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Prep Cook Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Turlock, CA

$20 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join us! The Line Cook will accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a ... Complete all prep items according to prep sheet. * Plate food as ordered with attention to ...

Line Cook

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join us! The Line Cook will accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a ... Complete all prep items according to prep sheet. * Plate food as ordered with attention to ...

Black Bear Diner- Cook

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Specific Duties and Responsibilities Consistently prepare, cook, plate and finish all food items ... Handle, store and rotate all products properly. Assist in food prep assignments during off-peak ...

Line Cook - Broil/Grill

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Understanding equipment and prep sheets * Exhibiting teamwork If you think you would be a legendary Broil Cook, apply today! At Texas Roadhouse, our Roadies are the heart and soul of our company. We ...

Line Cook - Broil/Grill

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Understanding equipment and prep sheets * Exhibiting teamwork If you think you would be a legendary Broil Cook, apply today! At Texas Roadhouse, our Roadies are the heart and soul of our company. We ...

Black Bear Diner- Cook

Turlock, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Description Specific Duties and Responsibilities • Consistently prepare, cook, plate and finish ... prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed. • Complete side work for station and shift ...

Cook (Dietary)

Chowchilla, CA

$17.25 - $22/hr

Two years as cook in a large-scale cooking operation, preferred. * One year's work experience in ... Reviews menus, resident census information, production guides and pre-prep sheets to determine type ...

Crew Member

Merced, CA

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

... cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to meet ...

Crew Member

Merced, CA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

So, whether you have experience as a dishwasher, cashier, server, host, bartender, cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our ...

Crew Member

Turlock, CA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

So, whether you have experience as a dishwasher, cashier, server, host, bartender, cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our ...

Crew Member

Turlock, CA

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

... cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to meet ...

Kitchen

Turlock, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $19/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

$13.50 - $17.50/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

Atwater, CA

$14 - $18/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 ...

Cook

Los Banos, CA

$20 - $26/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first ...

Cook

Santa Nella, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first ...

Cook

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first ...

Cook

Gustine, CA

$18.50 - $25/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant. The person we are hoping to employ is first ...

Showing results 41-60

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:
What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Merced, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Merced, CA are:
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.

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

We Are Inspired to Serve. Join us!The Line Cook will accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for various meal periods: to include Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Special/Catered Events. Produces small to large batch goods using advanced and full range of classical cooking techniques.
Responsible for the preparation of food for residents in a Senior Living / Healthcare environment. Standardized recipes to achieve proper quantities and consistent high quality. Maintain a high standard of sanitation within the department and ensure requirements are met in accordance with organization standards as well as federal, state, and local regulation.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Food preparation

  • Prepares and cooks to order foods that may require short to mid-level preparation time.
  • May prepare food and serve customers at an a la carte and may operate a grill station.
  • Prepares food in accordance with current applicable federal, state, and corporate standards, guidelines, and regulations to ensure high-quality food service is provided.
  • Reads food order or receives verbal instructions on food required by patron and prepares and cooks food according to instructions.
  • Provides the highest quality of service to customers.
  • Follows basic recipes and/or product directions for preparing, seasoning, cooking, tasting, carving, and serving soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, and other food products for consumption in eating establishments.
  • Prepares foods under direct supervision or instruction by operating a variety of kitchen equipment to measure and mix ingredients, washing, peeling, cutting and shredding fruits and vegetables, and trimming and cutting meat, poultry, or fish for culinary use.
  • Tastes products, reads menus, estimates food requirements, checks production, and keeps records to accurately plan production requirements and requisition supplies and equipment.
  • Attends all allergy and foodborne illness in-service training and applies principles of food safety to food preparation and sanitation practices.
  • Receive inventory, move, and lift foodstuffs and supplies and prepare meals for customers requiring special diets.
  • May produce some batch goods using basic cooking technique.
  • Take and record temperatures and correct temperature discrepancies.
  • Prepare all necessary foods for meal according to production sheets.
  • Complete all prep items according to prep sheet.
  • Plate food as ordered with attention to appearance and garnish.
  • Produces small to large batch goods using advanced and full range of classical cooking techniques.
  • May select recipes per menu cycle, prepare bakery items, receive inventory, move and lift foodstuffs and supplies and prepare meals for customers requiring special diets.
  • Typically performs fast food cooking duties in preparing food items to be served to customers.

Cleaning, Storage and Sanitation

  • Clean and sanitize workstations and equipment and must follow all regulatory rules and procedures.
  • Assist with set ups. Break down and clean up serving lines and other food areas.
  • Properly record and label, with appropriate dates and store properly.

Safety and Risk Management

  • Complies with all company safety and risk management policies and procedures.
  • Participates in regular safety meetings, safety training and hazard assessments.
  • Attends training programs (classroom and virtual) as designated.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

Required Degree: High school diploma

Certificate(s):

  • Current Food Handler's Permit is required.
  • Training in Servsafe is beneficial.
  • State sanitation certificate.

Experience:

  • Desired is 3-4 years of related and advanced food service and cooking experience.
  • Experience with basic operation of kitchen equipment is preferred.
  • Intermediate to advanced knife experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY:

  • Extensive working knowledge of a kitchen environment and food preparation.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively (verbal and written, English) with residents and staff.
  • Must be able to read and understand written instructions and follow safety practices and ability to read and follow a recipe unsupervised.
  • Ability to use basic functions of a computer.
  • Must be cordial and congenial with residents.
  • Must be dependable, detail oriented, organized, and have good follow through.
  • Must be able to work within standard policy and procedures, and work with limited direct supervision.
  • Must have the ability to handle a variety of tasks and functions.
  • Must be able to react calmly in emergency situations.
  • Must have the ability to show patience and compassion to senior adults.
  • Must be considerate of resident's comfort, safety, security and belongings.
  • Demonstrate the ability to set and establish priorities.
  • Manages time efficiently.
  • Maintains work area in a neat and orderly manner.
  • Maintains a well-groomed appearance that complies with organizational and State food code standards. Ability to adhere to dress code and kitchen uniform requirements.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of and understanding of food safety, sanitation, preparation and serving principles.
  • Ability to work with all persons and must have the ability to get along and socialize with them. This includes employees, residents, families, visitors, vendors, other health care professionals and the community at large.
  • Ability to work on some holidays and flexible hours.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • May be required to lift or carry equipment or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Frequent stooping, bending, climbing, reaching, pulling / pushing, and extended periods walking and/or standing.
  • May be required to stand, sit, twist, bend, squat, kneel or crouch when performing job duties
  • Must possess adequate sight and hearing to meet the responsibilities of this position.
  • Ability to work in a standing position for extended periods of time (up to 8 hours).
  • While performing this job's duties, the employee is primarily in a controlled, temperate environment; however, may be exposed to heat/cold during support of outside activities.

#Dining

Compensation Pay Range:

$20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Reasonable Pay Estimate

A reasonable estimate of the pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00 per hour. There are numerous factors taken into consideration in determining the actual offered rate of pay, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, experience, skills, education, geographic location, and consideration of internal and external equity.

For full time employees, we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance

  • Employer paid group term life and disability

  • Paid Time Off (PTO) & six paid holidays

  • 403(b) with a 3% employer match

  • Fitness center use at most facilities.

  • Various voluntary benefits:

    • Life, AD&D

    • Tuition assistance and scholarships

    • Employee assistance program

    • Legal services, home/auto insurance, discount purchasing program

    • Pet Insurance

For more information about Covenant Living and CovenantCare at Home, please visit www.covliving.org or www.covenantcareathome.org.

Covenant Living and CovenantCare Home Health and Hospice are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by local laws, regulations, or ordinances.