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Temporary Prep Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Union Joints

Prep Cook

Clarkston, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

... temp tear with an assortment of meats. It's a ritual that starts with a careful rub and ends only ... POSITION SUMMARY A Prep Cook is responsible for assisting the kitchen staff in delivering ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Davie, FL · On-site

$18/hr

At least one year in a prep cook/cook position required. * Perks : Free meal with each shift ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Bowling Green, OH · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Prior prep cooking experience is preferred. Willing to train! We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Babson Park, MA · On-site

$25.41/hr

Prior prep cooking experience is required. * Pay Range: $24.41 per hour to $25.41 per hour. We Make ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Babson Park, MA · On-site

$24.66/hr

Prior prep cook experience is required. * Pay Range: $23.66 per hour to $24.66 per hour. We Make ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

College Station, TX · On-site

$17/hr

Previous prep cook experience is required. * Perks: Free shift meals! * Pay Range: $13.50 per hour ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

$18/hr

Prep cooking experience is required. * Pay Range: $15.00 per hour to $18.00 per hour. We Make ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Vanderkamp INC

Be Seen First

Prep/Event Cook

Cleveland, NY · On-site

$37K - $41K/yr

Prep & Event Cook Vanderkamp Center | Temporary Position with Potential for Long-Term Employment Pay: $18-$20 per hour, based on experience Vanderkamp is seeking a dependable Prep & Event Cook to ...

DREAMWEAVER HOTELS LLC

Prep Cook - the Wit

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Position Overview - Prep Cook theWit Chicago is seeking a dependable, detail-oriented Prep Cook to ... Employer-provided coverage to support you during temporary disability. * Voluntary Long-Term ...

The Salvation Army

Prep Cook

Estes Park, CO · On-site

$375 - $400/wk

Prep Cook FLSA Status : Temp - FT E Reports to: Kitchen Manager Rate of Pay : $375-$400/ weekly ... Closing Date: 5/29/2026 Benefits : Temporary; Full-Time, employees are eligible for but not limited ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Sterling, KS · On-site

$16.50/hr

Prior cooking and prep experience is required. * Perks: Will train! * Pay Range: $15.00 per hour to ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Aerotek

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Prep Cook MUST HAVE 1-2 years prep cook experience Shift: * 1st: 6:30am-3pm must be open to ... If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: * Medical ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$24.50/hr

Prior prep cook and customer service experience is required. * Fixed Pay Rate: $24.50 per hour. We ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Salvation Army

Prep Cook

Estes Park, CO · On-site

$375 - $400/wk

Prep Cook FLSA Status : Temp - FT E Reports to: Kitchen Manager Rate of Pay : $375-$400/ weekly ... Closing Date: 5/29/2026 Benefits : Temporary; Full-Time, employees are eligible for but not limited ...

Georgia Southern University

Prep Cook

Statesboro, GA · On-site

$15.84/hr

... The Prep Cook ensures preparation of excellent food and exceptional customer service within the ... temporary employees. Responsibilities * Prepare food using techniques such as cooking, roasting ...

Georgia Institute of Technology

Prep Cook

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15.84/hr

... The Prep Cook ensures preparation of excellent food and exceptional customer service within the ... temporary employees. Responsibilities * Prepare food using techniques such as cooking, roasting ...

Georgia Institute of Technology

Prep Cook

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15.84/hr

... The Prep Cook ensures preparation of excellent food and exceptional customer service within the ... temporary employees. Responsibilities * Prepare food using techniques such as cooking, roasting ...

ASM Global

Prep Cook

Bemidji, MN

$18 - $20/hr

Prep Cook DEPARTMENT: Food & Beverage REPORTS TO: Executive/Sous Chef FLSA STATUS: $18.00- $20.00 ... Supervises temporary labor. Fulfills the servicepereach order. Designs buffet food presentations.

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Temporary Prep Cook information

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How much do temporary prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary 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 temporary prep cook?

Temporary prep cooks are culinary professionals who are hired for a limited period to assist in food preparation tasks in kitchens, such as chopping vegetables, preparing ingredients, and maintaining cleanliness. They often work in restaurants, catering companies, or event venues during busy seasons or to cover staff shortages. Their main role is to support chefs and line cooks to ensure food is prepared efficiently and safely. Temporary prep cooks need basic kitchen skills, the ability to follow recipes, and must adhere to food safety standards. The position is ideal for those looking to gain experience or seeking flexible, short-term work in the food service industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary prep cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Prep Cook, you need fundamental food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, basic knife skills, and understanding of food handling regulations are typically required, with ServSafe certification being an asset. Strong teamwork, the ability to follow instructions, and reliability help you stand out in this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and compliance with safety standards.

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

Temporary prep cooks often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new kitchens, learning different menu items, and understanding varying team dynamics. To manage these challenges, it's important to be proactive in asking questions, staying organized, and being flexible with assigned tasks. Building good communication with permanent staff can help ease transitions and ensure tasks are completed efficiently, making it easier to deliver consistent results even in unfamiliar environments.

What is the difference between Temporary Prep Cook vs Prep Cook?

