Prep Cook
Oxford, CT · On-site
$16.35 - $20/hr
PREP Cooks Prep cooks are the heart and soul of the kitchen! A great dish starts with quality ingredients handled with care and cooked following the same recipe every time so it's consistent. Prep ...
Prep Cook
Oxford, CT · On-site
$16.35 - $20/hr
PREP Cooks Prep cooks are the heart and soul of the kitchen! A great dish starts with quality ingredients handled with care and cooked following the same recipe every time so it's consistent. Prep ...
Prep Cook
$16.35 - $20/hr
PREP Cooks Prep cooks are the heart and soul of the kitchen! A great dish starts with quality ingredients handled with care and cooked following the same recipe every time so it's consistent. Prep ...
Quick apply
Prep Cook
$16.35 - $20/hr
PREP Cooks Prep cooks are the heart and soul of the kitchen! A great dish starts with quality ingredients handled with care and cooked following the same recipe every time so it's consistent. Prep ...
Prep Cook
Oxford, CT · On-site
$16.35 - $20/hr
DESCRIPTION PREP Cooks Prep cooks are the heart and soul of the kitchen! A great dish starts with quality ingredients handled with care and cooked following the same recipe every time so it ...
Prep Cook
Oxford, CT · On-site
$16.35 - $20/hr
DESCRIPTION PREP Cooks Prep cooks are the heart and soul of the kitchen! A great dish starts with quality ingredients handled with care and cooked following the same recipe every time so it ...
Prep Cook
West Hartford, CT · On-site
$17 - $20/hr
What you'll do as a Prep Cook: * Prepare ingredients and food items according to bartaco's recipes and quality standards * Keep the kitchen stocked with fresh, high-quality ingredients for service ...
Quick apply
Prep Cook
West Hartford, CT · On-site
$17 - $20/hr
What you'll do as a Prep Cook: * Prepare ingredients and food items according to bartaco's recipes and quality standards * Keep the kitchen stocked with fresh, high-quality ingredients for service ...
Prep Cook
$17 - $20/hr
What you'll do as a Prep Cook: * Prepare ingredients and food items according to bartaco's recipes and quality standards * Keep the kitchen stocked with fresh, high-quality ingredients for service ...
Prep Cook
$17 - $20/hr
What you'll do as a Prep Cook: * Prepare ingredients and food items according to bartaco's recipes and quality standards * Keep the kitchen stocked with fresh, high-quality ingredients for service ...
Prep Cook
Hartford, CT · On-site
$17 - $20/hr
What you'll do as a Prep Cook: * Prepare ingredients and food items according to bartaco's recipes and quality standards * Keep the kitchen stocked with fresh, high-quality ingredients for service ...
Prep Cook
Hartford, CT · On-site
$17 - $20/hr
What you'll do as a Prep Cook: * Prepare ingredients and food items according to bartaco's recipes and quality standards * Keep the kitchen stocked with fresh, high-quality ingredients for service ...
Prep Cook
Hamden, CT · On-site
$14 - $17.75/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
Hamden, CT · On-site
$14 - $17.75/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 ...
Restaurant Prep Cook
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Full-Time or Part-Time Prep Cook - The Foundation of Every Great Meal Behind every incredible dining experience is a great prep cook. At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone ...
Restaurant Prep Cook
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Full-Time or Part-Time Prep Cook - The Foundation of Every Great Meal Behind every incredible dining experience is a great prep cook. At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone ...
Restaurant Prep Cook
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Full-Time or Part-Time Prep Cook - The Foundation of Every Great Meal Behind every incredible dining experience is a great prep cook. At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone ...
Restaurant Prep Cook
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Full-Time or Part-Time Prep Cook - The Foundation of Every Great Meal Behind every incredible dining experience is a great prep cook. At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone ...
Restaurant Prep Cook
Madison, CT · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Full-Time or Part-Time Prep Cook - The Foundation of Every Great Meal Behind every incredible dining experience is a great prep cook. At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone ...
Restaurant Prep Cook
Madison, CT · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Full-Time or Part-Time Prep Cook - The Foundation of Every Great Meal Behind every incredible dining experience is a great prep cook. At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone ...
Restaurant Prep Cook
Madison, CT · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Full-Time or Part-Time Prep Cook - The Foundation of Every Great Meal Behind every incredible dining experience is a great prep cook. At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone ...
Restaurant Prep Cook
Madison, CT · On-site
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Full-Time or Part-Time Prep Cook - The Foundation of Every Great Meal Behind every incredible dining experience is a great prep cook. At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone ...
Restaurant Prep Cook
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Full-Time or Part-Time Prep Cook - The Foundation of Every Great Meal Behind every incredible dining experience is a great prep cook. At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone ...
Restaurant Prep Cook
$13.25 - $16.75/hr
Full-Time or Part-Time Prep Cook - The Foundation of Every Great Meal Behind every incredible dining experience is a great prep cook. At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone ...
Atticus Prep Cook
New Haven, CT · On-site
$14.25 - $18/hr
The prep cook assists their co-workers and management where they are needed while consistently maintaining our high food standards and quick service. The prep cook is expected to perform the jobs of ...
Atticus Prep Cook
New Haven, CT · On-site
$14.25 - $18/hr
The prep cook assists their co-workers and management where they are needed while consistently maintaining our high food standards and quick service. The prep cook is expected to perform the jobs of ...
Atticus Prep Cook
$14.25 - $18/hr
The prep cook assists their co-workers and management where they are needed while consistently maintaining our high food standards and quick service. The prep cook is expected to perform the jobs of ...
Atticus Prep Cook
$14.25 - $18/hr
The prep cook assists their co-workers and management where they are needed while consistently maintaining our high food standards and quick service. The prep cook is expected to perform the jobs of ...
