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Restaurant Prep Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ICONA AVALON F&B

Restaurant Prep Cook

Avalon, NJ

$14 - $17.50/hr

The Restaurant Prep Cook is responsible for preparing the food to be served, complying with all applicable sanitation, health and personal hygiene standards and following established food production ...

ICONA AVALON F&B

Restaurant Prep Cook

Avalon, NJ · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

The Restaurant Prep Cook is responsible for preparing the food to be served, complying with all applicable sanitation, health and personal hygiene standards and following established food production ...

Madison Beach Hotel

Restaurant Prep Cook

Madison, CT · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone of the kitchen. Your work sets the pace for every service, supports the entire culinary team, and ensures every dish that leaves the ...

Madison Beach Hotel

Restaurant Prep Cook

Madison, CT

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone of the kitchen. Your work sets the pace for every service, supports the entire culinary team, and ensures every dish that leaves the ...

Madison Beach Hotel

Restaurant Prep Cook

Madison, CT · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone of the kitchen. Your work sets the pace for every service, supports the entire culinary team, and ensures every dish that leaves the ...

ICONA AVALON F&B

Restaurant Prep Cook

Avalon, NJ

$14 - $17.50/hr

The Restaurant Prep Cook is responsible for preparing the food to be served, complying with all applicable sanitation, health and personal hygiene standards and following established food production ...

Madison Beach Hotel

Restaurant Prep Cook

Madison, CT · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone of the kitchen. Your work sets the pace for every service, supports the entire culinary team, and ensures every dish that leaves the ...

Madison Beach Hotel

Restaurant Prep Cook

Madison, CT · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

At our busy shoreline restaurant, our Prep Cooks are the backbone of the kitchen. Your work sets the pace for every service, supports the entire culinary team, and ensures every dish that leaves the ...

Commonwealth Hotels

Prep Cook

Houston, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Courtyard by Marriott Houston Rice University is seeking a top-performing Hotel Restaurant Prep Cook for our Bistro. About Us: Working at the Courtyard by Marriott Houston Rice University offers ...

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Restaurant Prep Cook information

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How much do restaurant prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant 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 restaurant prep cook?

Restaurant Prep Cooks are culinary professionals who work in the kitchen to prepare ingredients and assist chefs and cooks in the efficient production of menu items. Their primary responsibilities include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, preparing sauces, and ensuring that all food items are properly stored and labeled. Prep cooks play a vital role in maintaining kitchen organization and ensuring that meals are prepared quickly and safely. They often work behind the scenes but are essential to the smooth operation of any restaurant kitchen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant prep cook?

To thrive as a Restaurant Prep Cook, you need a solid understanding of basic food preparation techniques, knife skills, and adherence to food safety standards, usually gained through on-the-job experience or culinary training. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, commercial-grade tools, and food storage systems is essential for efficient workflow. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are critical soft skills that set top performers apart in this fast-paced role. These skills and qualities ensure consistent food quality, operational efficiency, and a safe kitchen environment.

What are some common challenges faced by restaurant prep cooks, and how can they be managed effectively?

Restaurant prep cooks often face challenges such as working efficiently during busy periods, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and adhering to strict food safety standards. Staying organized, communicating clearly with other kitchen staff, and maintaining a clean workspace are key strategies for managing these demands. Additionally, prep cooks frequently adapt to changing menus and special requests, so flexibility and a strong attention to detail are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Restaurant Prep Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectRestaurant Prep CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesPreparing ingredients, chopping, portioning, basic food prepCooking dishes, managing station, plating
Skills & CertificationsBasic food safety, knife skills, food prep techniquesCooking techniques, timing, knife skills
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep area, early shiftsCooking stations, busy service hours
Typical EmployerRestaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering

While both roles work in restaurant kitchens, a Restaurant Prep Cook focuses on preparing ingredients and basic food prep, often before service begins. A Line Cook actively cooks and plates dishes during service. Both roles require food safety knowledge and knife skills, but the Prep Cook's work is more preparatory, whereas the Line Cook handles the cooking process during busy hours.

What cities are hiring for Restaurant Prep Cook jobs?

Cities with the most Restaurant Prep Cook job openings:

What states have the most Restaurant Prep Cook jobs?

States with the most job openings for Restaurant Prep Cook jobs include:

Restaurant Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Prep Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,628 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Restaurant Prep Cook

D. Michael B.'s Resort Bar & Grill

Albertville, MN • On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

DESCRIPTION
As a Prep Cook at D. Michael B's, you play a critical part in each and every guest receiving their delicious and memorable food! You are in charge of preparing food as efficiently and accurately as possible so that our kitchen can produce our delicious dishes as quickly as possible.
Benefits of working at D. Michael B's include:
  • Competitive hourly wages
  • Fun, fast-paced and friendly environment
  • Healthcare available
  • Vacation pay available
  • Lots of opportunities for growth and development

At D. Michael B's, we work as a TEAM. Our staff knows that each and every member of the restaurant is critical to making sure that we deliver excellent service to our guests. So if you're someone who knows how to get the job done, values and enjoys supporting the group, and is dedicated to delivering top-notch service, then apply today!
REQUIREMENTS
  • 1+ Year restaurant prep cook experience required
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time
  • Weekend availability required

D. Michael B's is located in the Viking Plaza Mall or next to the Albertville Premium Outlets. Offering a full menu that is sure to please, along with a gluten free menu. All of our soups and sauces are made from scratch daily. We have a casual/fun Northwoods Lodge atmosphere with TV's for all your sporting events along with a full bar featuring all of your favorite beverages. Families are welcome. Proudly serving lunch and dinner in the Alexandria area for over 30 years.

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