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Prep Cook Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Cook/ Prep Cook/ Dish Washer

Lathrop, CA

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Summary of Job Function We?re looking for Team Members to become part of our Popeyes family with skills and behaviors to create memorable experiences for our guests. Must be passionate about ...

Cook

Riverbank, CA · On-site

$20/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 ...

Cook

Modesto, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Cook

Stockton, CA · On-site

$20/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 ...

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 ...

Join Our Team as a Food Prep Specialist! Are you passionate about fresh, flavorful food and looking to be part of a vibrant kitchen team? Our Mediterranean fast casual restaurant is seeking a ...

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

Manteca, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.25/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 ...

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 ...

Kitchen

Riverbank, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/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

Modesto, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Livermore, CA · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Line cook experience in a "Full Scratch Kitchen or Restaurant" * 2 to 5 years experience on a fast-paced line, or working a prep cook line station * Ability to execute flawless dishes in a timely ...

Taquero PT

Modesto, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Prior experience as a cook or prep helper preferred. * Basic understanding of English language. * Ability to work safely in a fast-paced environment. * Team-oriented, respectful, and professional ...

New

Taquero PT

Modesto, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Prior experience as a cook or prep helper preferred. * Basic understanding of English language. * Ability to work safely in a fast-paced environment. * Team-oriented, respectful, and professional ...

New

Taquero PT

Modesto, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Prior experience as a cook or prep helper preferred. * Basic understanding of English language. * Ability to work safely in a fast-paced environment. * Team-oriented, respectful, and professional ...

Cook

Modesto, CA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

We have line cook positions in Salad, Fry, Dessert, Saute, Grill and Make Up along with Kitchen Prep Cooks. * Responsible for maintaining equipment and the cleanliness of your surroundings. * Working ...

Cook

Modesto, CA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

We have line cook positions in Salad, Fry, Dessert, Saute, Grill and Make Up along with Kitchen Prep Cooks. * Responsible for maintaining equipment and the cleanliness of your surroundings. * Working ...

Showing results 41-60

Prep Cook information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$9

$16

$21

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.
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:
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What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Prep Cook job openings:
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.

Cook/ Prep Cook/ Dish Washer

RMV FOODS INC.

Lathrop, CA

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Job description

Summary of Job Function

We?re looking for Team Members to become part of our Popeyes family with skills and behaviors to create memorable experiences for our guests. Must be passionate about providing guests with the best experience possible. Must follow Popeyes Service Basics: smile, make eye contact, greet the guest, repeat the order, and thank the guest. Must enjoy working with people who take food seriously yet have fun preparing and serving it. Must be committed to contributing to the collaborative spirit of the team, be energized by the opportunity to learn, grow and explore your career potential.

Essential Responsibilities

Develop Servant Leaders
Puts your guest and restaurant first ? not yourself

  • Shows compassion, care and concern towards other team members and guest
  • Creates a great experience by serving the guest well
  • Holds self accountable to meet performance expectations
  • Loves team members and guests through behaviors, actions and decisions each day
  • Acts with integrity and honesty, and promote the culture of Popeyes
  • Maintains regular and consistent attendance and punctuality

Create Memorable Experiences
Creates a service experience so good our guest can?t wait to come back to Popeyes

  • Greet guests to make them feel comfortable and welcome
  • Take guests? food orders and handle cash and credit transactions
  • Assist the management team in creating a great place to work and delivering memorable guest experiences
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the brand and menu items
  • Check food quality and food temperatures throughout the day to ensure the food is fresh and safe to serve
  • Monitors Speed of Service to ensure delivery of guest expectations
  • Ensures the restaurant is welcoming and clean
  • Act with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promotes the culture of Popeyes