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Prep Cook Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

Coopers Food & Drink / The Forum

Prep-Cook

Olympia, WA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Free uniforms We are looking for an EXPERIANCED Prep Cook to join our team! You will be preparing a variety of meats, sauces, soups and more for restaurant guests to enjoy. You are passionate about ...

Mesk Investment, Inc

Prep. Cook

Lacey, WA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Prep cook helps the kitchen staff with prepping and portioning food to meet the kitchen needs. We are looking to hire for the Prep-Cook position. We are interested in hardworking, reliable people ...

Mesk Investment, Inc

Prep. Cook

Issaquah, WA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Prep cook helps the kitchen staff with prepping and portioning food to meet the kitchen needs. We are looking to hire for the Prep-Cook position. We are interested in hardworking, reliable people ...

Mesk Investment, Inc

Prep. Cook

Tacoma, WA

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Prep cook helps the kitchen staff with prepping and portioning food to meet the kitchen needs. We are looking to hire for the Prep-Cook position. We are interested in hardworking, reliable people ...

Mesk Investment, Inc

Prep. Cook

Tacoma, WA · On-site

Prep cook helps the kitchen staff with prepping and portioning food to meet the kitchen needs. We are looking to hire for the Prep-Cook position. We are interested in hardworking, reliable people ...

Mesk Investment, Inc

Prep. Cook

Lakewood, WA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Prep cook helps the kitchen staff with prepping and portioning food to meet the kitchen needs. We are looking to hire for the Prep-Cook position. We are interested in hardworking, reliable people ...

Mesk Investment, Inc

Prep. Cook

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Prep cook helps the kitchen staff with prepping and portioning food to meet the kitchen needs. We are looking to hire for the Prep-Cook position. We are interested in hardworking, reliable people ...

Mesk Investment, Inc

Prep. Cook

Puyallup, WA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Prep cook helps the kitchen staff with prepping and portioning food to meet the kitchen needs. We are looking to hire for the Prep-Cook position. We are interested in hardworking, reliable people ...

Mesk Investment, Inc

Prep. Cook

Kent, WA

$16 - $20.25/hr

Prep cook helps the kitchen staff with prepping and portioning food to meet the kitchen needs. We are looking to hire for the Prep-Cook position. We are interested in hardworking, reliable people ...

MAD ANTHONY'S INC

Prep Cook

Gig Harbor, WA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

The Prep Cook plays a crucial role in the kitchen by ensuring that all ingredients are properly prepared and ready for use by the culinary team. This position supports chefs and cooks by performing ...

Din Tai Fung

Prep Cook

Seattle, WA · On-site

$23.75/hr

As a Prep Cook, you help set the kitchen up for success by preparing the ingredients that bring our dishes to life. In this role, you are responsible for receiving deliveries, checking ingredient ...

Din Tai Fung

Prep Cook

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$24.25/hr

As a Prep Cook, you help set the kitchen up for success by preparing the ingredients that bring our dishes to life. In this role, you are responsible for receiving deliveries, checking ingredient ...

MAD ANTHONY'S INC

Prep Cook

Gig Harbor, WA · On-site

The Prep Cook plays a crucial role in the kitchen by ensuring that all ingredients are properly prepared and ready for use by the culinary team. This position supports chefs and cooks by performing ...

Din Tai Fung North America

Prep Cook

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$24.25/hr

As a Prep Cook, you help set the kitchen up for success by preparing the ingredients that bring our dishes to life. In this role, you are responsible for receiving deliveries, checking ingredient ...

Emish Market

Prep cook

Fife, WA · On-site

$20/hr

We are currently seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Prep Cook to join our night shift kitchen team. This role focuses on food preparation to support our café, bakery, and deli operations and ...

Franke Tobey Jones

Prep Cook

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

The Prep Cook supports the Dining Services team by preparing ingredients, assisting with food production, and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen. This role helps ensure meals are prepared ...

Old Spaghetti Factory

Prep Cook

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$17.35/hr

Prep Cook Our Prep Cooks are part of our collaborative kitchen team responsible for preparing a variety of ingredients with precision and care. Attention to detail and desire to work in a team ...

IHOP

Prep. Cook

Lakewood, WA · On-site

$17.13 - $18/hr

Prep cook helps the kitchen staff with prepping and portioning food to meet the kitchen needs. We are looking to hire for the Prep-Cook position. We are interested in hardworking, reliable people ...

IHOP

Prep. Cook

Issaquah, WA · On-site

$17.13 - $18/hr

Prep cook helps the kitchen staff with prepping and portioning food to meet the kitchen needs. We are looking to hire for the Prep-Cook position. We are interested in hardworking, reliable people ...

IHOP

Prep. Cook

Puyallup, WA · On-site

$17.13 - $18/hr

Prep cook helps the kitchen staff with prepping and portioning food to meet the kitchen needs. We are looking to hire for the Prep-Cook position. We are interested in hardworking, reliable people ...

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All JobsPrep Cook JobsPrep Cook Jobs in Federal Way, WA

Prep Cook information

See Federal Way, WA salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Federal Way, WA is $17.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $19.33 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 Federal Way, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, and 52% Part Time. Highlights an 66% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,437 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Prep-Cook

Coopers Food & Drink / The Forum

Olympia, WA • On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • Free food & snacks
  • Free uniforms

We are looking for an EXPERIANCED Prep Cook to join our team! You will be preparing a variety of meats, sauces, soups and more for restaurant guests to enjoy.
You are passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences through good, quality food. With previous experience as a prep cook, you are able to manage multiple priorities and contribute to a friendly and productive team atmosphere. Ideally, you have your ServeSafe or Food Handler’s certification. 
You also have an attention for detail, possess solid knife technique, and can manage multiple prep-projects at one time. You excel at keeping an organized and clean walk-in and are committed to ensuring that your co-workers do the same. You take seriously the responsibility of tracking waste and communicate with your managers when something in the waste log is of concern.
Responsibilities: 

  • Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment and work surfaces or serving areas to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices
  • Ensure freshness of food and ingredients through effective rotation and labeling of product in the walk in. 
  • Taste, taste, taste. Ensure all prep is cooked and seasoned correctly.
  • Respond to guest feedback with appropriate urgency and professionalism.
  • Communicate with the incoming shift as to what prep items need to be completed/prioritized.
Qualifications: 
  • Previous experience as a prep cook preferred.
  • Attention for detail
  • Teachable.
  • ServeSafe or Food Handler’s certification (or must be willing to attain)
  • Effective communication skills 
  • Ability to lift 30+ lbs 
  • Ability to work standing for 8+ hours 
 
Complete our short application today!