Prep Cook
Beloit, WI · On-site
$17/hr
Talented Prep Cook at QDOBA Mexican Eats! Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where delicious food and great service come together? Are you excited about working with a motivated team that values ...
Prep Cook
Beloit, WI · On-site
$17/hr
Talented Prep Cook at QDOBA Mexican Eats! Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where delicious food and great service come together? Are you excited about working with a motivated team that values ...
Prep Cook
$17/hr
Talented Prep Cook at QDOBA Mexican Eats! Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where delicious food and great service come together? Are you excited about working with a motivated team that values ...
Quick apply
Prep Cook
$17/hr
Talented Prep Cook at QDOBA Mexican Eats! Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where delicious food and great service come together? Are you excited about working with a motivated team that values ...
Line Cook Prep Cook
Rockford, IL · On-site
$14 - $18/hr
We are looking for line/prep cooks with at least two years of experience on fryer and sautee, but we will train the right candidate if you're eager to learn. The right candidate will know how to work ...
Quick apply
Line Cook Prep Cook
Rockford, IL · On-site
$14 - $18/hr
We are looking for line/prep cooks with at least two years of experience on fryer and sautee, but we will train the right candidate if you're eager to learn. The right candidate will know how to work ...
Line Cook Prep Cook
Rockford, IL · On-site
$14 - $18/hr
We are looking for line/prep cooks with at least two years of experience on fryer and sautee, but we will train the right candidate if you're eager to learn. The right candidate will know how to work ...
Quick apply
Line Cook Prep Cook
Rockford, IL · On-site
$14 - $18/hr
We are looking for line/prep cooks with at least two years of experience on fryer and sautee, but we will train the right candidate if you're eager to learn. The right candidate will know how to work ...
Line Cook / Prep Cook
Freeport, IL · On-site
$15 - $18/hr
Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...
Line Cook / Prep Cook
Freeport, IL · On-site
$15 - $18/hr
Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...
Line Cook / Prep Cook
$15 - $18/hr
Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...
Quick apply
Line Cook / Prep Cook
$15 - $18/hr
Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...
Line Cook / Prep Cook
Beloit, WI · On-site
$15 - $18/hr
Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...
Line Cook / Prep Cook
Beloit, WI · On-site
$15 - $18/hr
Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...
Line Cook / Prep Cook
$15 - $18/hr
Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...
Quick apply
Line Cook / Prep Cook
$15 - $18/hr
Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...
Line Cook / Prep Cook
Freeport, IL · On-site
$15 - $18/hr
Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...
Line Cook / Prep Cook
Freeport, IL · On-site
$15 - $18/hr
Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...
Line Cook / Prep Cook
Beloit, WI · On-site
$15 - $18/hr
Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...
Line Cook / Prep Cook
Beloit, WI · On-site
$15 - $18/hr
Completes all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. Maintains product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu items according to Applebee's Recipes, Plate ...
Cook
Rockford, IL · On-site
$14 - $18.75/hr
LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...
Cook
Rockford, IL · On-site
$14 - $18.75/hr
LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...
Food Prep, Cook, and Pizza Maker - Cast Member
Rockford, IL · On-site
$15 - $16/hr
Now Hiring Food Prep, Cook, and Pizza Makers Kitchen Prep and Pizza Makers help feed the fun by preparing orders and assisting with food prep. This is a no-fry kitchen. Easy prep for pizza, salads ...
Food Prep, Cook, and Pizza Maker - Cast Member
Rockford, IL · On-site
$15 - $16/hr
Now Hiring Food Prep, Cook, and Pizza Makers Kitchen Prep and Pizza Makers help feed the fun by preparing orders and assisting with food prep. This is a no-fry kitchen. Easy prep for pizza, salads ...
Food Prep, Cook, and Pizza Maker - Cast Member
Rockford, IL · On-site
$15 - $16/hr
Now Hiring Food Prep, Cook, and Pizza Makers Kitchen Prep and Pizza Makers help feed the fun by preparing orders and assisting with food prep. This is a no-fry kitchen. Easy prep for pizza, salads ...
Food Prep, Cook, and Pizza Maker - Cast Member
Rockford, IL · On-site
$15 - $16/hr
Now Hiring Food Prep, Cook, and Pizza Makers Kitchen Prep and Pizza Makers help feed the fun by preparing orders and assisting with food prep. This is a no-fry kitchen. Easy prep for pizza, salads ...
Cook
Loves Park, IL · On-site
$16 - $19/hr
Beef, Pizza, Broiler, Cafe/Salads & Prep * Follow recipes and food preparation processes properly such as cooking, seasoning, grilling, chopping, dicing, cutting and slicing * Maintain appropriate ...
Cook
Loves Park, IL · On-site
$16 - $19/hr
Beef, Pizza, Broiler, Cafe/Salads & Prep * Follow recipes and food preparation processes properly such as cooking, seasoning, grilling, chopping, dicing, cutting and slicing * Maintain appropriate ...
