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Prep Cook Jobs in Wells, ME (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook - Portsmouth

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Row 34 Portsmouth is in search of a Prep Cook to join the team. This role is essential to the success of our kitchen, supporting chefs and line cooks by preparing ingredients and maintaining an ...

Prep Cook - Portsmouth

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Row 34 Portsmouth is in search of a Prep Cook to join the team. This role is essential to the success of our kitchen, supporting chefs and line cooks by preparing ingredients and maintaining an ...

Prep Cook

Portland, ME

$16.75 - $20.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of food handling, preparation, cooking and service. Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals. * Provide a high level of customer service. * Work closely with the Executive Chef ...

Prep Cook

Kittery, ME

$18.50 - $22.20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of food handling, preparation, cooking and service. Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals. * Provide a high level of customer service. * Work closely with the Executive Chef ...

Prep Cook

Kittery, ME · On-site

$18.50 - $22.20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of food handling, preparation, cooking and service. Responsibilities Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals. * Provide a high level of customer service. * Work closely with ...

Prep Cook

Portland, ME

$16.75 - $20.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of food handling, preparation, cooking and service. Responsibilities Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals. * Provide a high level of customer service. * Work closely with ...

Prep Cook

Portland, ME · On-site

$16.75 - $20.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of food handling, preparation, cooking and service. Responsibilities Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals. * Provide a high level of customer service. * Work closely with ...

Prep Cook

Kittery, ME · On-site

$18.50 - $22.20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of food handling, preparation, cooking and service. Responsibilities Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals. * Provide a high level of customer service. * Work closely with ...

Prep Cook

Dover, NH · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

Complete assigned prep work to stock and set-up stations * Contribute to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment About You * Friendly, warm, and caring demeanor with Team Members * Thinks and ...

Scratch Cooking * Portion Control * Food Quality * Organization * An active interest & curiosity about the Culinary Arts Technical Skills: * Broiling * Sautéing * Soup Making * Mis en place/Prep ...

Prep Cook (Durham, NH)

Durham, NH · On-site

$14 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Prep Cook (slice, dice, measure, and mix) About us: The Works ® is a growing regional chain of community-minded cafés, dedicated to providing the highest quality food and friendliest customer ...

Prep Cook (Durham, NH)

Durham, NH · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Description Prep Cook (slice, dice, measure, and mix) About us: The Works is a growing regional chain of community-minded cafes, dedicated to providing the highest quality food and friendliest ...

Prep Cook - Full-Time (Durham, NH)

Durham, NH · On-site

$14 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Prep Cook (slice, dice, measure, and mix) About us: The Works ® is a growing regional chain of community-minded cafés, dedicated to providing the highest quality food and friendliest customer ...

Line Cook / Prep Cook

Kittery, ME · On-site

$16 - $23/hr

  • Retirement

Duties may include but are not limited to working the line, food prep, cleaning and dishwashing. Day and night shifts are available, and we offer competitive pay. If you are looking to work in a fast ...

Line Cook / Prep Cook

Kittery, ME · On-site

$16 - $23/hr

  • Retirement

Duties may include but are not limited to working the line, food prep, cleaning and dishwashing. Day and night shifts are available, and we offer competitive pay. If you are looking to work in a fast ...

Sushi Prep Cook

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

Description: The Sushi Chef I position is the entry point into our organization. Used as a developmental role, you will learn to master knife skills, fundamentals of rolling sushi and food safety.

Sushi Prep Cook

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Job Type Part-time Description The Sushi Chef I position is the entry point into our organization. Used as a developmental role, you will learn to master knife skills, fundamentals of rolling sushi ...

Showing results 21-40

Prep Cook information

See Wells, ME salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Wells, ME is $16.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.22 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 Wells, ME?

For Prep Cook jobs in Wells, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Wells, ME are hiring for Prep Cook jobs?

Cities near Wells, ME with the most Prep Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Wells, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,367 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Prep Cook - Portsmouth

Row34

Portsmouth, NH • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Row 34 is an award-winning, high-energy neighborhood oyster bar with locations in the Seaport and Kenmore Square neighborhoods of Boston, MA; Cambridge, MA; Burlington, MA; and Portsmouth, NH. We pride ourselves on our extensive oyster program, dynamic menu centered on the freshest seafood, and people-first culture that values teamwork, growth, and hospitality.
Row 34 Portsmouth is in search of a Prep Cook to join the team. This role is essential to the success of our kitchen, supporting chefs and line cooks by preparing ingredients and maintaining an organized, efficient workspace.
Responsibilities:
  • Prepare ingredients including chopping vegetables, cutting meats, and measuring portions
  • Follow recipes and kitchen standards to ensure consistency and quality
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of prep areas, kitchen tools, and storage
  • Properly label and store food items in accordance with food safety guidelines
  • Assist with receiving and stocking deliveries
  • Support the line during service as needed

Qualifications:
  • Proficient in preparing menu items consistently to the specified recipes and customer requests.
  • Available to work flexible shifts, including weekends, and holidays.
  • Experienced in safely utilizing a variety of kitchen tools and equipment, including sharp knives.
  • Capable of multitasking effectively under pressure in a busy kitchen setting.
  • Comfortable working in tight, potentially crowded spaces with fluctuating temperatures and noise levels.
  • Physically able to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods, including moving safely around kitchen obstacles and through varied floor surfaces.

Row 34 is a progressive organization that offers an exciting, supportive and inclusive environment, designed to foster growth and continued education in and out of the restaurant. We believe in the transformative power of personal and professional growth.
Pay is starting at $20/hr with the following benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Disability Insurance - offered at 90 days of employment
  • Daily staff meal
  • Employee Dining Policy
  • Opportunities to grow within the company