Prep Cook Salary in Bloomington, IN
Prep Cooks in Bloomington, IN, in 2025, earn approximately $16.50 per hour, which translates to about $660.00 per week, $2,860.00 per month, and $34,320.00 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Bloomington is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job outlook and increasing opportunities in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Bloomington, IN?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Bloomington can vary by experience and employer. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.61 | $584.40 | $2,527.60 | $30,331.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.50 | $660.00 | $2,860.00 | $34,320.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Prep Cooks in Bloomington Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work is mainly behind the scenes, focused on food preparation rather than direct customer service. Their compensation typically comes from their hourly wage.
Prep Cook Salary in Bloomington vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $14.61 per hour, which equals about $30,388.80 per year.
Compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in Bloomington earn a bit more, with an average hourly wage of $16.50 and an annual salary of approximately $34,320.00.
This difference may relate to local economic conditions and the demand for culinary roles in Bloomington.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Bloomington for Prep Cooks
Nearby employers offering higher wages for Prep Cooks include:
- Indiana University Dining Services: $17.00 per hour
- Eurest: $17.00 per hour
These employers typically provide competitive salaries reflecting the scale and standards of their dining operations.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Bloomington?
Several factors impact the earnings of a Prep Cook in Bloomington:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Prep Cooks with refined culinary skills can expect higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Pay scales vary depending on whether a Prep Cook works in university dining services, casual dining, or upscale restaurants.
- Certifications: Food safety and hygiene certifications can contribute to better pay and job opportunities.
- Shift Hours: Working evening, weekend, or holiday shifts can sometimes come with premium pay.
- Local Labor Market: The demand for culinary workers in Bloomington affects salary trends.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Bloomington
If you are interested in becoming a Prep Cook in Bloomington, consider these steps:
- Pursue Formal Training: Enroll in culinary programs such as the Ivy Tech Community College Culinary Arts Program, which provides hands-on training and foundational knowledge.
- Attend Adult Education Classes: Local options like Monroe County Community School Corporation Adult Education offer targeted culinary courses suited for beginners.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are widely recognized and often required.
- Complete Specialized Training: If working where alcohol is served, the Indiana Alcohol Server Training certification is necessary.
- Gain Practical Experience: Look for entry-level roles or internships in kitchen environments to build skills and work history.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Bloomington
Some of the main employers recruiting Prep Cooks in Bloomington include:
- Indiana University Dining Services
- Eurest
- Ernest Health
- Trilogy Health Services
- Goodfellas Pizzeria
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Bloomington Work At
Prep Cooks find employment in a variety of food service settings such as:
- Casual Restaurants: These often provide steady shifts and moderate pay.
- Fast Casual Establishments: Typically require fast-paced prep work but may have limited benefits and pay scales.
- University Dining Services: Often offer competitive pay and benefits to employees.
- Healthcare and Assisted Living Cafeterias: Employers like Ernest Health and Trilogy Health Services fall into this category, usually employing Prep Cooks for consistent hours.
- Pizzerias and Local Eateries: Working in places like Goodfellas Pizzeria can offer varied experiences and tips depending on the setup.
The type of establishment influences salary, working conditions, and potential for overtime or shift differentials.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Bloomington for Prep Cooks
If you are considering alternatives or advancements related to the Prep Cook role, here are similar careers to explore:
These include roles such as Fry Cook, Cook, and Kitchen Porter, each requiring related culinary skills and offering different levels of responsibility and pay.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Bloomington
Prep Cooks in Bloomington should be familiar with relevant labor laws and tax regulations to understand their rights and obligations.
- Indiana's labor regulations can be explored on the Indiana Department of Workforce Development website.
- For federal labor laws and worker protections, visit the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Local government details and resources are available via the Monroe County official website.