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Prep Cook Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$16 - $17.75/hr

Complete assigned prep work to stock and set-up stations * Contribute to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment About You * Friendly, warm, and caring demeanor with Team Members * Thinks and ...

Consistently prepare, cook, portion all food according to Black Bear Diner recipes, procedures and ... Close the prep and bake areas correctly. Follow the closing checklist for kitchen stations. Assist ...

Black Bear Diner- Prep/Bake

Turlock, CA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Consistently prepare, cook, portion all food according to Black Bear Diner recipes, procedures and ... Close the prep and bake areas correctly. Follow the closing checklist for kitchen stations. Assist ...

Cook

Los Banos, CA

$20 - $21/hr

Prior experience as a cook, grill cook, fry cook, prep cook, line cook, chef, or restaurant crew member, team member or other BOH part time restaurant jobs is not required but preferred. We are ...

Kitchen

Atwater, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Line Cooks and Preop Cooks at Applebee's complete all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. They maintain product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu ...

Kitchen

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Line Cooks and Preop Cooks at Applebee's complete all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. They maintain product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu ...

Kitchen

Merced, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Line Cooks and Preop Cooks at Applebee's complete all assigned prep work and sets up cook's station. They maintain product presentations, product quality and cook time standards. Prepares all menu ...

Popeyes Cook - PT

Livingston, CA

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Perform prep cook tasks such as washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients. * Perform grill cook tasks, such as setting up broiler, fryer and grill stations according to the line check sheets.

Cook

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

COOKS: Basic Job Duties * Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe * Maintain high ... Responsible for various accurate prep sheets and checklists * Maintaining proper food handling ...

Cook

Merced, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

COOKS: Basic Job Duties * Prepares and cooks meals to the prescribed recipe * Maintain high ... Responsible for various accurate prep sheets and checklists * Maintaining proper food handling ...

Cook

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned "prep work"as needed, storing and rotating ...

Cook

Gustine, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned 'prep work'as needed, storing and rotating ...

Cook

Gustine, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned "prep work"as needed, storing and rotating ...

Cook

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

As a Cook, the duties of this position include preparing, cooking and presenting food to order, following established company standards, completing assigned 'prep work'as needed, storing and rotating ...

Showing results 21-40

Prep Cook information

See Merced, CA salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Merced, CA is $16.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.27 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 are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Merced, CA? For Prep Cook jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 52% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,456 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

MRH 140 - Night Line Cook-Prep Cook (2)

Highway140Enterprises

Mariposa, CA • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job description


Line Cook/Prep Cook


As a NIGHT Line Cook/Prep Cook, you will play a crucial role in our kitchen operations. You will assist in the preparation of high-quality meals, ensuring that each dish is prepared to perfection consistently. Your attention to detail, culinary expertise, and commitment to food safety will be key to your success in this role.


Key Responsibilities:


  • Prepare ingredients for cooking, including chopping vegetables, cutting meat, and gathering spices
  • Assist in the cooking process by following recipes and instructions from the head cook
  • Cook food items according to established standards and recipes
  • Ensure food is cooked evenly and at the correct temperature
  • Plate and present dishes in an appealing and appetizing manner
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area
  • Follow all safety and sanitation procedures


Skills:


  • Previous experience as a line cook or prep cook is preferred
  • Knowledge of basic cooking techniques and food safety regulations
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately
  • Excellent time management skills to ensure timely preparation of food items
  • Good communication skills to collaborate with other kitchen staff


Please note that this position may also involve assisting with catering events as needed.

If you are passionate about cooking and enjoy working in a dynamic kitchen environment, we would love to hear from you!


Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20-30 per week


Benefits:


  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance (for qualified applicants)
  • Paid sick time


Shift:


  • 4-6 hour shift
  • Night shift


Experience:


  • Restaurant experience: 3 years (Preferred)


License/Certification:


  • Food Safety Certification (Preferred)