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Prep Cook Jobs in Hackensack, NJ (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Prep Cook

Brooklyn, NY

$15 - $19/hr

We are currently hiring qualified AM Prep cooks. Seeking experienced, professional, enthusiastic, and dedicated individuals to join our team. We are a kind and generous kitchen, we practice our craft ...

We are currently hiring qualified AM Prep cooks. Seeking experienced, professional, enthusiastic, and dedicated individuals to join our team. We are a kind and generous kitchen, we practice our craft ...

Prep Cook

New York, NY · On-site

$24/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 ...

Arlo Hotels, an independent lifestyle hotel is now actively seeking a dynamic Prep Cook. Are you someone who is passionate about people, driven by purpose, and clever in your approach? If so keep on ...

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18/hr

Arlo Hotels, an independent lifestyle hotel is now actively seeking a dynamic Prep Cook. Are you someone who is passionate about people, driven by purpose, and clever in your approach? If so keep on ...

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18/hr

Arlo Hotels, an independent lifestyle hotel is now actively seeking a dynamic Prep Cook. Are you someone who is passionate about people, driven by purpose, and clever in your approach? If so keep on ...

Arlo Hotels, an independent lifestyle hotel is now actively seeking a dynamic Prep Cook. Are you someone who is passionate about people, driven by purpose, and clever in your approach? If so keep on ...

Prep Cook

Suffern, NY · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

) We are looking for a reliable Part-Time Prep Cook to join or dietary team. Responsibilities include: Preparing ingredients for daily meals Following recipes and portion guidelines Assisting with ...

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$24/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 ...

Prep Cook

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Prep Cook - Brooklyn Winery Brooklyn Winery is a people-first organization. We are a boutique urban winery that prides ourselves in providing high touch hospitality experiences both for our ...

Prep Cook

New York, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

The Prep Cook position is an essential part of our team, and involves handling all preliminary food prep duties, ensuring ingredients are ready for cooking and baking, and maintaining kitchen ...

Prep Cook 2 (Fried Rice, Lo Mein and Vegetable Prep) is the engine of our wok station. You prep and cook fried rice, lo mein, and vegetables to spec, at volume, without dropping quality. What you'll ...

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$19.98 - $20.25/hr

Prep Cook Amherst Campus Full Time JR7011 Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic ...

The Momofuku Prep Cook is an individual who assists the BOH staff in preparing food, maintains a safe and clean food environment and takes on other culinary tasks as delegated. The ideal Momofuku ...

PREP COOK

Montclair, NJ · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

DESCRIPTION PREP COOK Mercado is seeking a dedicated, reliable, and experienced Prep Cook to join our fast-paced, dynamic kitchen team. PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must have prior prep cook experience to ...

Showing results 21-40

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.
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:
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.

$17 - $23/hr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


Miller's Ale House rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 87 rated restaurants


Job description

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 role requires attention to detail, time management, and a solid understanding of food safety practices. The Prep Cook also represents Miller's Ale House by providing service that reflects professionalism, attention to detail, and a positive, collaborative environment.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Arrive on time, in full uniform, ready to work.
  • Collaborate with both BOH and FOH team members to ensure guest needs are met promptly.
  • Adhere to proper food handling procedures and maintain sanitation standards across work areas.
  • Prepare food items according to recipe specifications and production guidelines.
  • Communicate effectively with team members and management to stay informed.
  • Maintain a neat, organized work environment, including sweeping and mopping when necessary.
  • Ensure all kitchen tools and equipment are in working order and promptly report any issues to a supervisor.
  • Complete end-of-shift duties, including ensuring workstations are stocked and ready for the next Prep Cook.
  • Follow all health and safety standards, including the proper use of personal protective equipment.
  • Notify management immediately of any issues or potential concerns.

Requirements and Qualifications
Required Skills & Education
  • A commitment to providing exceptional service throughout the shift.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Basic reading skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to perform well under high-stress situations.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.

The wage range for this position is $17.00-$23.00.
Physical Demands
Prep Cooks are expected to be able to perform the job functions with reasonable accommodation. Physical demands include:
  • Remain standing for extended periods of time in work areas that has an elevated air temperature
  • Reaching, bending, squatting, pushing, pulling and lifting, up to 50 lbs., for short distances
  • Frequent communication with Managers and Team Members. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations

What Miller's Ale House employees say

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