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Salary and Benefits

Prep Cook
$30K-$37K / yr. (est.)
$31K
$34,413 / year
$38K
Average base salary
The salary information provided is based on data collected from various reliable sources and may vary depending on individual qualifications and other factors.

About Prep Cook

What does a Prep Cook do?

As Prep Cooks, we work with culinary professionals and ensure the safety and efficiency of the kitchen area. We ensure the restaurant kitchen complies with health and safety regulations. We perform routine kitchen tasks and follow the prep list created to plan duties. Labeling and stocking all ingredients on shelves is part of our daily responsibilities. We measure ingredients and seasonings to be used in cooking and prepare cooking ingredients for food. We prepare simple dishes and maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. Working as Prep Cooks, we wash dishes, sanitize surfaces, and take out the trash. We ensure all food items are stored properly and comply with nutrition and sanitation guidelines.

Core tasks:

  • maintain a clean and hygienic work environment
  • prepare simple dishes
  • manage inventory

Insights

How Many Years of Experience Do Professionals Need Before Becoming Prep Cook?
On average, people work 3-5 years in other positions prior to becoming a Prep Cook.
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Prep CookHouston, TX - A year ago
As a Prep Cook, I think this infogarbage is inaccurate. We all have different paths and it's not always about previous positions!
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Prep CookSeattle, WA - A year ago
I find this interesting! 🤔 I actually worked as a dishwasher and line cook for 2 years each before becoming a Prep Cook.
How Long Do Prep Cook Employees Typically Stay in Their Roles?
On average, Prep Cooks works in this position for 1-3 years across multiple employers.
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Executive ChefSeattle, WA - A year ago
Prep Cooks job-hop because they're not dedicated enough to honing their skills. They're replaceable in the kitchen.
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7 weeks ago
Dont let anyone try to fool you..I've been a prep cook for 7 years.. Anyone who says the prep is the heart of the house, is lieing!!! Prep people get blamed for anything wrong and treated like crap.we make the line cooks look good we need to know their jobs but they don't have to know prep. They get the glory and we get dumped on
What Is the Job Hopper Score for Prep Cook Employees?
Moderate job changes in Prep Cook, showing some career movement without excessive turnover.
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Restaurant ManagerNew York City, NY - A year ago
Prep Cooks are underrated! They are the backbone of any kitchen and their dedication and attention to detail keep things running smoothly! 💪
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Student Culinary AssistantSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
I'm still learning but Prep Cooks seem to be a stepping stone role for those starting in the culinary industry 📚

Career path

Path to job

Discover a Prep Cook's areas of knowledge sorted by their majors.
Explore the list of higher education institutions that a Prep Cook typically studied at.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Johnson and Wales University

Path after job

Community

Demographics

What Is the Age and Gender Ratio of Prep Cook Employees?
Gender ratio in Prep Cook position: 0.645474208560005 Male and 0.354525791439995 Female. Age ratio in Prep Cook position: 16-20: 50%, 21-30: 41%, 31-40: 6%, 41-50: 2%, 51-60: 1%, 60+: 0%. Prep Cook position is predominantly male (64.5%) with the largest age group being 16-20 years old, followed by 21-30 years old.
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Prep CookSeattle, WA - A year ago
Come on, where are the women in this field? We're not just here for baking cookies! 👩
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Prep CookMiami, FL - A year ago
This data confirms my suspicions. I can see why it's hard to find older prep cooks, it's physically demanding! But let's work on encouraging more women to join too. 💔

