Prep Cook
$15 - $18/hr
Cook We are looking for a mild experienced prep cook, to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant by following our high-quality recipes in ...
Quick apply
Prep Cook
$15 - $18/hr
Cook We are looking for a mild experienced prep cook, to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant by following our high-quality recipes in ...
Prep Cook
Meridian, ID · On-site
$17 - $20/hr
WE ARE LOOKING FOR AM PREP COOK THAT IS AVAILABLE SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY. Join the Global Leader in Vibe Dining! Why Join Our Team? * Comprehensive Benefits Package * Medical, Dental, and Vision ...
Prep Cook
Meridian, ID · On-site
$17 - $20/hr
WE ARE LOOKING FOR AM PREP COOK THAT IS AVAILABLE SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY. Join the Global Leader in Vibe Dining! Why Join Our Team? * Comprehensive Benefits Package * Medical, Dental, and Vision ...
Prep Cook
Meridian, ID · On-site
$17 - $20/hr
WE ARE LOOKING FOR AM PREP COOK THAT IS AVAILABLE SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY. Join the Global Leader in Vibe Dining! Why Join Our Team? * Comprehensive Benefits Package * Medical, Dental, and Vision ...
Prep Cook
Meridian, ID · On-site
$17 - $20/hr
WE ARE LOOKING FOR AM PREP COOK THAT IS AVAILABLE SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY. Join the Global Leader in Vibe Dining! Why Join Our Team? * Comprehensive Benefits Package * Medical, Dental, and Vision ...
Prep Cook
$17 - $20/hr
WE ARE LOOKING FOR AM PREP COOK THAT IS AVAILABLE SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY. Join the Global Leader in Vibe Dining! Why Join Our Team? * Comprehensive Benefits Package * Medical, Dental, and Vision ...
Quick apply
Prep Cook
$17 - $20/hr
WE ARE LOOKING FOR AM PREP COOK THAT IS AVAILABLE SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY. Join the Global Leader in Vibe Dining! Why Join Our Team? * Comprehensive Benefits Package * Medical, Dental, and Vision ...
Prep Cook
Meridian, ID · On-site
$13.50 - $17/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
Meridian, ID · On-site
$13.50 - $17/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
Meridian, ID · On-site
$13.50 - $17/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
Meridian, ID · On-site
$13.50 - $17/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
Meridian, ID · On-site
$13.50 - $17/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
Meridian, ID · On-site
$13.50 - $17/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 Meridian, ID salary details
$9.09 - $10.06
1% of jobs
$10.06 - $11.04
3% of jobs
$11.04 - $12.01
7% of jobs
$12.01 - $12.99
8% of jobs
$13.45 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.99 - $13.96
11% of jobs
$13.96 - $14.94
15% of jobs
The median wage is $15.21 / hr.
$14.94 - $15.91
17% of jobs
$16.83 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$15.91 - $16.88
14% of jobs
$16.88 - $17.86
13% of jobs
$17.86 - $18.83
7% of jobs
$18.83 - $19.81
4% of jobs
$9
$15
$19
How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Meridian, ID is $15.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $16.78 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?
| 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.
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.
More about Prep Cook jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs in Meridian, ID?
The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Meridian, ID are:
What are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Meridian, ID?
For Prep Cook jobs in Meridian, ID, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Meridian, ID look for?
The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Meridian, ID are:
What cities near Meridian, ID are hiring for Prep Cook jobs?
Cities near Meridian, ID with the most Prep Cook job openings:
$20 - $23/hr
Full-time
Re-posted 16 days ago
Job description
SideQuest Prep Cook
We are hiring talented Prep Cooks to join our newest concept, SideQuest! Do you want to be part of a fun, dynamic, and growing hospitality group? Join us now!
Prep Cooks at SideQuest will succeed at supporting the entire team by maintaining high standards throughout the restaurant and being invested in our Core Values:
* Be Clear * Be Caring * Be Professional * Be Honest * Hold the Standard *
Set up and maintain stocked workstation throughout shift
Assist in stocking and cleaning the entire line throughout the shift
Operate a variety of kitchen equipment and tools
Complete daily prep tasks assigned
Read tickets to determine what and when items need to be prepared
Prepare recipes by following strict guidelines and portioning techniques
Promptly prepare food within company time standards
Constantly monitor and maintain food standards for recipe production, appearance, correctness, quality, and safety
Constantly move throughout the kitchen
Clean station floors, counters, tools, cutting boards, and preparation surfaces to ensure station is clean and sanitized throughout shift
Execute dish pick-ups
Take out trash and boxes daily
Complete all end of shift work before leaving
Support team members including leadership
Execute effective communication skills
Exude a positive attitude under stress
Contribute to a fun and professional work environment
Ability to execute follow-through
Prep Chef RequirementsLOVE for the restaurant industry
[1+] year experience as a Prep Chef
Ability to follow detailed directions
Ability to follow standard restaurant procedures
Ability to constantly move throughout the kitchen
Ability to prepare food according to specifications
Ability to maintain standards in food and beverage quality
Ability to safely utilize a variety of kitchen tools and machinery
Ability to serve all guests to high standards in a fast-paced environment
Ability to be highly organized
Ability to multitask
Ability to clean and maintain a safe work environment
Ability to uphold company policies
Ability to contribute to a fun and lively atmosphere
PERKS:
Great pay
Flexible Schedules
Growth Opportunities
Health Benefits for Full Time Employees
Employee Discounts
Free Shift Meal
Employee Assistance Program - Free & Confidential Mental Health Services and Free Legal & Financial Consultations
* SideQuest * 4 N Latah St, Boise ID, 83706 * sidequestboise.com