Prep Cook Salary in Clarksville, TN
Prep Cooks in Clarksville, TN, in 2026, earn approximately $12.34 per hour, which translates to about $493.60 per week, $2,138.93 per month, and $25,667.20 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Clarksville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for job opportunities and an expanding food service industry in the region.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Clarksville, TN?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Clarksville can vary depending on experience and employer, but here is an overview of typical earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,433.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,947.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Prep Cooks in Clarksville Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work is usually behind the scenes in the kitchen, without direct customer interaction. Their income is primarily through hourly wages or salary.
Prep Cook Salary in Clarksville vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn about $14.50 per hour and approximately $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in Clarksville earn slightly less at $12.34 per hour and $25,667.20 annually. This difference reflects local market conditions and living costs.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Clarksville for Prep Cooks
Nearby areas offer the following hourly wages for Prep Cooks:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- St. Bethlehem: $17.60 per hour
Prep Cooks working in St. Bethlehem can expect considerably higher pay compared to Clarksville overall, with Downtown also offering better than average wages.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Clarksville?
Several factors influence how much a Prep Cook can earn in Clarksville:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Prep Cooks with refined skills tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale restaurants or hotels often provides better pay than fast-food or casual dining venues.
- Certifications and Training: Credentials such as food safety certifications can enhance salary prospects.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts might offer shift differentials increasing hourly pay.
- Economic Conditions: Local economic growth and demand for culinary staff can impact wages.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Clarksville
Starting a career as a Prep Cook in Clarksville involves a few key steps:
- Obtain Basic Culinary Training: Programs such as the Austin Peay State University Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive hands-on training in modern kitchens.
- Enroll in Technical Programs: The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Clarksville Campus provides focused culinary arts courses emphasizing practical skills and industry standards.
- Gain Food Safety Certification: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification demonstrate knowledge of essential safe food handling.
- Consider Further Credentials: The Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation offers an entry-level certification that can improve job prospects.
- Develop Practical Experience: Working in fast casual, casual, or fine dining establishments helps build skills necessary for advancement.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Clarksville
The following are notable employers in Clarksville actively recruiting Prep Cooks:
- Olive Garden
- Outback Steakhouse
- Texas Roadhouse
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Clarksville Work At
Prep Cooks in Clarksville find opportunities in a range of establishment types:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments often hire Prep Cooks to assist with meal preparation. Wages tend to be moderate and offer steady hours.
- Fast Casual Chains: Typically provide consistent shifts but may offer lower wages compared to more upscale venues.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Often provide higher wages due to skill requirements and the complexity of dishes.
- Hotels and Catering Facilities: Can offer better pay and benefits along with diverse experience opportunities.
The type of establishment heavily influences salary levels, benefits, and advancement opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Clarksville for Prep Cooks
If you're exploring similar career paths to being a Prep Cook, consider these related hospitality jobs that require culinary skills and training.
These include Line Cook, Pastry Cook, and Cook, which share overlapping skills and offer different career advancement routes.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Clarksville
For Prep Cooks working in Clarksville, it is important to understand the applicable labor laws and tax regulations.
- Visit the official Tennessee government website for information on state labor laws, wage standards, and employee rights.
- Consult the U.S. Department of Labor's site at dol.gov for federal guidelines on workplace standards, minimum wage, overtime, and taxes.