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Prep Cook Jobs in Rensselaer, NY (NOW HIRING)

Ruth's Chris

Prep Cook

Albany, NY · On-site

$16 - $28/hr

The heart of the kitchen, our Prep Cooks have a passion for preparing the highest quality food and creating memorable dining experiences through world-class service and exceptional cuisine. This role ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Prep Cook

Albany, NY · On-site

$16 - $28/hr

The heart of the kitchen, our Prep Cooks have a passion for preparing the highest quality food and creating memorable dining experiences through world-class service and exceptional cuisine. This role ...

Provincial Glenville

Prep Cook

Schenectady, NY · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Employee Assistance Program Our community is looking for a Prep Cook/ Cook to join our team. Responsibilities: * Prepares food items using standardized recipes in a timely manner. * Determines food ...

Provincial Glenville

Prep Cook

Schenectady, NY

$17 - $17.50/hr

Employee Assistance Program Our community is looking for a Prep Cook/ Cook to join our team. Responsibilities: * Prepares food items using standardized recipes in a timely manner. * Determines food ...

Provincial Senior Living

Prep Cook

Schenectady, NY · On-site

$17 - $17.50/hr

Employee Assistance Program Our community is looking for a Prep Cook/ Cook to join our team. Responsibilities: * Prepares food items using standardized recipes in a timely manner. * Determines food ...

JO Restaurant Group

Prep Cook - Seasmoke

Troy, NY · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Refer to Daily Prep List at the start of each shift for assigned duties * Prepare a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables and other food items for cooking in broilers, ovens, grills, fryers ...

Bagel Works

Prep Cook

Albany, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Prep Cook (slice, dice, measure, and mix) About us: The Works ® is a growing regional chain of community-minded cafés, dedicated to providing the highest quality food and friendliest customer ...

City Line Bar and Grill

Prep Cook

Albany, NY · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Refer to Daily Prep List at the start of each shift for assigned duties. * Understand and comply with standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards, and kitchen rules, policies, and ...

The Works Bakery Cafe

Prep Cook

Albany, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Description Prep Cook (slice, dice, measure, and mix) About us: The Works is a growing regional chain of community-minded cafes, dedicated to providing the highest quality food and friendliest ...

Barbeque Integrated Inc

Prep Cook

Colonie, NY · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Set up station and stock according to volume Prep items for restaurant Sweep and clean line floor, take out trash, and fulfill any cleaning tasks necessary Able to assist service staff to fulfill ...

Smokey Bones

Prep Cook

Colonie, NY · On-site

$15 - $22/hr

Set up station and stock according to volume Prep items for restaurant Sweep and clean line floor, take out trash, and fulfill any cleaning tasks necessary Able to assist service staff to fulfill ...

POWERS IRISH PUB INC

Prep Cook/Line Cook

Clifton Park, NY · On-site

$20/hr

One to two years of experience as a line cook, restaurant cook or prep cook preferred * Certificate in Culinary Arts preferred * Experience with various cooking methods and procedures * Familiar with ...

Bagel Works

Prep Cook (Latham, NY)

Latham, NY · On-site

$18 - $20.50/hr

Prep Cook (slice, dice, measure, and mix) About us: The Works ® is a growing regional chain of community-minded cafés, dedicated to providing the highest quality food and friendliest customer ...

The Works Bakery Cafe

Prep Cook (Latham, NY)

Latham, NY · On-site

$18 - $20.50/hr

Description Prep Cook (slice, dice, measure, and mix) About us: The Works is a growing regional chain of community-minded cafes, dedicated to providing the highest quality food and friendliest ...

IHOP

cook/prep cook

Clifton Park, NY

$16 - $20/hr

IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

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All JobsPrep Cook JobsPrep Cook Jobs in Rensselaer, NY

Prep Cook information

See Rensselaer, NY salary details

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$15

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How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Rensselaer, NY is $15.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $17.16 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.
More about Prep Cook jobs

What cities near Rensselaer, NY are hiring for Prep Cook jobs?

Cities near Rensselaer, NY with the most Prep Cook job openings:

Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Rensselaer, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,395 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Prep Cook

Ruth's Chris

Albany, NY • On-site

$16 - $28/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Ruth's Chris Steak House rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

$16.00 per hour - $28.00 per hour


Are you ready for the best job ever?

Since Ruth’s Chris was founded in 1965, the most important ingredient in our recipe for success has been a team of hard-working people with a passion for creating special experiences for our Guests. We believe in treating our team like family and providing an environment where you can be yourself and grow professionally, while delivering hospitality as legendary as our steaks.


This is your chance to join the best of the best and start a career with endless opportunity, plus great benefits like:

  • Health insurance eligibility when working an average of 30 hours per week
  • 401(k) with competitive match
  • Dining discounts
  • Employee assistance program
  • Training and exciting career growth opportunities
  • Paid Sick Leave (1 hour for every 30 hours worked, begin accruing upon hire)
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave (up to 2 weeks after 1 year of service)
  • Referral program – refer a friend and earn a bonus
  • State Benefits Overview


Get Ready to Sizzle: The heart of the kitchen, our Prep Cooks have a passion for preparing the highest quality food and creating memorable dining experiences through world-class service and exceptional cuisine.


This role and you are the perfect pairing if you can:

  • Passionately prepare, portion, and/or cook food items to quality specifications
  • Ensure exceptional presentation by checking/dressing dishes before they are served
  • Showcase superior dexterity skills to operate cutting tools quickly and safely
  • Measure ingredients and seasonings to ensure correct cooking and flavor profiles
  • Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers and customers
  • Thrive in a fast-paced environment
  • Be a true team player and work well with others

What Ruth's Chris Steak House employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Ruth's Chris Steak House logo

About Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our steaks are cooked using a patented broiling method developed by our founder. They’re seasoned to perfection, and then served sizzling on 500-degree plates. Our chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff are among the best in the world. They’re trained to deliver steaks exactly the way Ruth wanted. We’ve combined the finest spirits, service, and steaks with a relaxed, friendly environment to create the best bar experience.

Industry

Food services and drinking places and restaurants

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Winter Park, FL, US

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