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Restaurant Prep Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sail Loft

Restaurant Prep Cook

Dartmouth, MA · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Sail Loft is hiring a Prep Cook! We are looking for a reliable, organized, and hardworking Prep Cook to join our kitchen team and help ensure smooth daily operations. Position Summary The Prep Cook ...

Ian's Pizza

Restaurant Prep Cook

Madison, WI · On-site

$16/hr

We're hiring part-time and full-time prep cooks to start immediately!For the quickest response to ... Join a restaurant crew where you can be yourself and fill up on pizza!Apply at ianspizza.com for ...

Ian's Pizza

Restaurant Prep Cook

Madison, WI · On-site

$16/hr

We're hiring a part-time prep cook to start immediately!For the quickest response to your ... Join a restaurant crew where you can be yourself and fill up on pizza!Apply at ianspizza.com for ...

Ian's Pizza

Restaurant Prep Cook

Verona, WI · On-site

$16/hr

Ian's Pizza is hiring part-time and full-time Prep Cooks. For the quickest response to your ... Join a restaurant crew where you can be yourself and fill up on pizza!Apply at ianspizza.com for ...

Sail Loft

Restaurant Prep Cook

South Dartmouth, MA · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Sail Loft is hiring a Prep Cook! We are looking for a reliable, organized, and hardworking Prep Cook to join our kitchen team and help ensure smooth daily operations. Position Summary The Prep Cook ...

Sail Loft

Restaurant Prep Cook

Dartmouth, MA · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

DESCRIPTION Sail Loft is hiring a Prep Cook! We are looking for a reliable, organized, and hardworking Prep Cook to join our kitchen team and help ensure smooth daily operations. Position Summary The ...

Dos Gringos

Restaurant Prep Cook

San Diego, CA

$15 - $18.75/hr

Communicate cook times, potential issues with Managers and Team Members * Detailed knowledge of the menu, including all seasonal/promotional items * Complete assigned prep work, set-up and breakdown ...

Dos Gringos

Restaurant Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Communicate cook times, potential issues with Managers and Team Members * Detailed knowledge of the menu, including all seasonal/promotional items * Complete assigned prep work, set-up and breakdown ...

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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 10, 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 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 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 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 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 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 74% Full Time, and 26% 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

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery

North Platte, NE • On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

At Perkins Restaurant & Bakery our employees are part of the Perkins extended family and the families we serve. And you'll be responsible for making special days memorable and everyday meals something extraordinary. At Perkins where we've experienced years of success through ensuring 100% guest satisfaction on every visit. If you want to work and grow with a company who has a proven track record of success, has an unmatched commitment to their employees and employees the best in the industry, you are in the right place! We respect one another for our talent, creativity and individual differences. We bring our greatest individual strengths to achieve success as a team. If career growth is what you are looking for- we got that too!
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Prepares menu items according to company policies, procedures, programs and performance standards. Responsible for helping to maintain food costs and maintain cleanliness of the kitchen at all times. Performs all duties to maximize guest satisfaction and quality of work environment as directed by Kitchen Manager or Manager on Duty.
POSITION ACTIVITIES AND TASKS
  • Prepares Cooking Items
  • Reports to work well-groomed, in clean and proper uniform and at all times practices good person hygiene.
  • Uses, maintains and cleans all kitchen equipment, plus preparation and storage areas.
  • Stocks and rotates products on line to ensure they are within shelf life standards.
  • Has sufficient knowledge of recipes, menu items and prep procedures to ensure correct portioning, quality, cooking time and performance standards.
  • Prepares prep items according to guest request within company standards and following food safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Controls Food Cost
  • Ensures products are accurately portioned and ensures food products are prepared as specified by recipes.
  • Utilizes FIFO (first in first out) standards when preparing items.
  • Maintains Cleanliness
  • Maintains cleanliness of the kitchen, prep areas, coolers and storage areas
  • Follows proper safety procedures and policies concerning food handling, rotation and storage
  • Conducts line sweeps throughout the shift
  • "Clean as you go" throughout the shift
  • Understands OSHA requirements and health department standards
  • Cleans all equipment on line and other areas as directed by the Kitchen manager or Manager on duty.
  • Anticipates, identifies and corrects system breakdowns to achieve maximum guest satisfaction.
  • Communicates with Manager on Duty and coworkers regarding product/service deficiencies, equipment, safety problems. Etc.
  • Keeps General Manager and Manager on Duty informed of problems and/or issues and proposes alternative solutions for consideration.
  • Assists Team Members
  • Preps items according to recipes and procedures
  • Assists dishwasher with washing and restocking dishes, pots, pans and utensils
  • Assist front of house staff with cleanliness of dining room
  • Provides guest service by communicating and cooperating with the front of house staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ENVIRONMENT/WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Extensive standing and walking for up to 8 hours
  • Must be able to see at a distance (20) feet, at close range (12 inches), distinguish between shapes and utilize peripheral vision to avoid hazards.
  • Must be able to communicate clearly
  • Exposure to heat, steam, smoke, cold
  • Reaching heights of approximately 6 feet and depts. of 2 ½ - 3 feet.
  • Must have high level of mobility/flexibility in space provided
  • Must have time management skills
  • Must be able to read, write and perform addition/subtraction calculations
  • Must be able to control and utilize fingers to write, slice chop and operate equipment.
  • Must be able to fit through openings 30" wide
  • Must be able to work irregular hours under heavy pressure/stress during busy times
  • Bending, reaching, walking
  • Carrying trays of food products weighing about 50 pounds for distances up to 30 feet
  • Lifting up to 50 pounds
  • Exposure to dish and cleaning chemicals

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Receives direction and training from the Kitchen Manager or Manager on duty as to the specific procedures and assignments.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIRED:
Basic skills such as sanitation, safety, and customer service can be taught through in house training.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
None
Disclaimer
This position description in not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principle job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required.
Founded in 1958, Perkins® operates 290 restaurants in 32 states and two Canadian provinces. The Perkins system includes 85 company-owned and operated restaurants and 205 franchised units. With its diverse, moderately priced menu featuring breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bakery offerings, and its attractive and recently remodeled restaurants designed to facilitate efficiency and guest satisfaction, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is a dining favorite with a solid and respected reputation in the marketplace.
The longevity and success of Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is largely attributed to the concept's ability to adapt to shifts in consumer dining trends and evolving taste preferences while delivering that homestyle goodness that guests crave. At Perkins, we're always updating our menu with fresh, flavorful and innovative items that take their place right alongside Perkins' iconic guest favorites, some of which have been on our menu for more than 30 years. We also take great pride in differentiating ourselves with the service and experience we provide. This has and continues to be a hallmark of our brand.
BE A PART OF OUR SUCCESS
Perkins has experienced years of success through ensuring 100% guest satisfaction on every visit. If you want to work and grow with a company who has a proven track record of success, has an unmatched commitment to their employees and employees the best in the industry, you are in the right place!
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to Perkins Corporate.

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