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Prep Cook Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

BJ's Restaurants

Prep Cook

Modesto, CA

$16.90 - $22/hr

Prep Cook We build jobs that advance into lifelong careers. Start crafting yours today. You give your all to delight our Guests, we serve up the ingredients for you to live your best life. * Flexible ...

Famous Dave's BBQ

Prep Cook

Modesto, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Previous Prep Cook or cooking experience preferred * Capable of using knives, slicing equipment and other food preparation equipment * Reading, writing and verbal communication skills required. Must ...

The Brass Tap

Prep Cook - The Brass Tap

Modesto, CA

$16 - $18/hr

Our kitchen prep cooks are responsible for prepping the ingredients and sauces according to recipe procedures. They are dedicated to food quality and take pride in every item they prepare. Positive ...

Chili's Grill & Bar

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 ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK (FULL TIME)

Stockton, CA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time PREP COOK position. * Location : University of the Pacific - 3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95211. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

Chili's

Prep Cook - Immediate Opening

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 ...

Chili's

Prep Cook - Flexible Hours

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 ...

Chili's

Prep Cook - Now Hiring

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 ...

Kura Sushi Modesto

Sushi Prep/Line Cook

Modesto, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Check out our Benefits! - -benefits Line Cooks/Prep Cooks at Kura are: * Team players that go above and beyond * Committed to preparing and providing fresh, tasty, and quality food to our guests

Elite Devco, LLC

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 ...

Chili's

Prep Cook - Pacheco Blvd Chili's

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 ...

Elite Devco, LLC

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrep Cook JobsPrep Cook Jobs in Modesto, CA

Prep Cook information

See Modesto, CA salary details

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$16

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How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Modesto, CA is $16.55, 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.
More about Prep Cook jobs
What are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Modesto, CA? For Prep Cook jobs in Modesto, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Modesto, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Modesto, CA are:
What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 65% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 66% Physical, and 34% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,423 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Prep Cook

BJ's Restaurants

Modesto, CA

$16.90 - $22/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

BJ's Restaurants rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 179 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

Overview

Open interviews conducted daily - Walk-ins are Welcome

 
Hiring Immediately
We value Gracious Hospitality in everything we do, it starts with you! Our team members are the not-so-secret ingredient in crafting memorable moments and delivering the exhilarating brewhouse experience our Guests know us for. 
 
Prep Cook
 
We build jobs that advance into lifelong careers. Start crafting yours today.
You give your all to delight our Guests, we serve up the ingredients for you to live your best life.
  • Flexible scheduling options 
  • Fun, energetic and inclusive workplace 
  • Career path programs to help you advance your career. We love promoting our team members!
  • Competitive pay with DailyPay option – Why wait for pay day when you don’t have to? 
  • Team Member dining discounts
  • Benefits designed for your holistic wellness:
    • Medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs (eligibility based on hours worked).
    • Flexible spending accounts, 401(k), and financial wellness plans.
    • Life, disability, accident, home, auto, and pet insurance.
    • Perks Spot discount program – save on entertainment, movie tickets and hundreds of products!

Responsibilities
Connect with our Guests by expertly executing recipes and crafting crave worthy menu items. You:
  • Set up cook stations.
  • Ensure prep items are always available on the cook line and restock as needed.
  • Prepare food items according to recipe, portion, and presentation specifications.
  • Maintain clean, sanitary, and organized cook stations, kitchen coolers, and food storage areas.

Requirements
Bring your Guest focused enthusiasm to our team today.
  • Do you thrive working in a fast-paced, collaborative, team-oriented environment?
  • Are you able to work with prep tools and have safe knife handling skills?
  • Do you have a food handler permit?
  • Are you 18 years of age or over?
Apply today! 
 
About BJ’s Restaurants
BJ’s has been crafting memorable brewhouse experiences since our humble beginnings in Southern California in 1978. We pride ourselves in providing our Guests with food and beverages that exhilarates the senses and nourishes the soul. We are proud of our brewhouse legacy and take our craft seriously. Guests come to BJ’s to experience our energetic brewhouse escape and make good times better. We can do that thanks to our dedicated team members, who take pride in providing every Guest with our signature gracious hospitality. 
 
BJ’s settings and the nature of our business require our team members meet the physical requirements to perform the job effectively, with or without accommodations. 
 
BJ’s Restaurants is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer

#LI-DNI

USD $16.90 - USD $22.00 /Hr.Qualifications:
Bring your Guest focused enthusiasm to our team today.
  • Do you thrive working in a fast-paced, collaborative, team-oriented environment?
  • Are you able to work with prep tools and have safe knife handling skills?
  • Do you have a food handler permit?
  • Are you 18 years of age or over?
Apply today! 
 
About BJ’s Restaurants
BJ’s has been crafting memorable brewhouse experiences since our humble beginnings in Southern California in 1978. We pride ourselves in providing our Guests with food and beverages that exhilarates the senses and nourishes the soul. We are proud of our brewhouse legacy and take our craft seriously. Guests come to BJ’s to experience our energetic brewhouse escape and make good times better. We can do that thanks to our dedicated team members, who take pride in providing every Guest with our signature gracious hospitality. 
 
BJ’s settings and the nature of our business require our team members meet the physical requirements to perform the job effectively, with or without accommodations. 
 
BJ’s Restaurants is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer

#LI-DNI

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: PART_TIME

What BJ's Restaurants employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

BJs Restaurants logo

About BJs Restaurants

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At BJ's Restaurants, we serve our award-winning craft beer, a Southern California twist on deep dish pizza, the world-renowned dessert - the Pizookie, and much more. BJ's is a $1 billion public restaurant company and a growth concept with a winning track record of introducing new on-trend menu offerings and opening new restaurants. We offer guests a high-energy, contemporary setting to enjoy special moments with gold standard service. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers a differentiated menu and experience to guests across the U.S.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Huntington Beach, CA, US

Year founded

1978

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