Prep Cook
Vernon Hills, IL · On-site
$19/hr
Prep Cook: At this location prep cooks e arn $19 / hour. If you thrive on flawless food handling, prepare from scratch at the highest level, and prepare food per the exact recipe specifications in a ...
Prep Cook
Vernon Hills, IL · On-site
$19/hr
Prep Cook: At this location prep cooks e arn $19 / hour. If you thrive on flawless food handling, prepare from scratch at the highest level, and prepare food per the exact recipe specifications in a ...
Prep Cook
$14 - $17.75/hr
Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...
Prep Cook
$14 - $17.75/hr
Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...
Prep Cook
Schaumburg, IL · On-site
$14 - $17.75/hr
Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...
Prep Cook
Schaumburg, IL · On-site
$14 - $17.75/hr
Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...
Prep Cook
$14 - $17.75/hr
POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This role requires ...
Prep Cook
$14 - $17.75/hr
POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This role requires ...
Prep Cook
Northbrook, IL · On-site
$17.50/hr
Prep Cook: At this location prep cooks e arn $17.50 / hour. Monday-Friday: 11am-Midnight Saturday/Sunday: 10am-Midnight If you thrive on flawless food handling, prepare from scratch at the highest ...
Prep Cook
Northbrook, IL · On-site
$17.50/hr
Prep Cook: At this location prep cooks e arn $17.50 / hour. Monday-Friday: 11am-Midnight Saturday/Sunday: 10am-Midnight If you thrive on flawless food handling, prepare from scratch at the highest ...
Prep Cook
Kenosha, WI · On-site
$16/hr
This is your opportunity to join as a Prep Cook and grow with the company as we continue to develop the Dave's Hot Chicken brand in Wisconsin. We offer a flexible schedule to fit your needs and ...
Quick apply
Prep Cook
Kenosha, WI · On-site
$16/hr
This is your opportunity to join as a Prep Cook and grow with the company as we continue to develop the Dave's Hot Chicken brand in Wisconsin. We offer a flexible schedule to fit your needs and ...
Prep Cook
Crystal Lake, IL · On-site
$15 - $21/hr
As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...
Prep Cook
Crystal Lake, IL · On-site
$15 - $21/hr
As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...
Prep Cook
Gurnee, IL · On-site
$15 - $21/hr
As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...
Prep Cook
Gurnee, IL · On-site
$15 - $21/hr
As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...
Prep Cook
Glenview, IL · On-site
$15 - $24/hr
A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...
Quick apply
Prep Cook
Glenview, IL · On-site
$15 - $24/hr
A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...
Prep Cook
$15 - $21/hr
As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...
Prep Cook
$15 - $21/hr
As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...
Prep Cook
Glenview, IL · On-site
$15 - $24/hr
A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...
Prep Cook
Glenview, IL · On-site
$15 - $24/hr
A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...
Prep Cook
Gurnee, IL · On-site
$15 - $21/hr
As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...
Prep Cook
Gurnee, IL · On-site
$15 - $21/hr
As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...
Prep Cook
$16 - $20/hr
Prep Cook This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that delivers on our promise to meet and exceed our guest's experience the moment they walk through our ...
Prep Cook
$16 - $20/hr
Prep Cook This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that delivers on our promise to meet and exceed our guest's experience the moment they walk through our ...
Prep Cook
Gurnee, IL · On-site
$16 - $20/hr
Prep Cook This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that delivers on our promise to meet and exceed our guest's experience the moment they walk through our ...
Prep Cook
Gurnee, IL · On-site
$16 - $20/hr
Prep Cook This isn't just your next job - it's your opportunity to be part of an amazing team that delivers on our promise to meet and exceed our guest's experience the moment they walk through our ...
Prep Cook
Glenview, IL · On-site
$14.50 - $18.50/hr
A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...
Prep Cook
Glenview, IL · On-site
$14.50 - $18.50/hr
A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...
