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Prep Cook Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Glastonbury, CT

$14.25 - $18/hr

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth and creating meaningful change. Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. That means improving ...

Prep Cook

Glastonbury, CT · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth and creating meaningful change. Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. That means improving ...

Prep-Salad Bar

Windsor Locks, CT · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

... and cooked items according to Ruby Tuesday recipes and menu specifications. Complete specific ... in refrigeration, prep, and dry storage areas. Ensure the highest quality preparation and ...

Prep-Salad Bar

Windsor Locks, CT · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

... cooked items according to Ruby Tuesday recipes and menu specifications. • Complete specific ... refrigeration, prep, and dry storage areas. • Ensure the highest quality preparation and ...

Prep Cook/Dishwasher

South Windsor, CT · On-site

$16.35 - $27/hr

At Red Heat American Tavern, our passion for food is meant to celebrate, entertain, educate, and nourish as we honor the timeless heritage of cooking with fire, transforming fresh, artisanal ...

Prep Cook/Dishwasher

South Windsor, CT · On-site

$16.35 - $27/hr

Join Our Team! We're looking for passionate, energetic, and outgoing individuals to become part of our team! If you thrive in a fun, fast-paced environment, we'd love to hear from you-whether you're ...

What You'll Do • Prep, cook, and assemble dishes according to recipes and presentation standards • Keep your workstation stocked, organized, and spotless • Follow proper portioning and minimize ...

Line Cook

Windsor Locks, CT

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

What You'll Do • Prep, cook, and assemble dishes according to recipes and presentation standards • Keep your workstation stocked, organized, and spotless • Follow proper portioning and minimize ...

Line Cook

Vernon Rockville, CT

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

What You'll Do • Prep, cook, and assemble dishes according to recipes and presentation standards • Keep your workstation stocked, organized, and spotless • Follow proper portioning and minimize ...

Line Cook

Windsor Locks, CT · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

What You'll Do • Prep, cook, and assemble dishes according to recipes and presentation standards • Keep your workstation stocked, organized, and spotless • Follow proper portioning and minimize ...

Line Cook

Rockville, CT · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

What You'll Do • Prep, cook, and assemble dishes according to recipes and presentation standards • Keep your workstation stocked, organized, and spotless • Follow proper portioning and minimize ...

Line Cook

Northampton, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

What You'll Do • Prep, cook, and assemble dishes according to recipes and presentation standards • Keep your workstation stocked, organized, and spotless • Follow proper portioning and minimize ...

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 ...

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Prep Cook information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Springfield, MA is $15.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $17.26 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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, MA? The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, MA? For Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Springfield, MA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,514 per year, or $15.6 per hour.
Prep Cook

$14.25 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Whole Foods Market rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Whole Foods Market

Based on 1,416 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.0

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.0 out of 10

Grocery stores average

Based on 48,384 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Whole Foods Market

  • 98%

    98% say they get paid time off

    say they get paid time off

  • 89%

    89% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 84%

    84% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Whole Foods Market, based on 1416 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth and creating meaningful change. Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. That means improving how people eat, funding grants for school gardens, providing access to fresh and healthy food to people living within food deserts, alleviating poverty in developing countries, and so much more. Working with us means you are making a difference within your community and beyond. We aren't just a grocery store: we're world-changers. And with your help, we will continue to set the standards of excellence and revolutionize the grocery industry.

