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Prep Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Hermosa Beach, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

The Source Café | Hermosa Beach The Source Café is looking for an experienced, dependable Night Prep Cook to join our kitchen team. We are a busy organic café committed to serving high-quality ...

Lulu Dae's - Kitchen Prep Location: Strawberry Village, Marin County, CA Employment Type: Full-Time (Hourly + Tips) Pay: $20-$23/hr About the Role We're looking for a true kitchen workhorse ...

Prep Cook

Agoura Hills, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Valencia, CA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Lulu Dae's - Kitchen Prep Location: Strawberry Village, Marin County, CA Employment Type: Full-Time (Hourly + Tips) Pay: $20-$23/hr About the Role We're looking for a true kitchen workhorse ...

Prep Cook

Agoura Hills, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Corona, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Chino Hills, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Laguna Niguel, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Prep Cook

Thousand Oaks, CA

$15 - $19/hr

The Prep Cook prepares all food items ordered and ensures the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen. The Prep Cook is responsible for all aspects of their assigned cooking station, including set up ...

Showing results 41-60

Prep information

See California salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep in California is $14.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $15.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prep?

Prep workers, also known as food preparation workers, are responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting chefs or cooks in the kitchen. Their duties typically include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, maintaining cleanliness in work areas, and helping with basic cooking tasks. Prep workers play a crucial role in ensuring that meals are prepared efficiently and safely by keeping the kitchen organized and ready for service.

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 often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and recipe management systems are commonly required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and smooth workflow in a busy restaurant environment.

What are the typical challenges faced by prep cooks during busy service hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

Prep Cooks often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, where maintaining speed and accuracy is essential. Common challenges include keeping up with a fast-paced workflow, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintaining a clean and organized workstation under time constraints. To succeed, Prep Cooks benefit from strong time management skills, clear communication with kitchen staff, and a proactive approach to replenishing ingredients and supplies. Staying organized and prioritizing tasks are key strategies to handle the demands of the role effectively.

What is the difference between Prep vs Teacher?

AspectPrepTeacher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationBachelor's degree in education or related field; state certification often required
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, tutoring centers, online platformsClassrooms, schools, educational institutions
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, tutoring companies, online education providersPublic and private schools, educational organizations
Common Search & ComparisonPrep vs Teacher

Prep roles typically involve assisting teachers or preparing students for exams, often requiring less formal education. Teachers are responsible for delivering instruction, managing classrooms, and developing curricula, usually requiring a degree and certification. While both work in educational settings, teachers have a broader scope of responsibilities and formal qualifications compared to prep roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prep jobs in California?

The most popular types of Prep jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Prep jobs?

Cities in California with the most Prep job openings:

Infographic showing various Prep job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 67% Physical, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,375 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Prep Cook

Source Cafe Llc

Hermosa Beach, CA • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

The Source Café | Hermosa Beach

The Source Café is looking for an experienced, dependable Night Prep Cook to join our kitchen team.
We are a busy organic café committed to serving high-quality, scratch-made food using clean ingredients. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working independently, takes pride in organization and consistency, and thrives in a fast-paced kitchen.
Weekend availability is required. Applicants who are not available to work weekends will not be considered.

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare ingredients for daily service, including washing, chopping, portioning, and batching recipes
  • Follow prep lists and recipes accurately
  • Assist with food production and basic cooking tasks
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the kitchen
  • Properly label, date, and rotate products
  • Follow all food safety and sanitation standards
  • Complete end-of-shift cleaning and prep for the morning team
Qualifications:

  • Previous prep cook or kitchen experience required
  • Ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision
  • Strong attention to detail and consistency
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods
  • Reliable transportation and excellent attendance
  • Positive attitude and team-player mentality
  • Must be available nights and weekends
Compensation:

  • Competitive hourly pay based on experience
  • Employee meal discounts
  • Opportunity for advancement within a growing company
If you're dependable, hardworking, and passionate about great food, we'd love to meet you.
Apply by sending your resume and availability.