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Prep Cook Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

SSH DT Portland LLC

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Work efficiently under pressure during high-volume service periods. Assist with prep work, cleaning ... Understanding of basic cooking techniques and kitchen equipment. Strong attention to detail ...

LOST VALLEY MANAGEMENT LLC

Line Cook (Cook I)

Auburn, ME · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

This role is responsible for executing prep and service with consistency, speed, and attention to ... cook, or relevant kitchen experience preferred * Strong understanding of kitchen workflow, prep ...

StepStone Hospitality

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... Assist with prep work, cleaning duties, and other kitchen tasks as assigned. • Communicate ... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. • Understanding of basic ...

StepStone Hospitality Inc.

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... Assist with prep work, cleaning duties, and other kitchen tasks as assigned. · Communicate ... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. · Understanding of basic ...

StepStone Hospitality Inc.

Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... Assist with prep work, cleaning duties, and other kitchen tasks as assigned. · Communicate ... cooking experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen preferred. · Understanding of basic ...

EOS Hospitality

Cook II

Portland, ME · On-site

$25K/mo

... Cook II to join their team of hospitality professionals at Union restaurant. Job Summary ... Prep food items for service period * Properly handle all kitchen equipment as assigned. Clean ...

Maine Beer Company

Line Cook

Freeport, ME · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

The Line Cook at Maine Beer Company is responsible for creating and maintaining the highest quality ... Keep up with prep dishes and make sure the dish pit is clean and organized. * Stock dry and ...

Maine Beer Company

Line Cook

Freeport, ME · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

The Line Cook at Maine Beer Company is responsible for creating and maintaining the highest quality ... Keep up with prep dishes and make sure the dish pit is clean and organized. * Stock dry and ...

Maine Beer Company

Line Cook

Freeport, ME · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

The Line Cook at Maine Beer Company is responsible for creating and maintaining the highest quality ... Keep up with prep dishes and make sure the dish pit is clean and organized. * Stock dry and ...

EOS Hospitality

Cook II

Portland, ME · On-site

$25K/mo

... Cook II to join their team of hospitality professionals at Union restaurant. Job Summary ... Prep food items for service period * Properly handle all kitchen equipment as assigned. Clean ...

EOS Hospitality

Line Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$25K/mo

... Cook to join their team of hospitality professionals at Union restaurant. Full time hours are ... Prep food items for service period * Properly handle all kitchen equipment as assigned. Clean ...

EOS Hospitality

Lead Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$25K/mo

... Cook to join their team of hospitality professionals at Union restaurant. Full time hours are ... Prep food items for service period * Properly handle all kitchen equipment as assigned. Clean ...

EOS Hospitality

Lead Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$25K/mo

... Cook to join their team of hospitality professionals at Union restaurant. Full time hours are ... Prep food items for service period * Properly handle all kitchen equipment as assigned. Clean ...

The Inn at Atlantic Heights

Cook

Saco, ME · On-site

$19.45 - $22.45/hr

Other light prep work and cleaning and sanitation required. Work one weekend and have the next weekend off. Rotates from there. Shift is from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM Cook Job Summary~ Working for a Maine ...

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Prep Cook information

See Portland, ME salary details

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How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Portland, ME is $16.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $17.69 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?

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.

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.
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The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Portland, ME are:

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For Prep Cook jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Portland, ME are:

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Prep Cook jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Prep Cook job openings:

Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,393 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Title Concessions Cook | Part-Time | Cross Insurance Arena

Teamwork Online

Portland, ME • On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Concessions Cook | Part-Time | Cross Insurance Arena
Location US-ME-Portland
Job Post Information* : Posted Date 2 weeks ago(8/20/2026 11:41 AM)
Job ID 2026-34256
Group OVG - Food Services & Hospitality
Location Name Cross Insurance Arena
Category Concessions / Premium Seating
Type Regular Part-Time
Location : Location US-ME-Portland
Job Post Information* : External Company Name Oak View Group
Job Post Information* : External Company URL https://www.oakviewgroup.com/
Location : Postal Code 04101
Location : Address 1 Civic Center Square
Job Post Information* : Post End Date 11/20/2026
Oak View Group

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 

Overview

The Concessions Cook is responsible for preparing foods to be served to guests throughout the venue. The Concessions Cook will often have direct contact with the public, working mostly in concession stand areas but also assisting when catering events get scheduled. The Concessions Cook must maintain excellent attendance and be available to work events as scheduled per business need.

This role pays an hourly rate of $17.50-$18.50 and is tip eligible.

Benefits for Part-Time roles: 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching.

 

This position will remain open until November 20, 2026.

Responsibilities
  • Responsible for providing high-quality, fresh food products in a timely manner for delivery to guests.
  • Prepares hot and cold foods following company recipes and portioning requirements.
  • Participates as a team player with specific responsibilities as related to preparation, excellent service, and delivery of product.
  • Responsible for reporting any maintenance required for kitchen equipment.
  • Maintains sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas.
  • Responsible for observing and testing foods to ensure proper cooking.
  • Responsible for portioning, arranging, and garnishing food plates for delivery to guests.
  • Responsible for consulting with Director of Food & Beverage, Concessions Manager and Stand Leaders to plan menus and estimate expected food consumption.
  • Show demonstrated ability to meet the company standard for excellent attendance.
Qualifications
  • Previous cook or prep cook experience highly preferred.
  • Able to operate standard kitchen equipment, including the broiler, steamer, convection oven, mixer, meat slicer, and chef knife.
  • Ability to communicate with employees, co-workers, volunteers, management staff, and guests in a clear, business-like, and respectful manner that focuses on generating a positive, enthusiastic, and cooperative work environment.
  • Ability to work well in a team-oriented, fast-paced, event-driven environment.
  • Possess a valid food handling certificate if required by state and federal regulations.
  • ServSafe preferred.
Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

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