Assists the Team Leader in all aspects of daily operations including profitability, expense control, buying, merchandising, labor, regulatory compliance and special projects as assigned. Leads and develops Team Members. All Whole Foods Market Retail jobs require ensuring a positive company image by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and Team Members at all times. All positions must be performed in accordance with team and store Standard Operating Procedures. Further, Team Members must be prepared and able to perform the duties inherent in other Team Member job descriptions. All positions must strive to support WFM core values and goals, promote national, regional, and store programs and initiatives, and ensure adherence to all applicable health and safety regulations including Food Safety and regulatory duties required in the department. Job Responsibilities
  • Develops and maintains creative store layout and product merchandising.
  • Works with Team Leader to achieve sales, purchasing, and labor targets.
  • Assists Team Leader in analysis of sales, reports and labor.
  • Demonstrates advanced product knowledge and develops / maintains awareness of new products.
  • Maintains good vendor relationships, develops new vendor relations, and ensures all paperwork is properly submitted for vendor processing.
  • Works with Team Leader to resolve team concerns or issues.
  • Functions as point person and departmental person in charge in absence of Team Leader.
  • Sets and achieves the highest standards of retail execution.
  • Fosters and encourages a positive environment of outstanding teamwork, mutual respect, and exceptional morale.
  • Consistently communicates and models WFM vision and goals.
  • Maintains awareness of customer flows and needs and directs Team Members as necessary to satisfy and delight customers; responds promptly to customer needs and questions.
  • Selects, trains, develops, mentors, motivates, and counsels Team Members in a manner that sustains a high-performance team and minimizes turnover.
  • Provides timely, thorough, and thoughtful performance evaluations.
Job Skills
  • High energy, enthusiastic, and displays an affinity for our products, core values, and company philosophy.
  • Growth mindset towards greater responsibility and ownership.
  • Desire to coach and mentor others for growth.
  • Excellent interpersonal, motivational, team building, and customer relationship skills.
  • Capable of teaching others in a positive and constructive manner.
  • Product knowledge.
  • Advanced knowledge of regulatory and safety policies and procedures.
  • Proficient mathematical skills for assessing financial performance, monitoring profitability, and managing inventory.
  • Demonstrated decision-making ability, leadership skills, and ability to prioritize and delegate.
  • Proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and operations-related applications.
Experience
  • 18+ months retail Team Member experience and 6+ months of supervisory experience.
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • In an 8-hour work day: standing/walking 6-8 hours.
  • Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
  • Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching.
  • Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals.
  • Exposure to temperatures: <32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), >90 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Ability to work in wet and dry conditions.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Ability to use tools and equipment, including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.
  • May require use of ladders.

Note: The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list. This document does not reflect all job duties or requirements for every position. Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level. Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental or geographic location, and/or needs for the particular position. An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In addition, in order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position. Completion of certain milestones such as obtaining an advanced degree or certification, time in current position, or developing skills to perform at the higher-level role do not guarantee a promotion.

The wage range for this position is $20.05-$35.00 Hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire. For additional information, visit our Whole Foods Market Careers site: https://careers.wholefoodsmarket.com/benefits.
At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.
Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.
More detail about Whole Foods Market part of Whole Foods Market, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/589387-Whole-Foods-Market

Working at Whole Foods Market

Perks for frontline workers

From Whole Foods Market, via Breakroom

  • 20% employee discount

  • Paid time off

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Health insurance with dental & vision

  • Growth opportunities

What to expect from working at Whole Foods Market

From Whole Foods Market

About Whole Foods Market, in their own words

From Whole Foods Market

At Whole Foods Market, we understand that the heart and soul of our organization lies in the remarkable people who make up our team. We're more than a grocer; we're a community of diverse, talented individuals coming together to make a positive impact on the world through food.

Company values

From Whole Foods Market

Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. We’re a purpose-driven company that aims to set the standards of excellence for food retailers. Quality is a state of mind at Whole Foods Market.

Core Values: (1) We sell the highest quality natural and organic foods (2) We satisfy and delight our customers (3) We promote team member growth and happiness (4) We practice win-win partnerships with our suppliers (5) We create profits and prosperity (6) We care about our community and the environment


What Whole Foods Market employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Whole Foods Market logo

About Whole Foods Market

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whole Foods Market, Inc., a subsidiary of Amazon, is an American multinational supermarket chain headquartered in Austin, Texas, which sells products free from hydrogenated fats and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.A USDA Certified Organic grocer in the United States, the chain is popularly known for its organic selections. Whole Foods has 500 stores in North America and seven in the United Kingdom As of March 4, 2019.

Industry

Food and beverage stores and retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, TX, US