1

Prep Cook Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO (NOW HIRING)

Prep-Cook

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$16/hr

We are looking for an experienced Prep Cook to join our team! You will be preparing and cooking a variety of dishes for restaurant guests to enjoy. You are passionate about creating exceptional ...

Prep Cook

Littleton, CO

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are a critical link in the chain from menu to server to guest. Successful team members will be able to self-motivate and work without constant direct supervision in a fast-paced ...

Prep Cook

Littleton, CO

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are a critical link in the chain from menu to server to guest. Successful team members will be able to self-motivate and work without constant direct supervision in a fast-paced ...

Prep Cook

Littleton, CO · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are a critical link in the chain from menu to server to guest. Successful team members will be able to self-motivate and work without constant direct supervision in a fast-paced ...

Prep Cook

Denver, CO

$20.50 - $21.75/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Bubba's 33 legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Prep Cook

Denver, CO · On-site

$19.29/hr

Prep Cook $19.29/hr + tips Tip share included on top of hourly wage. Prep Cook/Tortilla Prep The Torchy's legacy began in Austin, Texas in 2006 with an idea, a dedicated executive chef, and a food ...

Prep Cook

Cherry Hills Village, CO · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

The Prep Cook supports daily dining, banquets, and special events by preparing ingredients, sauces, stocks, proteins, and vegetables while ensuring quality, consistency, and food safety standards are ...

Prep Cook

Denver, CO · On-site

$19.29/hr

Prep Cook $19.29/hr + tips plus pooled tips that increase your total take-home pay. Prep Cook/Tortilla Prep The Torchy's legacy began in Austin, Texas in 2006 with an idea, a dedicated executive chef ...

Prep Cook

Aurora, CO · On-site

$14.81 - $21/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Bubba's 33 legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Prep Cook

Denver, CO · On-site

$20.50 - $21.75/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

Denver, CO

$14.81 - $21/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Bubba's 33 legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Prep Cook

Cherry Hills Village, CO · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

The Prep Cook supports daily dining, banquets, and special events by preparing ingredients, sauces, stocks, proteins, and vegetables while ensuring quality, consistency, and food safety standards are ...

The Prep Cook is one of the most important positions we have in the kitchen to ensure recipe adherence, quality control, and overall sanitation. As a prep cook, you will be the partner of the cooks ...

Prep Cook

Denver, CO · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

The Prep Cook is one of the most important positions we have in the kitchen to ensure recipe adherence, quality control, and overall sanitation. As a prep cook, you will be the partner of the cooks ...

Prep Cook

Englewood, CO · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Role Overview Prep Cooks are responsible for preparing ingredients, maintaining kitchen organization, and supporting food quality and safety standards. This role requires attention to detail, strong ...

Prep Cook

Lone Tree, CO · On-site

$18.75 - $22/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

Lakewood, CO

$18.75 - $21.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Prep Cook

Littleton, CO · On-site

$18.75 - $22.25/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Prep Cook information

See Highlands Ranch, CO salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Highlands Ranch, CO is $16.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $18.17 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?

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.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO?

The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO are:

What are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO?

For Prep Cook jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO are:

What cities near Highlands Ranch, CO are hiring for Prep Cook jobs?

Cities near Highlands Ranch, CO with the most Prep Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Highlands Ranch, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 65% Physical, and 35% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,247 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Prep-Cook

Lakewood, CO • On-site

$16/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

We are looking for an experienced Prep Cook to join our team! You will be preparing and cooking a variety of dishes for restaurant guests to enjoy.
You are passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences through good, quality food. With previous experience as a prep cook, you are able to manage multiple priorities and contribute to a friendly and productive team atmosphere. Ideally, you have your ServeSafe or Food Handler's certification.
You also have an attention for detail, possess solid knife technique, and can manage multiple prep-projects at one time. You excel at keeping an organized and clean walk-in and are committed to ensuring that your co-workers do the same. You take seriously the responsibility of tracking waste and communicate with your managers when something in the waste log is of concern.
Responsibilities:
  • Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment and work surfaces or serving areas to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices
  • Ensure freshness of food and ingredients through effective rotation and labeling of product in the walk in.
  • Taste, taste, taste. Ensure all prep is cooked and seasoned correctly.
  • Respond to guest feedback with appropriate urgency and professionalism.
  • Communicate with the incoming shift as to what prep items need to be completed/prioritized.

Qualifications:
  • Previous experience as a prep cook preferred.
  • Attention for detail
  • Teachable.
  • ServeSafe or Food Handler's certification (or must be willing to attain)
  • Effective communication skills
  • Ability to lift 30+ lbs
  • Ability to work standing for 8+ hours

Complete our short application today!
Compensation: $16.00 per hour
Village Inn - Walker Group is a renowned and expansive Restaurant Franchise Hospitality Group with a rich history spanning six decades and three generations of a dedicated family. The company operates over 40 locations across 11 states, showcasing a widespread presence and influence in the industry.
Our Employee-centric restaurants with friendly service provided to all Guests seeks to create a positive cycle where satisfied and well-supported Employees contribute to our welcoming and enjoyable experience for our Guests.