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Prepared Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UCLA Health

Cook

Los Angeles, CA

$21.76 - $28.13/hr

Prepare meals by cooking, grilling, baking, and managing the omelet and stir-fry stations * Assist customers during service times, ensuring a positive dining experience * Follow standardized recipes ...

Earth Fare

Cook (Prepared Foods)

Columbia, SC

$13 - $16/hr

Cook Contributions * Delivers exceptional customer service and prepares food in all areas, including deli, juice bar, pizza/sandwich, and hot bar. * Maintains an attractive sales floor by ...

Industrial Tent Systems LLC

Food Preparation Cook

Houston, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

This role plays a key part in ensuring food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to quality standards under the guidance of kitchen leadership. Key Responsibilities: * Prepare ingredients for cooking ...

Convenience Store

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Store Opener - Food Service

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Prepare and cook food in a convenient store kitchen with a limited menu. Duties of these cooks are limited to preparation of a few basic items and normally involve operating large-volume single ...

Daras LLC

Store Opener - Food Service

Manhattan, KS

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Prepare and cook food in a convenient store kitchen with a limited menu. Duties of these cooks are limited to preparation of a few basic items and normally involve operating large-volume single ...

Tim Ho Wan - Irvine

Line Cook - Preparation

Irvine, CA

$20 - $25/hr

Job Summary As a Junior Cook, you will assist the kitchen team in the preparation, cooking, and plating of various dim sum and related dishes. Through on-the-job training, you will learn and develop ...

Sunflower Kitchen

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Preparatory Cook

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$12/hr

Prepare food for service for catering event.

Advocate Aurora Health

Preparation Cook

Wake Forest, NC

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Must be fluent in English, have basic math and computer skills, and able to follow detailed instructions Knowledge of food service equipment, preparation, service, and safety Ability to work ...

Top Shelf Pizza LLC

Manager

Orlando, FL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Prepare and cook to order pizza and a variety of other foods that require only a short preparation time. * May take orders from customers and serve patrons at the counters or tables. * Maintain ...

El Super

Prepared Foods Cook

Los Angeles, CA

$15.91/hr

The Prep Foods Cook will also assist customers with orders, serve food to customers, fill the ... preparation, handling and serving food. Hourly pay range: starting rate $15.91.

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How much do prepared cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for prepared cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Prepared Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prepared Cook, you need knowledge of food safety, basic cooking techniques, and efficient kitchen workflow, usually backed by experience or a culinary certificate. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling protocols, and inventory management systems is often required. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this position. These abilities ensure high-quality food preparation, safety compliance, and smooth kitchen operations in fast-paced environments.

What are Prepared Cooks?

Prepared Cooks are kitchen professionals responsible for assembling, cooking, and preparing food items according to standardized recipes in restaurants, cafeterias, or food service establishments. They often work under the supervision of chefs or kitchen managers and focus on tasks such as chopping ingredients, portioning meals, and ensuring food is cooked to safe temperatures. Their role is crucial in maintaining kitchen efficiency, food quality, and consistent presentation. Prepared Cooks also help with inventory, cleaning, and complying with food safety regulations.

What is the difference between Prepared Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectPrepared CookLine Cook
CertificationsFood Handler’s Permit, Basic Culinary TrainingFood Handler’s Permit, Culinary Certification (sometimes)
Work EnvironmentPrepares ingredients, assembles dishes, works in kitchen prep areasPrepares and cooks dishes on the line during service
Job FocusPreparation and assembly of ingredientsCooking and plating dishes during service
Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, catering, and food productionStandard in restaurants, hotels, and food service establishments

The main difference between a Prepared Cook and a Line Cook is their focus during food preparation. Prepared Cooks handle ingredient prep and assembly, working mainly in the kitchen's prep areas. Line Cooks, on the other hand, cook and plate dishes during service on the restaurant line. Both roles require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but their responsibilities differ based on the stage of food preparation.

What are some common challenges faced by Prepared Cooks in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Prepared Cooks often work in busy kitchens where maintaining speed and accuracy is essential. Common challenges include managing multiple orders simultaneously, adhering to strict food safety and sanitation standards, and adapting quickly to menu changes or special dietary requests. Team collaboration is crucial, as Prepared Cooks must communicate clearly with line cooks, servers, and kitchen managers to ensure dishes are prepared and delivered efficiently. Overcoming these challenges requires strong organizational skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
What cities are hiring for Prepared Cook jobs? Cities with the most Prepared Cook job openings:
What states have the most Prepared Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Prepared Cook jobs include:
Prepared Cook jobs near you
Cook

Cook

UCLA Health

Los Angeles, CA

$21.76 - $28.13/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

UCLA Health rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 875 rated healthcare providers

Job description

General Information
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Work Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Onsite or Remote
Fully On-Site
Work Schedule
Varies
Posted Date
05/04/2026
Salary Range: $21.76 - 28.13 Hourly
Employment Type
2 - Staff: Career
Duration
indefinitely
Job #
30291
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
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UCLA Health's Ronald Reagan Hospital is looking for a dedicated skilled full-time Cook to join our Department of Nutrition. In this role, you will play a key part in support out food service operations, ensuring high-quality meal preparation, and providing excellent customer service. Primary duties include:
  • Set up service lines and pre-plate foods for meal service
  • Prepare meals by cooking, grilling, baking, and managing the omelet and stir-fry stations
  • Assist customers during service times, ensuring a positive dining experience
  • Follow standardized recipes to maintain consistency and quality
  • Review menus, production sheets, and recipes to ensure all necessary items are prepared
  • Cook a variety of foods, including meat, fish, and vegetables, using various methods
  • Clean, cut, slice, dice, weigh, and measure ingredients as needed for recipes
  • Plate and garnish food to ensure an attractive presentation
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the departments goals
Effective 06/22/2025, employees represented by the AFSCME Union will receive a minimum wage of $25.
Job Qualifications
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  • Valid ServSafe food handling certification preferred
  • Experience cooking in a professional setting
  • Knowledge and experience with flat grill, knives, ovens, char broiler, stove top, and induction cooker
  • Ability to interact and work well with others (leadership, coworkers, and customers)
  • Ability to read, write, and comprehend standard English
  • Ability to work in a standing position for long periods of time
  • Ability to stretch, bend, walk, stoop, and reach repetitively
  • Ability to work in hot, cold, or wet areas
  • Ability to lift, push, or pull at least 50lbs
  • Ability to work flexible schedule, including nights and weekends
  • Ability to adhere to UC and department policies and procedures

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
Current/former UC employees are subject to a personnel file review.

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About UCLA Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

UCLA Health, operating within the healthcare industry, is significantly recognized for its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people through the integration of patient care, research, and education. Located in Los Angeles, California, UCLA Health was founded and associated with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1955, entrenching its roots in quality healthcare service provision. Through a broad range of medical services, UCLA Health significantly stands as a cornerstone for comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care services, specialized treatments, and wellness checks. Notable for pioneering an integrated, comprehensive medical approach, UCLA Health is consistently ranked among the top health systems in the US and world.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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