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Prep Cook Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

The Cheesecake Factory

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM

$16 - $19/hr

Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities Steady Hours, Flexible Life * High-volume ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14 - $17.75/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14 - $17.75/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14 - $17.75/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$13 - $16.50/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/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 ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13 - $16.50/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 ...

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Prep Cook information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Rio Rancho, NM is $14.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $16.39 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

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What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

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What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Prep Cook jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Prep Cook job openings:

Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,876 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Prep Cook

The Cheesecake Factory

Albuquerque, NM

$16 - $19/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

The Cheesecake Factory rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 254 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

Overview

With a commitment to scratch cooking using fresh, high-quality ingredients, our Prep Cooks prepare hundreds of recipes for our delicious dishes. You’ll work alongside a supportive kitchen team in a fast paced, full-service restaurant, taking ownership and pride in food preparation, attention to detail, and consistency. Our Prep Cooks are passionate team players who support back-of-house operations and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests.


Responsibilities

Steady Hours, Flexible Life

  • High-volume restaurant with consistent hours
  • Flexible scheduling with full-time or part-time opportunities to fit your life
  • Faster Pay – access up to 50% of your earned wages the next day (exclusions apply)
  • Free shift meals and 25% discount when dining with friends and family

Benefits That Have Your Back

  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription coverage options
  • Medical coverage starting as low as 12 per pay period
  • Virtual Care and no cost online mental health services

Grow With Us

  • World class training designed to support your personal and professional growth
  • Career advancement opportunities – over half of our managers are promoted from within
  • No cost GED or Associate Degree programs

Perks, Recognition & Community

  • Perks and discounts including cell phone, gym, movie, and theme park savings
  • Employee recognition and appreciation awards
  • HELP Fund (Hardship and Emergency Lifeline Program) for moments that matter
  • Opportunities to give back through community and charity events
  • Join an award-winning company, including:
    – Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® (since 2014)
    – PEOPLE® Companies That Care (since 2021)
    – Great Place to Work® Certified

Qualifications

  • Follow a prep list while completing tasks efficiently with speed and a sense of urgency
  • Read and follow recipes using accurate measurements, weights, and portioning for consistent recipe execution
  • Prepare ingredients using strong knife skills including chopping, dicing, and slicing
  • Use a variety of cooking methods and culinary techniques including boiling, broiling, roasting, sauteing, frying, and grilling
  • Prep ingredients for 200+ menu items including sauces, dressings, and soups
  • Operate kitchen equipment such as ovens, fryers, broilers, flat tops, grills, tilt skillets, mixers, and slicers
  • Label, date, and rotate food using FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures
  • Follow instructions maintaining organization, safety standards, cleanliness, and sanitation
  • Adhere to food safety, food handling, and cross contamination prevention procedures
  • Support teamwork through clear, effective communication
  • Work well under pressure while maintaining high standards

What The Cheesecake Factory employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom