Prep Cook in Beaumont, TX
Prep Cooks in Beaumont, TX, in 2026, earn approximately $14.31 per hour, which translates to about $572.40 per week, $2,480.40 per month, and $29,764.80 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Beaumont is growing at a healthy rate of about 5% per year, indicating positive job prospects and an expanding need in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Beaumont, TX?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Beaumont varies depending on experience and employer size, but the table below provides an overview by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.70 | $428.00 | $1,853.33 | $22,256.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.31 | $572.40 | $2,480.40 | $29,764.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.15 | $766.00 | $3,305.33 | $39,832.00 |
Do Prep Cooks in Beaumont Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips since they work primarily behind the scenes preparing ingredients and assisting chefs, with limited direct customer interaction.
Prep Cook Salary in Beaumont vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn on average about $14.50 per hour, which amounts to approximately $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in Beaumont earn slightly less by about
Highest-Paying Areas Near Beaumont for Prep Cooks
Nearby areas offer slightly different pay rates for Prep Cooks, including:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- West End: $17.60 per hour
These surrounding areas may provide better earning opportunities for Prep Cooks willing to commute or relocate nearby.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Beaumont?
Several important factors affect how much a Prep Cook can earn in Beaumont:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Prep Cooks with knife skills, knowledge of food safety, and speed usually earn more.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants or hotels tend to pay better than fast food or casual dining spots.
- Certifications and Training: Completion of culinary training or food safety certifications can boost earning potential.
- Shift Hours and Demand: Prep Cooks who work nights, weekends, or holidays may receive shift differentials.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Beaumont
Becoming a Prep Cook in Beaumont typically involves a combination of training, certification, and practical experience.
Consider enrolling in culinary programs such as the Lamar Institute of Technology Culinary Arts Program, which offers comprehensive training right in Beaumont, TX, preparing students for various kitchen roles.
Other options include studying at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in nearby Austin, providing instruction in classical and modern culinary skills.
Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are widely recognized and often required, assuring knowledge of proper food safety practices.
Additionally, credentials such as the Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation validate culinary competency, further enhancing a candidate’s employability and salary potential.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Beaumont
Some of the major employers recruiting Prep Cooks in Beaumont include:
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Beaumont Work At
Prep Cooks in Beaumont commonly find work in a variety of food service establishments, including:
- Fast Food Restaurants: Typically offer entry-level opportunities but with modest wages.
- Casual Dining: These settings might offer more structured environments and slightly better pay.
- Hotels and Catering Services: Often pay more due to volume and variety of food preparation needed.
- Fine Dining: Usually demand higher skills and can provide better salary prospects.
The type of establishment plays a big role in compensation, with fine dining and hotel kitchens often rewarding skilled Prep Cooks more generously than fast food chains.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Beaumont for Prep Cooks
If you are interested in related career paths, here are a few similar jobs to consider:
These include roles such as Line Cook, Cook, and Pastry Cook, each with overlapping skills and varying salary potentials.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Beaumont
Prep Cooks should be aware of the labor laws and tax requirements that apply to their employment in Beaumont and Texas more broadly.
- Check the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for details on minimum wage, overtime, and workplace rights.
- The Texas Workforce Commission site offers state-specific employment laws and resources.
- The Local government website for Beaumont, TX provides information on local regulations and services impacting workers.