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Prep Cook Jobs in Carthage, MS (NOW HIRING)

Day Time Crew Member

Brandon, MS · On-site

$7.25 - $10/hr

Preparing food orders, cooking on the grill, operating the fry station as needed * Cleaning the drive-in restaurants -- including trash disposal, mopping, sweeping, washing dishes, wiping counter ...

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Prep Cook information

See Carthage, MS salary details

$8

$13

$17

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Carthage, MS is $13.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.83 and $14.90 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.

What cities near Carthage, MS are hiring for Prep Cook jobs?

Cities near Carthage, MS with the most Prep Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Carthage, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,123 per year, or $13.5 per hour.

Day Time Crew Member

Sonic Drive-In

Brandon, MS • On-site

$7.25 - $10/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Sonic Drive-In rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 1,630 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 106 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Fun. Flexible hours. Great pay. Fantastic people. Professional fulfillment. That uniquely cool SONIC uniform. Can this possibly get any better? YES IT CAN!

Like a Chili Cheese Coney, the SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Team Member position is a savory plethora of food service responsibilities rolled into one. You’ll work Fountain & Frozen, Food Production, Grill, Fryer, Switchboard and, if applicable, Drive-Thru. SONIC Drive-In is a food service mecca, and our Restaurant Team Member is at the center.  

Restaurant Team Member duties may include:

  • Taking orders and making accurate changes quickly
  • Providing food service to our guests with enthusiasm
  • Packaging all menu items and checking for product quality and consistency
  • Preparing drinks and ice cream treats 
  • Preparing food orders, cooking on the grill, operating the fry station as needed 
  • Cleaning the drive-in restaurants -- including trash disposal, mopping, sweeping, washing dishes, wiping counter-tops and sanitizing food areas

Restaurant Team Member Requirements:

  • Contagiously positive attitude
  • Ability to remain calm, especially in tough situations
  • Resilient spirit – knowing everyone makes mistakes and can bounce back from a set-back
  • Eagerness to learn and grow
  • Ability to multi-task, switching from one task to another with ease
  • Team mentality and willingness to help where needed
  • Ability to work irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays
  • Ability to be flexible in all situations based on restaurant business need
  • Effective communication skills; basic math and reading skills
  • Willingness to abide by the appearance, uniform and hygiene standards at Sonic Drive-In restaurants
  • General knowledge and understanding of the food service / restaurant industry or retail operations preferred, but not required
  • MUST BE 16 YEARS OF AGE TO APPLY!

Additional Restaurant Team Member Qualifications…

  • Friendly and welcoming individuals who enjoy providing pleasant and courteous food service to our guests!
  • A willingness to cross-train in all of the stations.  It never gets dull here!
  • Motivated individuals who are team players and committed to keeping our drive-in restaurants clean and safe.

Sure, classic cars and vintage threads may be things of the past, but the SONIC Drive-In experience will always be groovy, right on, awesome, wicked, fab, the bee’s knees, cruisin’ . . . you get the picture!  It’s downright sensational! 

All that’s missing is you, so APPLY TODAY!

SONIC and its independent franchise owners are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Here at SONIC Drive-in, our priority isn’t just great service, it’s great experiences. Whether you’re coming for a Cherry Limeade on your lunch break or picking up Shakes with your team after a big win, we’re ready for you. That’s why our drive-in makes your burgers with 100% pure beef patties, prepares hand-made onion rings, and serves real ice cream. Carhops deliver orders with a smile because “This is How We SONIC”. Download the SONIC app and order your favorites to enjoy exclusive perks and offers, including half price drinks and slushes any time. Stop by to treat yourself today!


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