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Prep Cook Jobs in Cresco, IA (NOW HIRING)

PREP COOK

Decorah, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Previous prep cooking experience is required. * Pay Range: $16.00 per hour to $18.00 per hour. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text ...

PREP COOK (FULL TIME)

Decorah, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Previous prep cooking experience is required. * Pay Range: $16.00 per hour to $18.00 per hour. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text ...

PREP COOK (FULL TIME)

Decorah, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Previous prep cooking experience is required. * Pay Range: $16.00 per hour to $18.00 per hour. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text ...

PREP COOK (FULL TIME)

Decorah, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Previous prep cooking experience is required. * Pay Range: $16.00 per hour to $18.00 per hour. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text ...

Cook (Part-TIme)

Decorah, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Job Type Part-time Description Do you have a passion for cooking, a keen eye for detail, and the ... non-food surfaces Prep work for all items on menu and event menu items Set up workstations ...

Cook

Ostrander, MN · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook We are seeking a skilled and experienced cook to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes, ensuring that all meals are prepared ...

Cook

Ostrander, MN · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook We are seeking a skilled and experienced cook to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes, ensuring that all meals are prepared ...

Cook

Ostrander, MN · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook $1,000.00 Sign on Bonus Come work at Care & Rehab! We are a small family-owned company in business for over 25 years, and located in the charming rural community of Ostrander, MN, where ...

Cook

Ostrander, MN · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook $1,000.00 Sign on Bonus Come work at Care amp; Rehab! We are a small family-owned company in business for over 25 years, and located in the charming rural community of Ostrander, MN, where ...

Cook, Part Time, 20 hrs/wk

Lourdes, IA · On-site

$18.69 - $26.01/hr

HACCP temp logs, prep and pull sheets, cooling and re-heating logs. May be required to work off ... Prior cooking/production experience required. Ability to speak English required. Required Education:

Cook

Harmony, MN

$13.50 - $18/hr

211 Fortress Boulevard, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37128 The Cook prepares meals according to approved menus and recipes, taking into account the special dietary needs of residents living in the ...

Cook

Harmony, MN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

211 Fortress Boulevard, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37128 The Cook prepares meals according to approved menus and recipes, taking into account the special dietary needs of residents living in the ...

COOK

Decorah, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Prior cooking experience is required. * Pay Range: $18.00 per hour to $20.00 per hour. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging?

Cook

Mabel, MN · On-site

Cook $15.00 - $17.75/hour | Part-Time Green Lea Senior Living | Mabel, MN Grand Meadow Senior Living is committed to providing exceptional, personalized care in a warm and welcoming environment. If ...

Cook

Decorah, IA · On-site

Cook $15.00 - $17.75/hour | Part-Time Green Lea Senior Living | Mabel, MN Grand Meadow Senior Living is committed to providing exceptional, personalized care in a warm and welcoming environment. If ...

Cook

Harmony, MN · On-site

Cook $15.00 - $17.75/hour | Part-Time Green Lea Senior Living | Mabel, MN Grand Meadow Senior Living is committed to providing exceptional, personalized care in a warm and welcoming environment. If ...

Cook

Mabel, MN · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

Cook $15.00 - $17.75/hour | Part-Time Green Lea Senior Living | Mabel, MN Grand Meadow Senior Living is committed to providing exceptional, personalized care in a warm and welcoming environment. If ...

Cook

Cresco, IA · On-site

Cook $15.00 - $17.75/hour | Part-Time Green Lea Senior Living | Mabel, MN Grand Meadow Senior Living is committed to providing exceptional, personalized care in a warm and welcoming environment. If ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Decorah, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Prior cooking experience is required. * Pay Range: $18.00 per hour to $20.00 per hour. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging?

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Prep Cook information

See Cresco, IA salary details

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$14

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How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Cresco, IA is $14.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $16.30 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 Cresco, IA are hiring for Prep Cook jobs?

Cities near Cresco, IA with the most Prep Cook job openings:

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,095 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services


Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for a full time PREP COOK position.
  • Location: Luther College - 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA 52101. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time; Days and hours may vary. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Previous prep cooking experience is required.
  • Pay Range: $16.00 per hour to $18.00 per hour.

*Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available
We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1561151.
The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg
Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!
Are you looking for a job with competitive wages and benefits, one in which you can learn and grow while making a difference in the world? We're hiring! Bon Appétit Management Company operates more than 1,000 cafés around the country for corporations, universities, and museums, as well as a few dozen public restaurants. We've led the industry in socially and environmentally responsible sourcing, from sustainable seafood to cage-free eggs. We cook everything from scratch using fresh, local ingredients.
Learn more about careers with Bon Appétit: http://www.bamco.com/careers/
Job Summary
Summary: Prepares food and serves customers in accordance with applicable federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Obtains daily production schedule and preparation requirements from the Chef.
  • Prepares items on production sheets following established quantities and recipes.
  • Completes and follows daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality.
  • Operates and cleans equipment per department procedures after each use.
  • Stores, labels and dates all food items according to policy. Follows HACCP guidelines.
  • Completes all required documentation, reports, logs as required.
  • Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures.
  • Takes orders from customer and prepare items requiring short preparation time.
  • Serves customers in an efficient and friendly manner.
  • Completes orders from steam tables and grill and serves customers at multiple stations.
  • Uses approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving temperatures and standard portion control.
  • Operates and cleans equipment per department procedures after each use.
  • Stores, labels and dates all food items according to policy.
  • Follows HACCP guidelines to ensure quality and safety of food supply.
  • Resolves customer concerns.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at Bon Appétit are offered many fantastic benefits.
Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf
About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.
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