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

Career: Kitchen Line Cook

AspectKitchen Line CookPrep Cook
ResponsibilitiesPrepares dishes during service, follows recipes, maintains stationPrepares ingredients, washes, chops, and preps items for cooking
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchen during service hoursPrepping in a kitchen or prep area, often before service
CredentialsBasic culinary skills, kitchen experienceBasic knife skills, food safety knowledge

Kitchen Line Cooks focus on preparing dishes during service, working at the station, while Prep Cooks handle ingredient prep and setup before service. Both roles require culinary skills and work in a restaurant kitchen, but their responsibilities differ mainly by timing and focus within the kitchen workflow.