necessary supplies, preparing food for service (e.g. chopping vegetables, butchering meat, or preparing sauces), and cooking menu items in cooperation with the rest of the kitchen staff.

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