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Prep Cook Jobs in Brainerd, MN (NOW HIRING)

Express Employment

Line Cook

Deerwood, MN

$18/hr

Prep, cook, and plate food according to recipes and presentation standards * Portion, peel, cut, wash, and mix ingredients as needed * Ensure proper food labeling, rotation, and storage practices

New

Cragun's Resort

Resort Breakfast Cook

Brainerd, MN

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Description Cragun's Resort and the Legacy Grille are looking for multiple Breakfast Cook/Prep Cooks to join our plethora of dining options! Are you an experienced cook looking for a new beginning?

Cragun's Resort

Resort Breakfast Cook

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Cragun's Resort and the Legacy Grille are looking for multiple Breakfast Cook/Prep Cooks to join our plethora of dining options! Are you an experienced cook looking for a new beginning? Or a beginner ...

Cragun's Resort

Resort Breakfast Cook

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Description Cragun's Resort and the Legacy Grille are looking for multiple Breakfast Cook/Prep Cooks to join our plethora of dining options! Are you an experienced cook looking for a new beginning?

Cragun's Resort

Resort Breakfast Cook

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Job Type Full-time, Part-time, Temporary Description Cragun's Resort and the Legacy Grille are looking for multiple Breakfast Cook/Prep Cooks to join our plethora of dining options! Are you an ...

Edgewood Healthcare

Cook

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$18.50 - $19.63/hr

Help plan and meal prep for resident and employee special events * Maintain a clean and safe ... Previous cooking experience, desired * Active ServSafe Certification, desired Edgewood will provide ...

Perkins

Cook

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Has sufficient knowledge of cooking stations, menu items and prep procedures to ensure correct portioning, quality, cooking time and performance standards. * Cooks and prepares menu items according ...

Perkins

Cook

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Has sufficient knowledge of cooking stations, menu items and prep procedures to ensure correct portioning, quality, cooking time and performance standards. * Cooks and prepares menu items according ...

Edgewood Healthcare

Assistant Cook

Baxter, MN · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Help plan and meal prep for resident and employee special events * Maintain a clean and safe kitchen and dining room * Follow HIPAA and all other Edgewood policies Qualifications : * Previous cooking ...

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Prep Cook information

See Brainerd, MN salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Brainerd, MN is $15.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $16.92 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.

How to get a job as a prep cook?

To get a job as a prep cook, you should gain basic cooking skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and experience in a kitchen environment. Many employers look for previous kitchen work, a high school diploma or equivalent, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced setting. Applying to entry-level restaurant or catering positions and demonstrating reliability can improve your chances of securing a prep cook role.

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 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
What cities near Brainerd, MN are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Brainerd, MN with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Brainerd, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 66% Physical, and 34% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,924 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Line Cook

Express Employment

Deerwood, MN

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Top Job
Located in Deerwood, MN
Salary: $18.00+/hour
Line Cook
Deerwood, MN | On-Site Housing Available
Looking for a Summer Job? Express is hiring NOW!
Job Highlights
- Hiring Immediately!
- Starting wage: $18.00 - $20.00/hour, based on experience + increased wages with a ServSafe Certification!- Location: Deerwood, MN
- On-Site Housing is Available
Express Employment Professionals is looking for Line Cooks (entry-level and experienced) for this summer season with the position lasting through November! Whether you're brand new to the kitchen or already have experience, this is a great way to earn solid pay and build skills in a fast-paced environment!
Key Duties:
  • Prep, cook, and plate food according to recipes and presentation standards
  • Portion, peel, cut, wash, and mix ingredients as needed
  • Ensure proper food labeling, rotation, and storage practices
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary workstation
  • Follow all food handling and safety guidelines
  • Communicate effectively and work as part of a team

Requirements:
  • Entry-level or prior food prep/line cook experience
  • Ability to follow instructions and recipes accurately
  • Physically able to stand for long periods of time and lift up to 40 lbs.
  • ServSafe Certification - preferred but not required
  • Must be available to work some weekends
  • Must be able to pass a background check

APPLY NOW WITH EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT!

Complete an online application at ExpressProsMN.com or email your resume with the job title to Jobs.BrainerdGrandRapidsMN@expresspros.com.
Questions? Contact us at 218-967-5669 (218-WORK-NOW)
Download the EXPRESSJOBS App and apply instantly or search for other local job openings!
#3371LI
Express Office: Brainerd/Grand Rapids
102 Northeast 3rd Street
Suite 100
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Express Employment Professionals logo

About Express Employment Professionals

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Express Employment Professionals, based in Oklahoma City, OK, USA, operates in the staffing industry and is renowned for providing robust and reliable staffing solutions. Their official website - expresspros.com - details their variety of services, which include temporary and full-time staffing, human resources services, and professional search. The company was established in 1983 with the aim of helping as many people as possible to find good jobs, and since then, it has grown exponentially, expanding its reach to various domains within the job market.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Oklahoma City, OK, US

Social media

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