Prep Cook Salary in Evansville, IN
Prep Cooks in Evansville, IN, in 2026, earn approximately $14.13 per hour, which translates to about $565.20 per week, $2,449.20 per month, and $29,390.40 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Evansville is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy and expanding job market for culinary support roles in the area.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Evansville, IN?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Evansville varies depending on experience and employer, but here’s a general overview of earnings across different levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.17 | $446.80 | $1,933.73 | $23,321.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.13 | $565.20 | $2,449.20 | $29,390.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.11 | $764.40 | $3,312.40 | $39,748.80 |
Do Prep Cooks in Evansville Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips since their role primarily involves kitchen preparation and back-of-house duties without direct customer interaction.
Prep Cook Salary in Evansville vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $14.61 per hour, which amounts to about $30,388.80 per year.
Compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in Evansville earn slightly less, with an average hourly wage of $14.13 and an annual salary of $29,390.40.
This difference may be influenced by the local cost of living and the size of the hospitality industry in the Evansville area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Evansville for Prep Cooks
Nearby employers offer varying wages for Prep Cooks:
- Evansville Country Club: $16.25 per hour
- Sodexo: $15.60 per hour
Those working at the Evansville Country Club may find higher pay compared to similar roles at Sodexo, reflecting the establishment type and clientele.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Evansville?
Several factors influence the salary of a Prep Cook in Evansville:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: Increased experience and proficiency in food preparation can drive wages higher.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, country clubs, or catering services may offer better pay than fast food or casual dining venues.
- Certification and Training: Culinary certifications and food safety credentials can positively impact salary.
- Hours and Shift Types: Evening or weekend shifts might offer premium pay.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Evansville
To start a career as a Prep Cook in Evansville, consider the following steps:
- Complete Culinary Education Programs: Institutions like Ivy Tech Community College offer a comprehensive Culinary Arts Program in Evansville, which provides practical training for aspiring prep cooks.
- Pursue Hospitality Training: Vincennes University offers a Hospitality Management Program with culinary arts courses to prepare students for this field.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification are nationally recognized and often required for Prep Cook positions.
- Improve Culinary Skills: Earning certifications like Certified Kitchen Cook (CKC) from the American Culinary Federation can enhance job prospects and salary potential.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Evansville
Key employers in Evansville hiring Prep Cooks include:
- Evansville Country Club
- Sodexo
- Bob Evans Restaurants
- Olive Garden
- Bonefish Grill
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Evansville Work At
Prep Cooks in Evansville typically find work in various types of food service establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These provide steady opportunities with moderate pay scales.
- Fast Casual and Chain Restaurants: These often offer structured training but may have lower hourly wages compared to upscale venues.
- Country Clubs and Fine Dining: Higher-end establishments usually offer better salaries and benefits due to the quality expected in food prep.
- Catering Companies and Hotels: These environments may provide opportunities for varied experience and sometimes higher pay depending on event types.
The type of establishment directly affects both the caliber of food preparation expected and the potential salary for Prep Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Evansville for Prep Cooks
If you’re interested in related positions within hospitality, consider exploring roles that share similar skills and responsibilities.
These include Cook, Fry Cook, and Pastry Cook positions, which all involve culinary skills applicable to food preparation in commercial kitchens.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Evansville
Prep Cooks should be aware of federal, state, and local labor laws and tax regulations impacting their employment.
- Information on federal labor laws is available on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- The Indiana Department of Workforce Development offers resources on state labor laws and employment services.
- Local government updates and regulations can be found at the City of Evansville website.