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Prep Cook Jobs in Hackensack, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

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

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Prep Cook Reports To: Sous Chef Department: Back of House - Culinary Employment Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt Pay Rate: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour, based on experience About José Andrés Group José ...

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Prep Cook Reports To: Sous Chef Department: Back of House - Culinary Employment Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt Pay Rate: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour, based on experience About José Andrés Group José ...

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 be ...

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18 - $21/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

Great Neck, NY · On-site

$17 - $22/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

Manhattan, NY

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

The Prep Cook will help assist the kitchen with prepping food for the coming days and weeks in advance. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Perform routine kitchen tasks. Follow the prep list created to plan ...

Prep Cook

New York, NY · On-site

$19 - $22/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 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

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$17 - $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

New York, NY · On-site

$18 - $21/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

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$17 - $25/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

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$19 - $22/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

White Plains, NY · On-site

$17 - $22/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

Scarsdale, NY · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Prep Cook General Description: The Prep Cook plays a vital role in the kitchen by preparing ingredients, assembling recipes, and ensuring the kitchen operates smoothly. This position focuses on ...

Prep Cook

New Hyde Park, NY · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Prep Cook General Description: The Prep Cook plays a vital role in the kitchen by preparing ingredients, assembling recipes, and ensuring the kitchen operates smoothly. This position focuses on ...

Prep Cook

New Hyde Park, NY · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Cook Up Freshness with AVO TACO - Join Our Prep Team! Do you love working with fresh ingredients, staying organized, and being part of a high-energy kitchen team? AVO TACO is looking for Prep Cooks ...

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-NY

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

The Prep Cook will be responsible for preparing ingredients, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, and assisting the kitchen team in food preparation. **Qualifications:** - Proven experience ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Prep Cook

Momofuku

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Momofuku
Momofuku was founded by chef David Chang in 2004 with the opening of Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York City. Credited with "the rise of contemporary Asian-American cuisine" by the New York Times and named the "most important restaurant in America" by Bon Appétit magazine, Momofuku has restaurants in the New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas as well as Momofuku Goods, a line of restaurant-grade products for home cooks.
About Kabawa
Kabawa and Bar Kabawa are the forthcoming projects from Chef Paul Carmichael and Momofuku. They are dedicated to celebrating Caribbean culture in the East Village and reflect Chef Paul's culinary journey.
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 candidate is focused, driven, detail oriented and comfortable working in a kitchen environment.
Compensation Band: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Why Momofuku?
At Momofuku, we value our team members and make it a priority to offer competitive compensation packages that encourage longevity with the company and long-term growth. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including vision/dental/medical, 401k, paid time off, flexible spending account, employee assistance program, and dining discounts, plus more after required wait periods. We encourage our team members to grow and learn, and offer many opportunities for personal and career development.
Responsibilities
  • Prepare all food items as directed in a sanitary and timely manner in accordance to recipe, portion control and presentation specifications
  • Assist with cleaning, sanitation, organization and maintenance of kitchen and culinary equipment
  • Maintain cleanliness of work areas, including and not limited to refrigeration, cooking equipment, and prep areas
  • Demonstrate safe and proper use of all kitchen equipment, including knife cutting skills
  • Maintain open and effective communication with BOH team and FOH team
  • Support other team members and foster a positive work environment

Required Qualifications
  • A positive and enthusiastic attitude, as well as a desire to learn, grow, and develop new skills
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
  • A passion for food, exceptional work ethic and dedication
  • Strong desire and ability to work on a successful and effective team
  • Willing to accept guidance in a positive manner and implement the direction in a way that is productive for both you and the team
  • Able to work in a standing/walking position for long periods of time

Preferred Qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience as a Prep Cook, Commis, Line Cook, or similar role
  • 2+ years of experience in any of the above positions in a high volume, upscale restaurant
  • Laminated dough and / or bread baking experience
  • Proven ability to train new Prep Cooks in all aspects and responsibilities of the role
  • Ability to assist the culinary team in receiving goods for the restaurant
  • Ability to assist in managers with daily ordering and monthly inventory
  • A proven track record of dependability, a continuous focus on learning and development, and a history of consistently and successfully fulfilling all role responsibilities

Physical Demands
  • The physical demands for this position are seeing, hearing, speaking, reaching, frequently lifting up to 25 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, sitting, standing, for 4 to 8 hours, bending, and moving intermittently during working hours. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations. The duties of this position may change from time to time. Momofuku reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Momofuku or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Momofuku is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, ancestry, national origin, alienage or citizenship, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, or other protected status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.