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Prep Cook Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Red Lobster

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Setting up and stocking prep and line stations Cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the kitchen ... seasoning, and cooking food according to recipes, quantity calls, and specification while ...

Red Lobster

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Setting up and stocking prep and line stations * Cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the kitchen ... Prepping, seasoning, and cooking food according to recipes, quantity calls, and specification while ...

Chipotle

Crew Member

Springfield, IL

$15.25 - $16.25/hr

... cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to meet ...

Chipotle

Crew Member

Springfield, IL · On-site

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

... cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to meet ...

CHIPOTLE

Crew Member

Springfield, IL · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

So, whether you have experience as a dishwasher, cashier, server, host, bartender, cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our ...

CHIPOTLE

Crew Member

Springfield, IL · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

So, whether you have experience as a dishwasher, cashier, server, host, bartender, cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our ...

Chipotle

Crew Member

Springfield, IL

$15.25 - $16.25/hr

... cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to meet ...

Chipotle

Crew Member

Springfield, IL

$12 - $15.50/hr

... cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to meet ...

Bella Milano

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Tired of pre-made sauces and microwaves, and want to cook? Tired of corporate rules and not being recognized for your work? Bella Milano is a locally owned family business that cares about its ...

Bella Milano

Cook

Springfield, IL

$15 - $18/hr

Tired of pre-made sauces and microwaves, and want to cook? Tired of corporate rules and not being recognized for your work? Bella Milano is a locally owned family business that cares about its ...

Golden Corral

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

The Cook is responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product ...

Illini Country Club

Cook

Springfield, IL

$18 - $25/hr

As a Cook on our team, you will play a crucial role in creating high-quality dishes that exceed our members' expectations. You will prepare and cook a variety of meals with precision and care ...

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All JobsPrep Cook JobsPrep Cook Jobs in Springfield, IL

Prep Cook information

See Springfield, IL salary details

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How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Springfield, IL is $15.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 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 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.

Is prep cook entry level?

Prep cook positions are often entry-level roles that require basic cooking skills, such as knife handling and food preparation. Many employers provide on-the-job training, making it accessible for those with little or no prior experience in professional kitchens.

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 prep cooks?

Prep cooks are kitchen professionals responsible for preparing ingredients and basic components needed for recipes. Their duties typically include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, as well as organizing workstations and ensuring that the kitchen runs efficiently. Prep cooks support chefs and line cooks by making sure everything is ready for meal preparation and service. This role is essential in both restaurants and catering operations, as it helps maintain a smooth workflow and consistent food quality.

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.
More about Prep Cook jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, IL? For Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Springfield, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,338 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Cook

Cook

Red Lobster

Springfield, IL • On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Red Lobster rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 256 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 86 rated restaurants

Job description

Overview Why You Want to Work Here: We offer weekly pay and competitive wages Flexible scheduling Options for medical, dental and vision starting at less than $10/week Life insurance, short-term disability and voluntary benefits 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match after 1 year of service Anniversary pay (must meet eligibility requirements) Discounted shift meals and a 25% discount when dining as a guest Opportunities - we train and provide career opportunities so you can advance and grow Who We Are: It all began with a single family-owned restaurant and the vision to give people something special: a connection to seafood and the coast. Over fifty years later, every seat in our over 500 restaurant family is an extension of that founding passion. We proudly set the table for our guests' favorite meals and moments because we are more than just a place to eat and work.

We are part of the communities we serve, and this is where new friends become familiar faces. Your responsibilities as a Cook will include, but are not limited to: Setting up and stocking prep and line stations Cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the kitchen area, equipment, and utensils Checking the quality and freshness of ingredients Prepping, seasoning, and cooking food according to recipes, quantity calls, and specification while maintaining portion control systems Inspecting food preparation and serving areas, tools, and equipment to ensure observance of safe, sanitary food-handling practices Substituting for or assisting other cooks and kitchen positions during peak business periods What it Takes to Succeed (Physical Job Requirements) Must meet the minimum age requirement and authorized to work in the country you are applying Culinary experience preferred Ability to bend, reach, stoop and lift up to 60 pounds safely Ability to move about the restaurant and remain standing for an 8 - 12 hour shift Team player with attention to detail and ability to multi-task The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

BIG plans are on the horizon for Red Lobster. Our team and restaurants are great today, but our future is even better. There is no better time than now to be a part of the Red Lobster Family.

***We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer who provides a welcoming workplace for everyone. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status*** Pay Range USD $15.00 - USD $25.00 /Hr. Apply Apply (Existing Employee)

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