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Prep Cook Jobs in Hackensack, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Anejo

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

PREP COOK Reports to : Lead Prep Cook | Chef Summary of Position: Cook and prepare a variety of food products including meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, sauces, stocks, breads, tortillas and ...

aubonpain

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Prep Cook Reports To: General Manager/Manager/Shift Supervisor Department: Cafe Operations FLSA Status: Non-exempt Hourly Ind2 Our Prep Cooks help turn raw product into delicious and healthy meals.

aubonpain

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Prep Cook Reports To: General Manager/Manager/Shift Supervisor Department: Cafe Operations FLSA Status: Non-exempt Hourly Ind2 Our Prep Cooks help turn raw product into delicious and healthy meals.

aubonpain

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Prep Cook Reports To: General Manager/Manager/Shift Supervisor Department: Cafe Operations FLSA Status: Non-exempt Hourly Ind2 Our Prep Cooks help turn raw product into delicious and healthy meals.

Anejo

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

PREP COOK Reports to : Lead Prep Cook | Chef Summary of Position: Cook and prepare a variety of food products including meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, sauces, stocks, breads, tortillas and ...

aubonpain

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Prep Cook Reports To: General Manager/Manager/Shift Supervisor Department: Cafe Operations FLSA Status: Non-exempt Hourly Ind2 Our Prep Cooks help turn raw product into delicious and healthy meals.

Au Bon Pain Careers

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Prep Cook Title: Prep Cook Reports To: General Manager/Manager/Shift Supervisor Department: Café Operations FLSA Status: Non-exempt Hourly Ind2 Our Prep Cooks help turn raw product into delicious ...

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza

Prep Cook

Carle Place, NY

$17/hr

As a Prep Cook, you'll be responsible for preparing ingredients for signature dishes, following recipes with accuracy, and ensuring your station is fully stocked and organized. Your attention to ...

Workforce 1

Prep Cook

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Position Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients according to established recipes and quality standards to ensure the kitchen is ready for service. This role washes, cuts ...

Workforce 1

Prep Cook

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients according to established recipes and quality standards to ensure the kitchen is ready for service. This role washes, cuts, measures, and ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Paramus, NJ · On-site

$17 - $23/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 ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Paramus, NJ · On-site

$17 - $23/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 ...

RJ Lieb NYC Staffing Inc.

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $18/hr

Prep Cooks needed for Multiple Corporate Cafeterias in NYC. Immediate openings for Culinary Professionals - Corporate Dining. PREP Cooks: * Completing all tasks in order on the prep list from the ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Staten Island, NY

$15.25 - $19.50/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 ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Woodbridge, NJ · On-site

$17 - $23/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 ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Woodbridge, NJ · On-site

$17 - $23/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 ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Parsippany, NJ · On-site

$17 - $23/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 ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/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 ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Parsippany, NJ · On-site

$17 - $23/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 ...

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All JobsPrep Cook JobsPrep Cook Jobs in Hackensack, NJ

Prep Cook information

See Hackensack, NJ salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Hackensack, NJ is $17.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.89 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?

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.

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 job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Hackensack, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Hackensack, NJ are:
What cities near Hackensack, NJ are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Hackensack, NJ with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Hackensack, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,586 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Prep Cook

Anejo

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Title: PREP COOK

Reports to: Lead Prep Cook | Chef


Summary of Position: 

Cook and prepare a variety of food products including meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, sauces, stocks, breads, tortillas and other food products using a variety of recipes, equipment and utensils according to the Daily Prep List.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Complete opening and closing checklists.
  • Check with lead prep cook for any additional duties that may be needed for the day due to BEO’s or other special prep request
  • Confirm and taste all finished product confirming flavor, texture and results by also providing lead prep cook | chef with a sample.
  • Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, and other food items for cooking in broilers, ovens, grills, fryers, and a variety of other kitchen equipment.
  • Understands and complies consistently with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards and kitchen rules, policies, and procedures.
  • Portions food products prior to cooking according to standard portion sizes and recipe specifications.
  • Maintains a clean and sanitary work area including tables, shelves, walls grills, broilers, fryers, sauté burners, convection oven, flat top range, and refrigeration equipment.
  • Attends all scheduled employee meetings and brings suggestions for improvement.
  • Promptly reports equipment and food quality problems to Chef.
  • Inform Chef immediately of product shortages.
  • Uses our Standard Recipe Card for preparing all products. Do not rely on the memory of yourself or other employees.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by the lead prep cook/Chef.
  • Reports to work in proper uniform of Nonslip shoes, kitchen pants, provided white chef shirt and black bib apron

Qualifications:

  • A minimum of 6 months of experience in kitchen preparation and cooking.
  • At least 6 months experience in a similar capacity.
  • Must be able to communicate clearly with managers and kitchen personnel.
  • Be able to reach, bend, stoop and frequently lift up to 40 pounds.
  • Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time.