Prep Cook
$16/hr
The prep cook is required to perform basic cooking duties, monitor stock levels, and take on culinary tasks as they arise.To be a successful prep cook, you should understand and be willing to comply ...
Prep Cook
$16/hr
The prep cook is required to perform basic cooking duties, monitor stock levels, and take on culinary tasks as they arise.To be a successful prep cook, you should understand and be willing to comply ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, 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
Columbia, 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
Columbia, SC · On-site
$18 - $20/hr
Prep Cook Tazza Kitchen in Columbia, SC is seeking part-time Prep Cooks to join our team . Every great meal starts with fresh ingredients and proper prepping. Prep Cooks work with the entire kitchen ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$18 - $20/hr
Prep Cook Tazza Kitchen in Columbia, SC is seeking part-time Prep Cooks to join our team . Every great meal starts with fresh ingredients and proper prepping. Prep Cooks work with the entire kitchen ...
Prep Cook
$18 - $20/hr
Prep Cook Tazza Kitchen in Columbia, SC is seeking part-time Prep Cooks to join our team . Every great meal starts with fresh ingredients and proper prepping. Prep Cooks work with the entire kitchen ...
Prep Cook
$18 - $20/hr
Prep Cook Tazza Kitchen in Columbia, SC is seeking part-time Prep Cooks to join our team . Every great meal starts with fresh ingredients and proper prepping. Prep Cooks work with the entire kitchen ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$18 - $20/hr
Prep Cooks work with the entire kitchen team to prepare the menu items for service. Prep cooks have full knowledge of our recipes, ingredients, prepping techniques and standards of quality. Prep ...
Quick apply
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$18 - $20/hr
Prep Cooks work with the entire kitchen team to prepare the menu items for service. Prep cooks have full knowledge of our recipes, ingredients, prepping techniques and standards of quality. Prep ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
As a Prep Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards while preparing food with proper safety equipment, tools, and recipe specifications. Prep Cook ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
As a Prep Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards while preparing food with proper safety equipment, tools, and recipe specifications. Prep Cook ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
As a Prep Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards while preparing food with proper safety equipment, tools, and recipe specifications. Prep Cook ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
As a Prep Cook, you will be committed to safe food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards while preparing food with proper safety equipment, tools, and recipe specifications. Prep Cook ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$15 - $16/hr
PREP COOK Rosewood Market + Deli | Columbia, SC | Full-Time From $15.00 to $16.00 / hour + tips Rosewood Market is looking for a Prep Cook who takes pride in doing the behind-the-scenes work that ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$15 - $16/hr
PREP COOK Rosewood Market + Deli | Columbia, SC | Full-Time From $15.00 to $16.00 / hour + tips Rosewood Market is looking for a Prep Cook who takes pride in doing the behind-the-scenes work that ...
Prep Cook
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12.25 - $15.50/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12.25 - $15.50/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$11.75 - $14.75/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$11.75 - $14.75/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12.25 - $15.50/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$12.25 - $15.50/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
A Prep Cook with American Dining Creations prepares meal ingredients, simple dishes, condiments, and other related items as required to meet daily production needs. As a pivotal member of the ...
Prep Cook
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
A Prep Cook with American Dining Creations prepares meal ingredients, simple dishes, condiments, and other related items as required to meet daily production needs. As a pivotal member of the ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$17/hr
Prep Cook We build jobs that advance into lifelong careers. Start crafting yours today. You give your all to delight our Guests, we serve up the ingredients for you to live your best life. * Flexible ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$17/hr
Prep Cook We build jobs that advance into lifelong careers. Start crafting yours today. You give your all to delight our Guests, we serve up the ingredients for you to live your best life. * Flexible ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$15 - $16/hr
DESCRIPTION PREP COOK Rosewood Market + Deli | Columbia, SC | Full-Time From $15.00 to $16.00 / hour + tips Rosewood Market is looking for a Prep Cook who takes pride in doing the behind-the-scenes ...
Prep Cook
Columbia, SC · On-site
$15 - $16/hr
DESCRIPTION PREP COOK Rosewood Market + Deli | Columbia, SC | Full-Time From $15.00 to $16.00 / hour + tips Rosewood Market is looking for a Prep Cook who takes pride in doing the behind-the-scenes ...
Prep Cook information
See Columbia, SC salary details
$7.66 - $8.48
1% of jobs
$8.48 - $9.30
3% of jobs
$9.30 - $10.12
7% of jobs
$10.12 - $10.94
8% of jobs
$11.33 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$10.94 - $11.76
11% of jobs
$11.76 - $12.58
15% of jobs
The median wage is $12.81 / hr.
$12.58 - $13.40
17% of jobs
$14.17 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$13.40 - $14.22
14% of jobs
$14.22 - $15.04
13% of jobs
$15.04 - $15.86
7% of jobs
$15.86 - $16.68
4% of jobs
$7
$12
$16
How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Columbia, SC is $12.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.20 and $14.13 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?
| Aspect | Prep Cook | Line Cook |
|---|---|---|
| Responsibilities | Prepares ingredients, washes, chops, and organizes supplies | cooks dishes during service, manages specific station |
| Skills & Certifications | Basic cooking skills, food safety, knife skills | Advanced cooking skills, station-specific knowledge |
| Work Environment | Kitchen prep area, early shifts | Hot line during service, fast-paced environment |
| Typical Employer | Restaurants, catering services | Restaurants, 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 are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Columbia, SC? For Prep Cook jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Ruth's Chris Steak House rating
6.9
Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
13th of 88 rated restaurants
Job description
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.To be a successful prep cook, you should understand and be willing to comply with food and sanitation guidelines and regulations, be quick and diligent, and be willing to improve on the job. A top-notch prep cook should be able to follow instructions and work in a fast-paced environment.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.
What Ruth's Chris Steak House employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About Ruth's Chris Steak House
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Our steaks are cooked using a patented broiling method developed by our founder. They’re seasoned to perfection, and then served sizzling on 500-degree plates. Our chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff are among the best in the world. They’re trained to deliver steaks exactly the way Ruth wanted. We’ve combined the finest spirits, service, and steaks with a relaxed, friendly environment to create the best bar experience.
Industry
Food services and drinking places and restaurants
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Winter Park, FL, US