Prep Cook
$14.50 - $18.50/hr
A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...
Prep Cook
$14.50 - $18.50/hr
A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...
Prep Cook
Gurnee, IL · On-site
$15 - $25/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
Gurnee, IL · On-site
$15 - $25/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
Vernon Hills, IL · On-site
$15 - $25/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
Vernon Hills, IL · On-site
$15 - $25/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
Schaumburg, IL · On-site
$15 - $25/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
Schaumburg, IL · On-site
$15 - $25/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
Arlington Heights, IL · On-site
$15 - $25/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
Arlington Heights, IL · On-site
$15 - $25/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 information
See Gurnee, IL salary details
$9 - $9.96
1% of jobs
$9.96 - $10.93
3% of jobs
$10.93 - $11.89
7% of jobs
$11.89 - $12.86
8% of jobs
$13.32 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.86 - $13.82
11% of jobs
$13.82 - $14.79
15% of jobs
The median wage is $15.06 / hr.
$14.79 - $15.75
17% of jobs
$16.66 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$15.75 - $16.72
14% of jobs
$16.72 - $17.68
13% of jobs
$17.68 - $18.65
7% of jobs
$18.65 - $19.61
4% of jobs
$8
$15
$19
How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Gurnee, IL is $15.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $16.63 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?
| 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.
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.
More about Prep Cook jobs
What cities near Gurnee, IL are hiring for Prep Cook jobs?
Cities near Gurnee, IL with the most Prep Cook job openings:
$19/hr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement
Re-posted 26 days ago
Lazy Dog Restaurants rating
5.9
Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
Job description
Certified Great Place to Work 8 Years in a row!
Prep Cook: At this location prep cooks earn $19 / hour.
If you thrive on flawless food handling, prepare from scratch at the highest level, and prepare food per the exact recipe specifications in a high-energy environment, then this is the job for you.
What we offer:
We are looking for experienced Full-Service Prep Cooks:
Education
Licenses & Certifications
Join Lazy Dog and be part of a culture of caring, great benefits, and continuous growth.
Prep Cook: At this location prep cooks earn $19 / hour.
If you thrive on flawless food handling, prepare from scratch at the highest level, and prepare food per the exact recipe specifications in a high-energy environment, then this is the job for you.
What we offer:
- Flexible scheduling
- Teammate discount
- Supplemental medical, dental, vision, 401k
- Discounted supplemental benefits
- Eligibility for an Emergency Financial plan
- Discounts to theme parks, pet insurance, Legal and Identity Theft Insurance
- A family that supports YOUR personal and professional growth
We are looking for experienced Full-Service Prep Cooks:
- 2 to 5 years' experience on a fast-paced line.
- Follow food safety procedures, daily prep list, prepare specific recipes for service; clean, sanitize and maintain equipment, utensils, and tools throughout kitchen.
- Ensure only "fresh" high quality ingredients are used when preparing all recipes.
- Ensure the proper recipe is displayed on the monitor during the preparation and cooking process.
- Ensure proper recipe adherence is followed whenever producing items.
- You are safe and maintain a safe work environment by ensuring floor surfaces are clean, dry and free from debris.
- Ensure proper use of PPE when applicable and ensuring a safe work environment by following all safety guidelines.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of cooking equipment in assigned cooking station to include startup, shut down, shift maintenance and cleaning as needed
- Keep a clean and organized workstation.
- Guest focused and like to multi-task.
- Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrates basic English/Spanish communication skills.
- Trusting, passionate, humble and gracious team player.
- Build lasting relationships with trust and respect.
- Create fun.
Education
- High School (preferred)
Licenses & Certifications
- Food Handlers Card (California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Texas, Virginia)
Join Lazy Dog and be part of a culture of caring, great benefits, and continuous growth.
What Lazy Dog Restaurants employees say
Pay
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About Lazy Dog Restaurants
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Food services and drinking places
Company size
501 - 1,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Costa Mesa, CA, US
Year founded
2003