1

Prep Cook Jobs in Sumter, SC (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Sumter, SC · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/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

Sumter, SC · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/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

Sumter, SC · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/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

Sumter, SC

$12.50 - $16.75/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 ...

Team Member

Columbia, SC · On-site

$11 - $14.50/hr

Team Member | Culinary Leader | Kitchen Leader | Shift Leader | Cook | Prep Cook | Grill Cook | Prep Crew | Hourly Manager | Shift Manager | Customer Service | Restaurant | Part Time | Full Time | ...

Team Member

Columbia, SC

$11 - $14.50/hr

Team Member | Culinary Leader | Kitchen Leader | Shift Leader | Cook | Prep Cook | Grill Cook | Prep Crew | Hourly Manager | Shift Manager | Customer Service | Restaurant | Part Time | Full Time | ...

Team Member

Columbia, SC

$11 - $14.50/hr

Team Member | Culinary Leader | Kitchen Leader | Shift Leader | Cook | Prep Cook | Grill Cook | Prep Crew | Hourly Manager | Shift Manager | Customer Service | Restaurant | Part Time | Full Time | ...

Line Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Line Cooks are responsible for setting up workstations and preparing ingredients for cooking ... Have experience with bulk food prep and production in a commercial kitchen setting. * Ability to ...

Line Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Line Cooks are responsible for setting up workstations and preparing ingredients for cooking ... Have experience with bulk food prep and production in a commercial kitchen setting. * Ability to ...

Crew Member

Columbia, SC · On-site

$11 - $14.50/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 ...

Crew Member

Columbia, SC · On-site

$11 - $14.50/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 ...

Crew Member

Columbia, SC · On-site

$11 - $14.50/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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Prep Cook information

See Sumter, SC salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Sumter, SC is $13.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $15.43 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 popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Sumter, SC? For Prep Cook jobs in Sumter, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Sumter, SC are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Sumter, SC with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Sumter, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 62% Physical, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,058 per year, or $14 per hour.

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Red Lobster rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 261 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 88 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***

What Red Lobster employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom