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Prep Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Prep

Arlington Heights, IL ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the overall efficiency of the kitchen. Your role is essential in ensuring that the line ...

Kitchen Prep

Bolingbrook, IL ยท On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the overall efficiency of the kitchen. Your role is essential in ...

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Job DetailsAvli is looking for a full-time lead prep cook. SummaryAvli Restaurants are creative Greek, where tradition meets contemporary elegance and guests experience our core philosophies of ...

Kitchen Prep

South Barrington, IL ยท On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the overall efficiency of the kitchen. Your role is essential in ensuring that the line ...

Kitchen Prep

Arlington Heights, IL ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the overall efficiency of the kitchen. Your role is essential in ...

Kitchen Prep

Arlington Heights, IL ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the overall efficiency of the kitchen. Your role is essential in ...

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Job Details Avli is looking for a full-time lead prep cook. Summary Avli Restaurants are creative Greek, where tradition meets contemporary elegance and guests experience our core philosophies of ...

Kitchen Prep

Barrington, IL ยท On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the overall efficiency of the kitchen. Your role is essential in ...

Kitchen Prep

Barrington, IL ยท On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the overall efficiency of the kitchen. Your role is essential in ...

Kitchen Prep

Bolingbrook, IL ยท On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the overall efficiency of the kitchen. Your role is essential in ensuring that the line ...

Prep Cook

Portage, IN ยท On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Kitchen Prep

Bolingbrook, IL ยท On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the overall efficiency of the kitchen. Your role is essential in ...

Prep Cook

Vernon Hills, IL ยท On-site

$19/hr

Prep Cook: At this location prep cooks e arn $19 / hour. If you thrive on flawless food handling, prepare from scratch at the highest level, and prepare food per the exact recipe specifications in a ...

Prep Cook

Orland Park, IL ยท On-site

$14.25 - $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 ...

Prep Cook

Lombard, IL ยท On-site

$14 - $17.50/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 ...

Prep Cook

Bloomingdale, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $21/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $21/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Prep Cook

Schaumburg, IL ยท 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 ...

Prep Cook

Crown Point, IN ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas Roadhouse legendary recipes * Keeping the walk-in refrigerator clean and organized * Maintaining and using ...

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL

$13.75 - $17.25/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Prep information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep in Chicago, IL is $14.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $15.87 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Prep jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Prep jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Prep job openings:

Infographic showing various Prep job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,662 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Kitchen Prep

MAGO AH LLC

Arlington Heights, IL โ€ข On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the overall efficiency of the kitchen. Your role is essential in ensuring that the line cooks and chefs have everything they need to execute dishes quickly and consistently.ย ย 

Key Responsibilities:ย 

  • Prepare and portion ingredients, including chopping vegetables, butchering proteins, and making sauces.ย 
  • Follow recipes and kitchen prep lists to ensure consistency.ย 
  • Maintain a clean and organized workstation, following food safety and sanitation standards.ย 
  • Assist with receiving and storing deliveries, ensuring proper food rotation (FIFO).ย 
  • Label and date all prepped items to ensure freshness and minimize waste.ย 
  • Operate kitchen equipment safely, including slicers, mixers, and food processors.ย 
  • Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service.ย 
  • Assist with basic cooking tasks as needed, such as blanching, roasting, and marinating.ย 
  • Follow all health and safety regulations, including proper knife handling and allergen awareness.ย 
  • Assist with kitchen closing duties, including cleaning and organizing prep areas.ย 


Ayudante de Cocina Resumen del Puesto Como Ayudante de Cocina en una cocina de alto volumen, seras responsable de la preparacion de ingredientes y del soporte general en la eficiencia de la cocina. Tu rol es fundamental para garantizar que los cocineros y chefs tengan todo lo necesario para ejecutar los platos de manera rapida y consistente.ย ย 

Responsabilidades Principales:ย 

  • Preparar y porcionar ingredientes, incluyendo picar verduras, cortar proteinas y elaborar salsas.ย 
  • Seguir recetas y listas de preparacion para garantizar la consistencia.ย 
  • Mantener una estacion de trabajo limpia y organizada, cumpliendo con los estandares de seguridad alimentaria e higiene.ย 
  • Ayudar con la recepcion y almacenamiento de entregas, asegurando la rotacion adecuada de alimentos (FIFO).ย 
  • Etiquetar y fechar todos los productos preparadosย 
  • Operar de manera segura equipos de cocinaย 
  • Apoyar a los cocineros y chefs manteniendo las estaciones listas para el servicio.ย 
  • Seguir todas las regulaciones de salud y seguridad, incluyendo el manejo adecuado de cuchillos y la conciencia sobre alergenos.ย 
  • Ayudar con las tareas de cierre de la cocina,ย 

Requirements

ย Qualifications:ย 

  • Previous experience as a prep cook or in a similar kitchen role preferred.ย 

ย Requisitos:ย 

  • Experiencia previa como ayudante de cocina o en un puesto similar (preferido).ย