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Prep Cook Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Accurately and efficiently cook meats, fish, vegetables, soups, and other hot food products as well ... Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed * Closes the kitchen properly ...

Line Cook

Republic, MO · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Accurately and efficiently cook meats, fish, vegetables, soups, and other hot food products as well ... Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed * Closes the kitchen properly ...

Line Cook

Ozark, MO · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Accurately and efficiently cook meats, fish, vegetables, soups, and other hot food products as well ... Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed * Closes the kitchen properly ...

Line Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Accurately and efficiently cook meats, fish, vegetables, soups, and other hot food products as well ... Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed * Closes the kitchen properly ...

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$12 - $16/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 ...

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$12 - $16/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 ...

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$12 - $16/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 ...

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$12 - $16/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 ...

Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$12 - $16/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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Prep Cook information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$7

$13

$17

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Springfield, MO is $13.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $14.57 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 Springfield, MO?

The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, MO?

For Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Prep Cook jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Prep Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,503 per year, or $13.2 per hour.

Line Cook / Kitchen Team

Applebee's (Apple Central)

Springfield, MO • On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Applebee's rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 739 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 87 rated restaurants


Job description

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America’s kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Today, with over 1,700 locations and counting, what was once a popular neighborhood restaurant has grown to become one of the world’s largest casual dining brands.

Work in a friendly, fast-paced environment where real friends and real connections are made!

Now Hiring Full Time & Part Time:

  • COOKS / KITCHEN TEAM MEMBERS

Requirement:

  • All Cooks must be 18 years of age, or older.
  • Previous Cook / Kitchen / Professional Culinary experience strongly preferred
  • Must be eligible to work in the US

If you have a commitment to creating the best quality food for our guests and the drive to succeed, we want to hear from you!

Wondering what’s in it for you? We can offer you:

  • Competitive Wages
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Opportunities for Advancement
  • Great team-oriented work atmosphere & much more!

We are a Franchisee of Applebee's and an Equal Opportunity / Verify Employer.

Applebee’s is a well established, full service restaurant concept that has growth opportunities for team members in a well established restaurnat environment. Grow your career with us.

We offer great restaurant culinary careers for line cooks (concinero / cocinera) who have back of house cooking, chef, saute cook or grill cook kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment. We're also looking for Jefe / Jefa who have back of house preparation / food prep / production experience.


What Applebee's employees say

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Benefits

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