Atticus Prep Cook
New Haven, CT · On-site
$14.25 - $18/hr
The prep cook assists their co-workers and management where they are needed while consistently maintaining our high food standards and quick service. The prep cook is expected to perform the jobs of ...
Quick apply
Atticus Prep Cook
New Haven, CT · On-site
$14.25 - $18/hr
The prep cook assists their co-workers and management where they are needed while consistently maintaining our high food standards and quick service. The prep cook is expected to perform the jobs of ...
Prep Cook
West Hartford, CT · On-site
$14.50 - $18.25/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
West Hartford, CT · On-site
$14.50 - $18.25/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
North Haven, CT · On-site
$14.25 - $18/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
North Haven, CT · On-site
$14.25 - $18/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
Manchester, CT · On-site
$14.50 - $18.25/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
Manchester, CT · On-site
$14.50 - $18.25/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
West Hartford, CT · On-site
$14.50 - $18.25/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
West Hartford, CT · On-site
$14.50 - $18.25/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
North Haven, CT · On-site
$14.25 - $18/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook
North Haven, CT · On-site
$14.25 - $18/hr
As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...
Prep Cook information
See Meriden, CT salary details
$9.19 - $10.17
1% of jobs
$10.17 - $11.16
3% of jobs
$11.16 - $12.14
7% of jobs
$12.14 - $13.13
8% of jobs
$13.60 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.13 - $14.11
11% of jobs
$14.11 - $15.10
15% of jobs
The median wage is $15.38 / hr.
$15.10 - $16.09
17% of jobs
$17.01 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$16.09 - $17.07
14% of jobs
$17.07 - $18.06
13% of jobs
$18.06 - $19.04
7% of jobs
$19.04 - $20.03
4% of jobs
$9
$15
$20
How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Meriden, CT is $15.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $16.97 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?
| Aspect | Prep Cook | Line Cook |
|---|---|---|
| Responsibilities | Prepares ingredients, washes, chops, and organizes supplies | cooks dishes during service, manages specific station |
| Skills & Certifications | Basic cooking skills, food safety, knife skills | Advanced cooking skills, station-specific knowledge |
| Work Environment | Kitchen prep area, early shifts | Hot line during service, fast-paced environment |
| Typical Employer | Restaurants, catering services | Restaurants, 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.
More about Prep Cook jobs
What are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Meriden, CT? For Prep Cook jobs in Meriden, CT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Meriden, CT look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Meriden, CT are:
What cities near Meriden, CT are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Meriden, CT with the most Prep Cook job openings:
$16.35 - $20/hr
Other
Re-posted 22 days ago
Job description
PREP Cooks
Prep cooks are the heart and soul of the kitchen!
A great dish starts with quality ingredients handled with care and cooked following the same recipe every time so it's consistent. Prep cooks are the foundation of every recipe cooked in the kitchen.
We are looking for seasoned prep cooks that can follow the chef's recipes and make them the same way everyday!
Cook and prepare a variety of food products including meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, sauces, stocks, breads and other food products using a variety of equipment and utensils according to the Daily Prep List.
Primary
Refer to Daily Prep List at the start of each shift for assigned duties.
Understand and comply with standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards, and kitchen rules, policies, and procedures.
Clean and sanitize work station area including tables, shelves, walls grills, broilers, fryers, pasta cookers, saute burners, convection oven, flat top range and refrigeration equipment.
Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
Prepare a variety of foods, such as meats, vegetables, or desserts, according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions, following approved procedures in broilers, ovens, grills, fryers and a variety of other kitchen equipment.
Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.
Wash, peel, and cut various foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to prepare for cooking or serving.
Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service, or store them in refrigerated storage cabinets.
Portion according to standard portion sizes and recipe specifications and wrap the food, or place it directly on plates for service to guests.
Weigh or measure ingredients.
Mix ingredients for green salads, molded fruit salads, vegetable salads, and pasta salads.
Receive and store food supplies, equipment, and utensils in refrigerators, cupboards, and other storage areas.
Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers.
Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items.
Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
Use manual or electric appliances to clean, peel, slice, and trim foods.
Promptly inform supervisors when equipment is not working properly and when food and supplies are getting low, and order needed items.
Make special dressings and sauces as condiments for sandwiches.
Stir and strain soups and sauces.
Uses the Standard Recipe Card for preparing all products; does not rely on the memory of oneself or others.
Complete opening and closing checklists and assists others in opening and closing the kitchen.
Attend all scheduled employee meetings and offers suggestions for improvement.
Coordinate with and assist fellow employees to meet guests' needs and support the operation of the restaurant.
Fill-in for fellow employees where needed to ensure guest service standards and efficient operations.
Supplemental
Butcher and clean fowl, fish, poultry, and shellfish to prepare for cooking or serving.
Keep records of the quantities of food used.
Load dishes, glasses, and tableware into dishwashing machines.
Distribute food servers to serve to customers.
Operate cash register, handle money, and give correct change.
Cut, slice, or grind meat, poultry, and seafood to prepare for cooking.
Stock cupboards and refrigerators, and tend salad bars and buffet meals.
Requirements
Cappuccino or espresso machines
Carbonated beverage dispenser
Commercial use:
blenders, choppers, dicers, grinders, processors, and/or slicers
broilers, deep fryers, griddles, grills, microwave ovens, ovens, pizza ovens, ranges, rotisseries, steamers, and/or toasters
coffee grinders
coffee or iced tea makers
cutlery
dishwashers
dough machines
food warmers
measuring cups
mixers
scales
woks
Ice dispensers
Ice shaver machines or accessories
Non-carbonated beverage dispenser
Personal computers
Point of sale terminal
Roasting machinery