1

Prep Cook Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Training & development Prep Cook - Be Part of a Passionate Kitchen Team at Gustav's (Vancouver) Wage: $20-$25 an hour including tips Gustav's is a long standing German restaurant known for its ...

Prep Cook OR

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Prep cook helps the kitchen staff with prepping and portioning food to meet the kitchen needs. We are looking to hire for the Prep-Cook position. We are interested in hardworking, reliable people ...

Prep Cook OR

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Prep cook helps the kitchen staff with prepping and portioning food to meet the kitchen needs. We are looking to hire for the Prep-Cook position. We are interested in hardworking, reliable people ...

Prep Cook

Portland, OR

$15 - $19/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

Vancouver, WA

$17.13 - $28.75/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

Vancouver, WA

$17.13 - $28.75/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

Gresham, OR · On-site

$15 - $19/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

Clackamas, OR

$15 - $19/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

Gresham, OR

$15 - $19/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

Lake Oswego, OR

$14.75 - $18.50/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

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$17.13 - $28.75/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

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/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

Vancouver, WA

$17.13 - $28.75/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

Gresham, OR

$15 - $19/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

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$17.13 - $28.75/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

Portland, OR · On-site

$15 - $19/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

Clackamas, OR

$15 - $19/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

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$15 - $19/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

Lake Oswego, OR

$14.75 - $18.50/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

Portland, OR

$15 - $19/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Prep Cook information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Portland, OR is $16.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $18.41 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 the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Portland, OR? For Prep Cook jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 66% Physical, and 34% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,714 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Prep Cook

Gustav's

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Select holidays off
  • Organized systems in place
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Company parties
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development

Prep Cook - Be Part of a Passionate Kitchen Team at Gustav's (Vancouver)
Wage:
$20-$25 an hour including tips
Gustav's is a long standing German restaurant known for its scratch-made regional comfort food, lively hospitality, and high standards of execution. Our team is passionate about great food, cleanliness, and providing a supportive, team-driven environment.
We're currently seeking a dependable, driven Prep Cook who's excited about being part of a hands-on team that values fresh ingredients, strong kitchen systems, and working together to deliver something special every day.
Whether you're looking to build your culinary career or simply love being part of a team that takes pride in their craft, we'd love to meet you.
What You'll Do
  • Prep ingredients and maintain a clean, well-organized station
  • Follow recipes and prep lists to support the line and kitchen team
  • Uphold food safety and sanitation standards
  • Communicate clearly and help keep the kitchen running smoothly
  • Contribute to a positive, fast-paced kitchen environment

What We're Looking For
  • 1-3 years of experience in a kitchen setting (prep or line cook)
  • Strong attention to detail, time management, and kitchen efficiency
  • A valid food handler card
  • Able to lift up to 30 lbs., stand for extended periods, and work in a high-energy kitchen
  • A team-focused attitude and willingness to learn and grow

Why Work With Us?
  • Flexible Scheduling - Full-time and part-time opportunities available
  • Health Benefits - Medical, dental, and vision for full-time employees (30+ hrs/week)
  • Time Off for the Big Holidays - We're closed on the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
  • Monthly Dining Discounts - Enjoy discounts at all of our restaurant locations
  • Opportunities for Advancement - We're a growing group, and we love to promote from within
  • Tips: This is a tipped position.
  • Great Team Environment - Scratch cooking, fresh ingredients, and a team that genuinely enjoys working together

Ready to be part of something new and exciting? Apply today and help us bring the next chapter of Amaro's Table to life in East Vancouver. We can't wait to meet you.
Compensation: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Gustav's is a locally owned German Restaurant that has become an institution in the Portland/Vancouver area over the last 30+ years. Quality been a focus at Gustav's since its inception and we are looking for like-minded professionals to keep that spirit alive!
NW Hospitality Group acquired the legendary Gustav's in July of 2023 with the intention of keeping the restaurant around for years to come! You may know us from our other local establishments, Amaro's Table and Cecilia. Our brand is already known for our impeccable service, delicious food and an amazing beverage program. Amaro's Table has won numerous awards for it's bar program and happy hour including Best of Clark County the last 3 years.
We are a company who invest a lot of time, education and energy in our team members in order to ensure their success. NW Hospitality Group is a great place for those that are looking to further their career goals, in and out of the hospitality industry. We strive to promote from within and move people towards their future successes.