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Prep Cook Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Glory Days Grill

Prep Cook

Edgewater, MD · On-site

$15/hr

Prep Cook Main Responsibilities of a Prep Cook: * Completing all tasks, in order, on the prep list that was assigned by the Manager * Will use kitchen equipment for cooking and be responsible for the ...

Glory Days Grill

Prep Cook

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Prep Cook Main Responsibilities of a Prep Cook: * Completing all tasks, in order, on the prep list that was assigned by the Manager * Will use kitchen equipment for cooking and be responsible for the ...

Cafe Monet

Prep Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prep Cook Cafe Monet | McLean, VA KNEAD Hospitality + Design Cafe Monet, a new concept from KNEAD Hospitality + Design, is seeking dedicated Prep Cooks to join our opening team in McLean, VA.

Glory Days Grill

Prep Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Prep Cook Main Responsibilities of a Prep Cook: * Completing all tasks, in order, on the prep list that was assigned by the Manager * Will use kitchen equipment for cooking and be responsible for the ...

Cafe Monet

Prep Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prep Cook Cafe Monet | McLean, VA KNEAD Hospitality + Design Cafe Monet, a new concept from KNEAD Hospitality + Design, is seeking dedicated Prep Cooks to join our opening team in McLean, VA.

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Prep Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$19/hr

What the Prep Cook will do: * Perform routine kitchen tasks and follow the prep list created to plan duties * Label and stock all ingredients on shelves for organization and easy access * Prepare ...

Bars

Prep Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

We are looking for an experienced Prep Cook to join our team! You will be preparing and cooking a variety of dishes for restaurant guests to enjoy. You are passionate about creating exceptional ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This role requires ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Annapolis, MD

$14 - $17.75/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Work and Perks POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This role requires ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Hyattsville, MD

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Prep Cook is responsible for assisting with food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team with various cooking tasks. This role requires ...

Patsy's American

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Randy's Prime Seafood & Steaks

Prep Cook

Vienna, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Coastal Flats Gaithersburg

Prep Cook

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$17/hr

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

Coastal Flats Tysons Corner

Prep Cook

Mclean, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are ...

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All JobsPrep Cook JobsPrep Cook Jobs in Washington, DC

Prep Cook information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Washington, DC is $17.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $19.66 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.
More about Prep Cook jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Washington, DC? For Prep Cook jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Washington, DC are:
What cities near Washington, DC are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Washington, DC with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,025 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Prep Cook

Glory Days Grill

Edgewater, MD • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Glory Days Grill rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Prep Cook

Main Responsibilities of a Prep Cook:       

  • Completing all tasks, in order, on the prep list that was assigned by the Manager
  • Will use kitchen equipment for cooking and be responsible for the cleaning and breakdown
  • Arranging and organizing food that was prepared for the day·       
  • Preparing and maintaining a clean workspace·       
  • Preparing workstations, cooking, and preparing ingredients by the recipes provided

Prep Job Description:

We are looking for an experienced morning prep cook to add strength to our kitchen staff and

contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant.

The person we are hoping to employ is first and foremost a skilled, organized, and creative

cook. We are looking for someone to work as a team player, follow instructions,

and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In

addition to cooking prowess, great communication and organizational skills are

paramount.

A good candidate for this job is a person with attention to detail who can keep the

kitchen tidy and clean all while preparing, cooking, and arranging food

together with the rest of our kitchen staff. We pride ourselves on our

exceptional service, and we expect nothing less from our cooks. Candidates with

prior experience is a plus.

Responsibilities of a Prep Cook: 

  •  Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen·       
  •  Preparing workstations to be set up to execute the items for the shift ·       
  •  Preparing, cleaning, and maintaining kitchen equipment·       
  •  Checking the quality of the ingredients and ensuring only the most quality items are being used ·       
  •  Preparing ingredients and items using various techniques and cooking methods·       
  •  Cooking food using various culinary techniques·       
  • Arranging food and organizing prepared items to ensure all items are handles with proper sanitation measures·       
  • Manage food storage, stock, and organization ·       
  • Reading recipes and following directions  

Cook Job Requirements:

  •  Must have prior experience as a Prep Cook       
  •  Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment       
  •  Must be skilled in various cooking techniques       
  •  Must know and follow sanitation procedures       
  •  Must showcase teamwork and communication skills       
  •  Must showcase great organizational skills       
  •  Must be able to multitask and act quickly       
  • Stand for extended periods of time and lift up to 50 lbs

Glory Days Grill is a sports-themed family-friendly American grill and bar that combines an award-winning menu of freshly prepared appetizers, entrees and sandwiches with entertainment that appeals to all ages. Each restaurant has an abundance of televisions to watch the big game, Chive TV, cartoons or just about anything that's worth watching. Glory Days Grill offers a full bar, to go services, catering and banquet/party facilities. Many locations have private rooms and patios available for parties and events.

What Glory Days Grill employees say

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Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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