AspectTemporary Prep CookPrep Cook
CredentialsMay require food handler’s permit or basic culinary trainingTypically requires similar certifications, sometimes more experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary settings, short-term assignments, various kitchensPermanent or long-term employment in a specific restaurant or facility
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by staffing agencies, catering, hospitalityUsed directly by restaurants, hotels, catering companies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for short-term kitchen work or flexible schedulesPeople seeking stable, ongoing culinary roles

The main difference between a Temporary Prep Cook and a Prep Cook lies in employment duration and stability. Temporary Prep Cooks are hired for short-term needs, often through staffing agencies, while Prep Cooks typically work in permanent roles within a restaurant or hospitality business. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, but their employment terms and work environments differ.

Do temporary prep cooks make good money?

Temporary prep cooks typically earn an hourly wage that is close to minimum wage or slightly above, depending on the location and establishment. They may also receive tips and sometimes overtime pay, but overall, their earnings are generally modest compared to full-time culinary roles.

How to become a temporary prep cook with no experience?

To become a temporary prep cook with no experience, focus on demonstrating a willingness to learn, good work ethic, and basic kitchen skills. Many employers provide on-the-job training, so applying to entry-level positions and highlighting reliability and teamwork can help you get started. Having some knowledge of food safety and sanitation can also be beneficial.

What cities are hiring for Temporary Prep Cook jobs?

Cities with the most Temporary Prep Cook job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs?

The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs are:

What states have the most Temporary Prep Cook jobs?

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

Temporary Prep Cook jobs near you

Prep Cook

Union Joints

Clarkston, MI • On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist the kitchen staff in preparing and setting up menu items according to restaurant guidelines.

  • Wash, trim, cut, and prepare foods for cooking, and operate cooking equipment safely.

  • Maintain sanitation, safety, and cleanliness standards in the work area, including unloading deliveries and storing ingredients properly.

Job description

THIS IS BIG-TIME SMALLTOWN BBQ
It begins and ends in the backlot, with a green hickory smoker that’s on a constant low-temp tear with an assortment of meats. It’s a ritual that starts with a careful rub and ends only when we think its time to pull the meat from the bath of smoke we surround it with. Pork butt. Brisket. Spare ribs. Back ribs. Whole birds and chicken wings alike. And bacon. Lots of bacon. Slow cooked bacon ready to be cut in from thick slabs into magical planks. Thank you pig, for all you do for us.
It is a menu that’s rustic in its delivery and refined in its care. And it’s crafted with hickory on the smoke side and apple and cherry wood on the pizza side. These aren’t conveyor belt byproducts these bear little resemblance to the frozen disks of surplus cheese that have come to pass for pizza today. No, Pizza Coco pies are fired in a 800 degree inferno until the cheese caramelizes and the ingredients bake into something incredible. No two pies are the same. It’s the kind of oven, the kind of crafted pie, that can take two or three of your favorite toppings and deliver them a thousand different ways.

BBQ experience a plus! Competitive pay and benefits including medical and supplemental insurance, on-demand pay, referral bonus, 401(k) and PTO!

POSITION SUMMARY
A Prep Cook is responsible for assisting the kitchen staff in delivering consistent food product to the
customers according to restaurant guidelines. As a member of the Prep Team, you will be responsible
for working with others in a small area to prepare menu items ordered by customers. This role includes
food preparation and setup of the stations on the Cooks’ Line; maintaining the highest quality of
cleanliness, safety, and sanitary work environment; quick and efficient preparation of menu items; ability
and willingness to work as a team and an eye for detail and quality.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
 Washing, trimming, cutting, and preparing foods for cooking
 Assisting line cooks per their instructions in a consistent manner
 Maintaining sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas including FIFO, dating and
labeling procedures
 Measuring ingredients as required for specific food items being prepared, adhering to approved
recipes
 Operating cooking equipment such as grills, deep-fat fryers, and/or griddles, and safely cleaning
equipment after use
 Verifying that prepared food meets quality and quantity requirements
 Using information about daily menus to coordinate cooking times and equipment usage
 Unloading and storing deliveries in appropriate areas in a neat and orderly manner
 Communicates inventory needs to kitchen manager on duty
 Performing opening and closing duties as assigned to maintain a clean, well-stocked work area

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)
 1-2 years food preparation experience preferred
 1 year restaurant experience preferred
 Ability to handle stress under pressure and in fast-paced situations
 Work well with others and collaborate as a member of a team
 Basic math and calculation skills
 Positive attitude
 Current certifications as required by state and local laws
 Understanding of food safety and sanitation rules

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee
frequently is required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms;
climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up
to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this
job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Tasting and smelling abilities are
required occasionally to distinguish with a degree of accuracy, differences or similarities in intensity or
quality of flavors and/or odors. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally
exposed to moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, and hot liquids. The noise level in the work
environment is usually moderate.

NOTE
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the
employee(s) in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and
to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or
assignments. All duties and responsibilities are subject to possible modification to reasonably
accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess
the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude
individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others.
The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This
document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will”
relationship.

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