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Prep Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mad Mex

Prep Cook

Cranberry Township, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Prep Cooks prepare a variety of food products including meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, sauces using a variety of equipment and utensils. * Prep Cooks portion food products prior to cooking ...

Mad Mex

Prep Cook

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Prep Cooks prepare a variety of food products including meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, sauces using a variety of equipment and utensils. * Prep Cooks portion food products prior to cooking ...

Mad Mex

Prep Cook

Cranberry Township, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Prep Cooks prepare a variety of food products including meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, sauces using a variety of equipment and utensils. * Prep Cooks portion food products prior to cooking ...

Coaches Burger Bar

Prep Cook

East Liverpool, OH

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

Main Responsibilities of a Prep Cook: Preparing workstations, cooking ingredients, and kitchen equipment for cooking. Cooking and arranging food. Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a ...

UP On The Roof

Prep Cook

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$18/hr

Prep Cook Pay: Hourly, starting at $16 and up (dependent on experience and location, will be discussed in the interview) Benefits: Flexible scheduling PTO Health Insurance 401K plus match We are ...

UP On The Roof

Prep Cook

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Prep Cook Pay: Hourly, starting at $16 and up (dependent on experience and location, will be discussed in the interview) Benefits: Flexible scheduling PTO Health Insurance 401K plus match We are ...

Mad Mex

Prep Cook

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Prep Cooks prepare a variety of food products including meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, sauces using a variety of equipment and utensils. * Prep Cooks portion food products prior to cooking ...

UP On The Roof

Prep Cook

Anderson, SC · On-site

$16/hr

Prep Cook Pay: Hourly, starting at $16 and up (dependent on experience and location, will be discussed in the interview) Benefits: Flexible scheduling PTO Health Insurance 401K plus match We are ...

Eclipse Bistro

Prep Cook

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Prep Cooks Needed! We are in search of passionate culinary professionals with a desire to learn and progress into a great career! Our Prep Cooks assists in the preparation of delicious dishes in the ...

Colorado Mountain Brewery

Prep Cook

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$17 - $20.35/hr

PREP COOKS Immediately Hiring! $17-20.35 per hour Job Type: Full time and Part time hours available. At Colorado Mountain Brewery we believe that great food, great service and great beer are our keys ...

aubonpain

Prep Cook

Baltimore, MD

$14.25 - $18/hr

Prep Cook Reports To: General Manager/Manager/Shift Supervisor Department: Cafe Operations FLSA Status: Non-exempt Hourly Ind2 Our Prep Cooks help turn raw product into delicious and healthy meals.

aubonpain

Prep Cook

Wake Forest, NC

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Prep Cook Reports To: General Manager/Manager/Shift Supervisor Department: Cafe Operations FLSA Status: Non-exempt Hourly Ind2 Our Prep Cooks help turn raw product into delicious and healthy meals.

Coaches Burger Bar

Prep Cook

Poland, OH · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Main Responsibilities of a Prep Cook: Preparing workstations, cooking ingredients, and kitchen equipment for cooking. Cooking and arranging food. Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a ...

Coaches Burger Bar

Prep Cook

Youngstown, OH

$13.50 - $17/hr

Main Responsibilities of a Prep Cook: Preparing workstations, cooking ingredients, and kitchen equipment for cooking. Cooking and arranging food. Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a ...

aubonpain

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Prep Cook Reports To: General Manager/Manager/Shift Supervisor Department: Cafe Operations FLSA Status: Non-exempt Hourly Ind2 Our Prep Cooks help turn raw product into delicious and healthy meals.

Au Bon Pain Careers

Prep Cook

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

Prep Cook Title: Prep Cook Reports To: General Manager/Manager/Shift Supervisor Department: Café Operations FLSA Status: Non-exempt Hourly Ind2 Our Prep Cooks help turn raw product into delicious ...

aubonpain

Prep Cook

Manhattan, NY

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Prep Cook Reports To: General Manager/Manager/Shift Supervisor Department: Cafe Operations FLSA Status: Non-exempt Hourly Ind2 Our Prep Cooks help turn raw product into delicious and healthy meals.

Tazza Kitchen

Prep Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Prep Cook Tazza Kitchen in Columbia, SC is seeking part-time Prep Cooks to join our team . Every great meal starts with fresh ingredients and proper prepping. Prep Cooks work with the entire kitchen ...

Tazza Kitchen

Prep Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Prep Cook Tazza Kitchen in Columbia, SC is seeking part-time Prep Cooks to join our team . Every great meal starts with fresh ingredients and proper prepping. Prep Cooks work with the entire kitchen ...

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How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in the United States is $15.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.31 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.

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Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 58% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,628 per year, or $15.7 per hour.
Prep Cook

Prep Cook

Mad Mex

Cranberry Township, PA • On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

**Evening and Weekend Availability required**

Working in our award-winning restaurants offers you a great job and competitive earnings, plus the following benefits:

  • 25% Employee Discount: 25% off the entire check for you and a guest at ANY big Burrito Restaurant Group location; 50% days offered at every location on varying days.
  • Paid Time Off for eligible employees
  • Health Insurance: Medical, Vision and Dental benefits are available to full-time employees as well as the option to enroll in Aflac supplemental insurance.
  • Holiday Closures: All restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day (with possible additional holiday closures).
  • 50% Off Shift Meal (yum!)
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
  • Discounted Pet Insurance

Our prep cooks play an important role in setting the restaurant up for success every shift.

  • Prep Cooks prepare a variety of food products including meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, sauces using a variety of equipment and utensils.
  • Prep Cooks portion food products prior to cooking according to standard portion sizes and recipe specifications.
  • Prep Cooks understand and comply with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards and kitchen rules, policies, and procedures.
  • Prep Cooks maintain proper cooling charts and label all food products made. 

Required skills and qualifications to be a Prep Cook with Mad Mex Cranberry:

  • 6 months of experience in food preparation
  • Able to follow written recipes and supervisor instructions
  • Basic knife skills for chopping, slicing, dicing, etc.
  • Able to communicate clearly and effectively with others

Physical requirements for Prep Cook with Mad Mex Cranberry:

  • Able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 9 hours)
  • Able to reach, bend, stoop, and lift up to 25 pounds

While specific scheduling needs may vary, in general applicants are expected to have availability to work a mix of both weekdays and weekends as well as a mix of daytime and closing (night) shift availability.

Mad Mex is more than burritos and guacamole (although we love both!). It’s a fun, casual place with legendary customer service and our take on what we call “funky fresh Cal-Mex” – which means serving the freshest food with the biggest flavors.