What does a Prep Cook do?
Prep cooks work for food establishments under the supervision of the head chef. Their duties revolve around assisting the head chef in preparing food by chopping and washing vegetables and meats and arranging salads, breads, sauces and dressings. Upon completion of culinary school, prep cooks can become junior chefs in the kitchen.
Although prep cooks do not require further education aside a high school diploma, most prep cooks are currently enrolled in culinary school. Good candidates for this position often possess a keen interest in culinary arts and creative cooking with a strong ability to listen and follow instructions given by the head chef. Additional valuable skills include excellent communication skills and familiarity with general kitchen equipment and appliances. The need to be able to stand and move around for long periods of time is required.
- Assist the head chef by chopping vegetables and washing food items
- Ensure kitchen equipment and appliances are ready for use
- Maintain a clean and hygienic work environment at all times
- Prepare salads, breads, salad dressings and sauces
- Gather food ingredients from the refrigerator or freezer as required by the chef
- Ensure food is stored away properly when not in use
- Study the menu and prepare ingredients ahead of schedule
- Learn about the cooking methods and techniques employed in the kitchen
- Experience working as a prep cook in a fast-paced environment
- Strong multitasking and organizational skills
- Good understanding of ingredients, recipes, kitchen safety and hygiene
- Passionate about culinary arts and creative cooking
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Familiar with general kitchen equipment and appliances
- Able to follow instructions accurately and efficiently
- Able to perform well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Physically able to stand and move around for long periods of time
Prep Cook Salaries
Average Base Pay
Prep Cook Career Path
Learn how to become a Prep Cook, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Prep Cook Insights
Giordano's Pizza“There was one good manager and a good co worker but the manager didint know what he was doing”
Upper Crust Food Service“Pay is not the best and in my opinion there's little to no advancement possibilities.”
TASTE Family of Businesses“It was awful everyday I worked there because my manger made it an awful place to work.”
Jack in the Box“You Make Good Money and They are really nice”
Taco Bueno“Got lucky and had great people to work with.”
Chicken Salad Chick“The hours and good and manageable.”
Chipotle“I was there nearly two years and received no promotion or pay raise even though I was highly skilled.”
McDonald's“Good good good good good”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Prep Cook
- Line Cook
- Cook
- Bartender
- Server