Workplaces

Who Are the Top Employers for Prep Cook?
Top employers of Prep Cook position: Aramark, Chilis, Cracker Barrel. People who work in Prep Cook position most typically go on to work for the Aramark.
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Prep CookLas Vegas, NV - A year ago
As a Prep Cook at Chili's, I can say that it's a tough job with long hours, but the camaraderie amongst the staff makes it worth it. There are definitely worse places to work!
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Prep CookSeattle, WA - A year ago
All these comments are nonsense! Working as a Prep Cook at Aramark has been a nightmare. The workload is unbearable, the pay is low, and the management is ridiculously strict. Avoid at all costs!
Aramark
Chilis
Cracker Barrel
What Industries Does Prep Cook Typically Have Experience In?
Industry Background: The most typical industries of Prep Cook: Food Service, Accommodation, Retail, Arts / Entertainment / Recreation, Administrative & Support. Prep Cook employees most likely come from a Food Service industry background.
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Prep CookDallas, TX - A year ago
Y'all, being a prep cook in Texas means working with bold flavors and diverse cuisines. Get ready to spice things up and leave a lasting impression! 🌶
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Prep CookMiami, FL - A year ago
In Miami, being a prep cook means embracing the vibrant food culture and adding your own touch to the mix. It's a melting pot of flavors and experiences!

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Discussion about Prep Cook

Want to know more about Prep Cook position?
Share your thoughts and ideas about Prep Cook position with others in our community.
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How is the gender diversity among people working as a Prep Cook?
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Aspiring Chef7 weeks ago
I'm curious! What makes gender diversity vary by location for prep cooks?
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Aspiring Chef6 weeks ago
It's all about community vibes! My town's kitchen feels more inclusive.
How old are people who work as a Prep Cook?
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Tommy N.7 weeks ago
I've seen many young cooks hustle hard, but nothing beats my grandma's seasoned touch in the kitchen! Ain't youth everything!
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Johnny Parker6 weeks ago
Totally feel ya! Skills beat speed every time. My granny made the best pancakes ever! Such wisdom!
Do I need a lot of experience to be a Prep Cook?
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7 weeks ago
In most cases a prep person has to know how to do a line cooks job but most line cooks cant do a prep persons job!!! In my experience, line people are spoon fed by the prep people
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Jamie Lewis7 weeks ago
Whoa, that's eye-opening! Always thought line cooks had the tougher gig. Love hearing the unsung heroes get credit! Maybe I'll start as a prep!
What industries does a Prep Cook typically work in?
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Isabella Holmes4 years ago
Food Services is the most probable for a Prep Cook to work in.
What kind of degree is needed to work as a Prep Cook?
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Aspiring Chef7 weeks ago
Haha, I agree! I started as a prep cook, no degree needed but passion is key! 🥑🍅 Keep cookin’!
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Jake Thorne6 weeks ago
Amen to that! No degree, just love for food and hard work! What's your fav dish to prep?
As a Prep Cook, which company should I definitely check out for jobs?
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Jamie Lee7 weeks ago
I dig the vibe in small family restaurants! Feels like home, ya know? Worth the dive.
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Culinary Enthusiast6 weeks ago
Anyone tried Cracker Barrel? I hear they treat the kitchen staff real nice! 💪 What's your experience??
How many years of experience as a Prep Cook is needed in average to switch to another position?
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Isabella Holmes4 years ago
2 years is the typical lifespan for a Prep Cook.
Is it common for people to switch companies and still work as a Prep Cook?
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Experienced Line Cook7 weeks ago
Man, I've totally been there! Expectations versus reality, ya know? Gotta find the right kitchen vibe. It's wild! 🍳🔥
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Dylan H.6 weeks ago
Totally feel ya. I changed kitchens twice lookin' for the vibe. Stayin' where it feels right's key! 🌟💪
From which job titles people come from to work as a Prep Cook?
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7 weeks ago
You can be a prep cook as long as you can read and write and follow instructions!!
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Line Cook7 weeks ago
Oh man, starting as a cashier before moving to a line cook was my path! Cooking's a true passion, isn't it? Can't wait to prep! 🍳
Working as a Prep Cook what job titles should I consider to switch to?
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Benjamin Gardner4 years ago
Line Cook, Cook or Cashier can be a good next step
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7 weeks ago
In my experience most cooks can't tie their own shoes. They want to stand there and have people wait on them!! Remember prep cook, cooks,seasoned, cut,and portion it for them!!! All they do is REHEAT WHAT WE ALREADY DID!!!
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