Concessions Cook
Beloit, WI · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
Keep management informed of food quantities and quality in prep, on the line and in holding cabinets. * Coordinate orders to ensure they are cooked timely and with accuracy * Assist with re-stocking ...
Concessions Cook
Beloit, WI · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
Keep management informed of food quantities and quality in prep, on the line and in holding cabinets. * Coordinate orders to ensure they are cooked timely and with accuracy * Assist with re-stocking ...
Concessions Cook
Beloit, WI · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
Keep management informed of food quantities and quality in prep, on the line and in holding cabinets. * Coordinate orders to ensure they are cooked timely and with accuracy * Assist with re-stocking ...
Concessions Cook
Beloit, WI · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
Keep management informed of food quantities and quality in prep, on the line and in holding cabinets. * Coordinate orders to ensure they are cooked timely and with accuracy * Assist with re-stocking ...
Concessions Cook
Beloit, WI · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
Keep management informed of food quantities and quality in prep, on the line and in holding cabinets. * Coordinate orders to ensure they are cooked timely and with accuracy * Assist with re-stocking ...
Concessions Cook
Beloit, WI · On-site
$13.25 - $17.75/hr
Keep management informed of food quantities and quality in prep, on the line and in holding cabinets. * Coordinate orders to ensure they are cooked timely and with accuracy * Assist with re-stocking ...
Restaurant Team Member - Cook
$12.50 - $18.50/hr
Our back-of-house teams bring that to life every day through fresh prep, real cooking techniques, and care put into every bowl we serve. Whether you're learning our sauté skills, supporting your ...
Restaurant Team Member - Cook
$12.50 - $18.50/hr
Our back-of-house teams bring that to life every day through fresh prep, real cooking techniques, and care put into every bowl we serve. Whether you're learning our sauté skills, supporting your ...
Restaurant Team Member - Cook
$15 - $20/hr
Our back-of-house teams bring that to life every day through fresh prep, real cooking techniques, and care put into every bowl we serve. Whether you're learning our sauté skills, supporting your ...
Restaurant Team Member - Cook
$15 - $20/hr
Our back-of-house teams bring that to life every day through fresh prep, real cooking techniques, and care put into every bowl we serve. Whether you're learning our sauté skills, supporting your ...
Restaurant Team Member - Cook
Beloit, WI · On-site
$12.50 - $18.50/hr
Our back-of-house teams bring that to life every day through fresh prep, real cooking techniques, and care put into every bowl we serve. Whether you're learning our saute skills, supporting your team ...
Restaurant Team Member - Cook
Beloit, WI · On-site
$12.50 - $18.50/hr
Our back-of-house teams bring that to life every day through fresh prep, real cooking techniques, and care put into every bowl we serve. Whether you're learning our saute skills, supporting your team ...
Prep Cook information
See Freeport, IL salary details
$8.81 - $9.76
1% of jobs
$9.76 - $10.70
3% of jobs
$10.70 - $11.65
7% of jobs
$11.65 - $12.59
8% of jobs
$13.04 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.59 - $13.54
11% of jobs
$13.54 - $14.48
15% of jobs
The median wage is $14.75 / hr.
$14.48 - $15.43
17% of jobs
$16.32 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$15.43 - $16.37
14% of jobs
$16.37 - $17.32
13% of jobs
$17.32 - $18.26
7% of jobs
$18.26 - $19.21
4% of jobs
$8
$14
$19
How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Freeport, IL is $14.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $16.25 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 cities near Freeport, IL are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Freeport, IL with the most Prep Cook job openings:
$17/hr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 13 days ago
Job description
Talented Prep Cook at QDOBA Mexican Eats!
Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where delicious food and great service come together? Are you excited about working with a motivated team that values your contributions? If so, QDOBA Mexican Eats is the perfect place for you!
Join our highly skilled team as a Prep Cook, where you'll enjoy a flexible schedule, fantastic training, and the opportunity to grow with us. We are dedicated to celebrating the development of our team members while serving up bold flavors and great experiences to our guests!
What QDOBA Offers You:
- Fantastic Training, Coaching, and Mentorship
- Paid Time Off
- Tips
- Free Uniforms
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- 401K Plan with Company Match
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Discounted Meals
- Advancement Opportunities
- Instant and Next Day Pay Available
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare food according to specifications using approved recipes and proper portioning
- Conduct visual and taste tests to ensure food quality
- Restock the front line during peak volumes
- Adhere to food safety standards
- Receive food orders and manage inventory control
Join Our Fun and Loving Team!
- Be part of a culture built on respect and accountability
- Deliver outstanding service while feeling valued and supported
- Enjoy a work environment that celebrates excellence
If you're ready to take the next step in your culinary career, apply today and become a part of our exciting journey at QDOBA!
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We create freshly-made, Mexican-inspired food crafted with contemporary flavors that guests crave. We believe that the most delicious flavors start with quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation, taking pride in preparing meals in our kitchens each day. Whether it's chopping crisp produce, flame-grilling steak and chicken, or making hand-crafted guacamole, we don't take shortcuts.
Education:no requirementsEmployment Type: FULL_TIME