Prep Cook Salary in El Paso, TX

Prep Cooks in El Paso, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $12.36 per hour, which translates to about $494.40 per week, $2,142.40 per month, and $25,708.80 per year.

The demand for Prep Cooks in El Paso is growing positively at about 6% per year, indicating a healthy job market and increasing opportunities in food preparation and kitchen support roles.

How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in El Paso, TX?

The salary of a Prep Cook in El Paso varies depending on experience level and employer. Below is an overview of typical earnings for different experience tiers.

Experience level	Hourly pay	Weekly pay	Monthly pay	Yearly pay
Entry-level (~25th percentile)	$9.40	$376.00	$1,626.67	$19,552.00
Mid-level (average)	$12.36	$494.40	$2,142.40	$25,708.80
Top earners (90th percentile)	$16.24	$649.60	$2,808.53	$33,779.20

Do Prep Cooks in El Paso Earn Tips?

Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work is mostly behind the scenes, focusing on food preparation rather than direct customer interaction. Their income is primarily from their hourly wage or salary.

Prep Cook Salary in El Paso vs. National Average

Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $12.36 per hour, which translates to about $25,708.80 annually.

Prep Cooks in El Paso earn close to this national average, with hourly wages and annual salaries largely aligning with broader U.S. trends.

Highest-Paying Areas Near El Paso for Prep Cooks

Nearby areas offer slightly higher pay for Prep Cooks:

Downtown: $14.00 per hour
West Side: $13.50 per hour

Working in Downtown or the West Side of El Paso can provide a notable increase in hourly wages compared to the city average, offering opportunities for better earnings.

High-Paying Cities for Prep Cooks

The table below showcases four of the best cities to work in as a Prep Cook. You can see the average annual wage for a Prep Cook in each of these cities.

City	Avg Salary	Avg Hourly Wage
Chicago, IL	$38,971	$18.74
Los Angeles, CA	$40,819	$19.62
Miami, FL	$33,967	$16.33
NYC, NY	$41,255	$19.83

What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in El Paso?

Several factors can impact how much a Prep Cook earns in El Paso:

Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Prep Cooks with advanced knife skills, speed, and organization can command higher pay.
Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants or catering companies often pay more than fast food outlets or casual dining.
Shift Timing: Working night or weekend shifts might include shift differentials that increase wages.
Certifications: Having food safety certifications can lead to better salary prospects.
Local Demand: Areas with a high concentration of food service venues may offer competitive wages due to demand for skilled kitchen staff.

How To Become a Prep Cook in El Paso

Starting a career as a Prep Cook in El Paso involves several steps that can enhance both job prospects and earning potential.

Many aspiring Prep Cooks find it helpful to enroll in programs such as the El Paso Community College Culinary Arts Program, which offers comprehensive training in culinary skills and food preparation.

For those interested in the management side of the kitchen, the University of Texas at El Paso Hospitality Management Program provides courses related to kitchen management and hospitality.

Certifications can also boost qualifications and employability. Mandatory certificates in Texas include the Texas Food Handler Certification, which ensures knowledge of food safety practices.

The nationally recognized ServSafe Certification is another valuable credential that enhances a Prep Cook's qualifications and can contribute to higher pay.

Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in El Paso

Some of the prominent employers in El Paso looking for reliable Prep Cooks include:

Hooters
Chili's
Texas Roadhouse

Establishments That Prep Cooks in El Paso Work At

Prep Cooks typically find employment across various types of food service establishments in El Paso, including:

Fast Casual and Casual Dining: These often provide steady work but salaries can be on the lower to mid-range depending on the brand.
Family Restaurants and Diners: Pay is generally moderate with potential for tips in some cases but less likely for prep roles.
Hotels and Resorts: These may offer higher wages and benefits due to larger, higher-volume kitchens.
Catering Services and Event Venues: Opportunities for specialized prep cook roles and possibly higher wages based on event scale.

The establishment's prestige, size, and location can significantly influence salary, with upscale venues often offering better pay and advancement opportunities.

Related Hospitality Jobs in El Paso for Prep Cooks

If you are interested in roles similar to Prep Cook, consider exploring these related positions in the hospitality sector.

Job Title	Avg Salary
Fry Cook	$33,819
Kitchen Supervisor	$40,872
Line Cook	$33,829

These include Fry Cook, Line Cook, and Kitchen Supervisor roles, all of which share culinary and kitchen operations skills and offer various salary ranges.

Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in El Paso

Prep Cooks should be aware of both state and federal labor laws and tax obligations that govern their employment conditions.

For state-specific health regulations and certifications, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Employment laws, wages, and workforce resources for Texas workers can be found at the Texas Workforce Commission.
For federal labor law information and workplace standards, the U.S. Department of Labor offers comprehensive resources.